Some dogs look like they borrowed a coat two sizes too big, and that is exactly why people adore them. Wrinkly breeds have soft folds on their faces and bodies that make them look wise, silly, or sleepy all at once.
Those cute creases also need a little extra care to stay clean and healthy. Get ready to meet some of the most squishable faces in the canine world and learn what makes each one special.
Shar-Pei
Picture a puppy wrapped in a blanket of velvet folds. Shar-Pei pups are so wrinkly they almost look unfinished, though many grow into their skin as adults.
Ancient China valued these dogs as guardians on farms. Their blue-black tongue is another cool feature people love to spot.
Wipe between their folds a few times a week with a soft, dry cloth. Moisture trapped in creases can lead to itchy skin infections.
English Bulldog
That frown is pure trickery. Behind the scowl lives a goofy couch buddy who would rather snooze than sprint.
Bulldogs were once bred for a cruel sport in England, but modern ones are sweet softies. Their flat faces make breathing harder, so hot days can be risky.
Keep walks short and cool. Clean the deep nose roll daily, since it collects dirt and gets smelly fast.
French Bulldog
Did you know Frenchies were the most popular dog breed in America in recent years? It is easy to see why.
Small, funny, and full of attitude, they fit nicely into apartment life. Their wrinkles are lighter than a Bulldog’s, mostly around the nose and forehead.
Many Frenchies cannot swim well because of their heavy front ends. Always use a doggy life jacket near pools or lakes.
Pug
A pug once lived in a Chinese emperor’s palace, and honestly, they still act like royalty. Their motto in Latin is multum in parvo, meaning a lot in a little.
Big round eyes and a crinkled forehead make every expression look dramatic. Pugs love snacks a bit too much, so watch portion sizes.
Extra weight makes breathing tougher for them. Keep treats small and playtime regular.
Bloodhound
Those droopy folds are not just for looks. As a Bloodhound sniffs, its loose skin and long ears help sweep scent toward its nose.
With around 300 million scent receptors, this breed tracks lost people for police teams. Some trail evidence has even been accepted in court.
Be ready for drool and plenty of it. Keep a towel handy and check those floppy ears weekly for redness.
Basset Hound
Nobody does the guilty puppy face better. Basset Hounds have sad-looking eyes, saggy cheeks, and ears so long they sometimes step on them.
French hunters created this short-legged scent hound to follow rabbits on foot. Their noses are second only to the Bloodhound.
Because they love to follow smells, always use a leash outside. Also, their long backs do better without too much jumping off furniture.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Imagine a dog that looks like melted wax and weighs as much as a grown adult. Meet the Neo.
Bred in Italy to guard homes, these dogs scared off intruders just by looking at them. At home, though, they are calm, loyal, and devoted.
Their heavy folds need regular cleaning, especially around the mouth. Expect slobber on walls, clothes, and probably the ceiling too.
Dogue de Bordeaux
Movie fans may remember Hooch from the film Turner and Hooch. That slobbery star was a Dogue de Bordeaux.
This French breed has one of the largest heads in the dog world, packed with deep wrinkles. Its rich red coat makes it stand out anywhere.
Early training matters because these pups grow strong quickly. Short, positive lessons with treats work much better than harsh words.
Bullmastiff
Back in 1800s England, gamekeepers needed a silent partner to catch poachers. The Bullmastiff got the job.
Mixing Bulldog grit with Mastiff size, this breed has a wrinkled forehead and dark mask. It rarely barks without a reason.
Indoors, it is a lazy cuddler that thinks it fits on your lap. Give it moderate daily walks and soft bedding for those big joints.
Mastiff
Some male Mastiffs tip the scale past 200 pounds. One named Zorba was once listed as the heaviest dog ever recorded.
Despite that size, the English Mastiff is a calm, patient soul. The wrinkles on its dark muzzle deepen when it gets curious.
Large breeds grow fast, so feed a puppy formula made for big dogs. Avoid hard running until growth plates finish developing.
Boxer
Ever seen a dog do the kidney bean dance? Happy Boxers curl their bodies and wiggle in circles when excited.
Their wrinkles appear mostly on the forehead, giving them a curious, thoughtful look. Germany developed the breed, and Boxers later served as messenger dogs in wartime.
Energy is their middle name. Plan on fetch, runs, or puzzle toys every day so boredom does not turn into chewed shoes.