10 Best and Cutest Wrinkly Dog Breeds in 2023

Picture a dog with large eyes and a face full of wrinkles, and try your hardest not to smile. Did it work? Probably not. A wrinkled forehead may not be the most desirable physical aspect according to unreasonable human beauty standards, but when a dog has wrinkles – it is suddenly the most adorable thing on the planet.

There are several different dog breeds known for their wrinkles and hundreds of unique and wrinkly mixed breeds out there, and this is a quick guide to everything you need to know about Canines with wrinkly skin.

Caring for a Wrinkly Dog

Yes, wrinkly fur friends are irresistible and a joy to share your life with, but they also require special care for them to stay healthy. The wrinkles or creases need to be cleaned properly, as it could become a growing ground for bacteria.

You will often notice how a very wrinkly dog starts smelling faster and more intensely than their non-wrinkled fur friends, even if you give them a bath on the exact same day, and if you pay close attention – you may notice the intense dog smell coming from their most wrinkly areas.

Make sure you use a dog shampoo, preferably a mild one, as skin allergies are common in wrinkly breeds, and make it a habit to clean the wrinkles as often as you feel is needed with a damp cloth or a dog-friendly wet wipe. Any redness or rawness should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian.

Our 10 Best Favorite Dog Breeds with Wrinkles

There are numerous wrinkly dog breeds currently recognized by official kennel clubs, each charming in their own way, and below are some of the best-known wrinkled breeds that you might want to consider for your family and for your home.

1. English Bulldog

The English Bulldog is one of a kind! Small, short-legged and incredibly wrinkly, but with a personality that is likely to outshine most! They are sociable and loving, don’t usually require a lot of exercise, and they love spending time with their human family members.

2. French Bulldog

Known as the wrinkled clown of the canine world, the Frenchie will have you laughing constantly with their silly stunts and fun-loving personality, and while they are known for often suffering from separation anxiety due to their dedication to their owners – it is a breed that tends to get along well with kids and make excellent family dogs.

3. Bassett Hound

These dogs have wrinkles, long backs, and short legs, they are a joy to be around and will often love everyone, but they can be a little stubborn at times when it comes to training and are easily distracted by scents.

4. Pekingese

So small, so furry and absolutely adorable – the Pekingese with its long hair and flat wrinkled face will snore its way straight into your heart! The breed is tougher than it looks, and they will form a very strong bond with their owners and show unquestionable loyalty for the rest of their lives.

5. Dogue de Bordeaux

This wrinkly French breed is much older than what many realize, and it is known for its impressive size, independent personality, and unique looks. It is a dog that might require a more experienced owner in terms of training, but they will adapt to anyone who is dedicated to providing them with what the breed needs.

6. Bullmastiff

With the right socialization and training, these powerful and strong dogs can become the most loving and loyal family dogs, and they have a natural instinct to keep their family members (both human and canine) safe and protected.

7. Neapolitan Mastiff

These impressive giants are similar to the Bullmastiff, and they are also highly intelligent, protective and quick-learning. The Neapolitan Mastiff thinks for itself and is a problem solver, which could become an issue if you are not willing to put in the time to engage your Neapolitan Mastiff in proper training.

8. Bloodhound

A Bloodhound is commonly associated with detective work due to its reputation for having an excellent sense of smell, but they are a lot more active than what you may have been lead to believe through exposure in pop culture. It is a breed that matures slowly, and that will require both mental and physical activation.

9. Pug

A Pug is one of the first breeds you come to think about when looking for a wrinkly dog, and these little nutty pups can be extremely energetic! They are often high-energy for the first couple of years of their lives, which can come as a surprise to first-time owners, and they always find a way to make their owners laugh.

Related: Best Dogs for First-Time Owners

10. Chinese Shar-Pei

There are few dog breeds as wrinkly as these Chinese dogs, and they are often wrinkly all over, instead of just in the face. The Shar-Pei looks adorable, but it is a sharp and intelligent dog that requires physical and mental activity, along with training and socialization to make sure they are comfortable also around strangers.

Is a Wrinkly Dog Right for Me?

It is hard to say if a dog with wrinkles would be right for you, as there are so many different dog breeds with wrinkles, and they all have different energy levels, care requirements, and needs. The only thing to think about is the additional attention the wrinkles will need, to stop bacteria from growing, so you need to make sure you have the time to dedicate to proper skincare. Other than that, a wrinkly dog can be a happy pill like few other things in the world and it is often enough to take one look at your four-legged buddy to instantly start feeling a little better about everything.

Conclusion

You should never choose a dog breed just because you think it is wrinkly and cute, as this is a recipe for disaster, and not every breed is right for every owner. If you are drawn to wrinkled dog breeds – go for it, but make sure you do your research and pick a suitable breed for you and your lifestyle.