Some dogs are covered in adorable folds, while others have almost no fur at all. Both types can look amazing, but their skin needs extra care to stay healthy and comfortable.
Wrinkles can trap moisture and dirt, and bare skin can burn in the sun or dry out in the cold. Learning what each breed needs helps you keep your pup happy, itch-free, and ready for fun.
Shar-Pei
Picture a puppy wearing a sweater three sizes too big. That is basically a young Shar-Pei, and those famous folds stay with them for life.
Moisture and yeast love hiding in the creases, so wipe them gently with a soft cloth a few times each week. Always dry them fully afterward.
Watch the eyes, too. Some Shar-Peis have eyelids that roll inward, which a vet can fix before it causes painful irritation.
English Bulldog
Ask any bulldog owner about the nose rope and you will probably get a knowing sigh. That thick fold above the nose is a magnet for gunk.
Daily cleaning with an unscented pet wipe keeps redness and bad smells away. A thin layer of vet-approved balm can calm dry spots.
Bulldogs also get tail pockets, a small fold under the tail. Yes, that needs cleaning too, even if nobody enjoys the job.
French Bulldog
Frenchies are pint-sized clowns with bat ears and big opinions. Sadly, many also battle allergies that show up as itchy paws, red bellies, and constant licking.
Food and pollen are common triggers. Working with a vet on a limited-ingredient diet often brings real relief.
Keep the short face folds clean and dry. After walks on grassy days, a quick paw wipe can remove allergens before your pup starts chewing.
Pug
Did you know ancient Chinese emperors treasured pugs? Some people even say the forehead wrinkles looked like the symbol for prince.
Royal history aside, that deep fold over the nose can get sore fast. Lift it gently and clean it with a damp cotton pad every day or two.
Pugs also shed more than most folks expect. Weekly brushing spreads natural oils, keeping that fawn or black coat healthy and soft.
Basset Hound
With ears that nearly sweep the floor, a Basset Hound always looks a little sad, even when wagging happily.
Those long ears block airflow, making them perfect homes for infections. Check and clean them weekly, especially after baths or muddy walks.
Loose skin around the neck and droopy eyes need attention as well. Bassets can smell a bit doggy, so a gentle bath every month or so helps everyone.
Bloodhound
Here is a wild fact. Bloodhound tracking evidence has been accepted in courtrooms because their noses are that reliable.
All that loose facial skin actually helps trap scents near the nose. The downside is drool, and drool plus wrinkles equals irritation.
Keep a towel handy to wipe the jowls after meals and drinks. Checking the droopy eyes for redness is smart, since dirt collects there easily.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Few dogs look as dramatic as a Neapolitan Mastiff. Its massive head is layered with folds, almost like a melted candle with a heartbeat.
Owning one means daily wrinkle patrol. Clean between folds, dry them well, and look for any red or smelly spots.
These giants also drool like a leaky faucet. Soft bedding matters too, because pressure on elbows can cause calluses and sores on heavy dogs.
Dogue de Bordeaux
Movie fans may remember Hooch from the film Turner and Hooch. That slobbery star was a Dogue de Bordeaux, and real ones are just as lovable.
Their wide, wrinkled faces need regular wiping to stop bacteria from growing. Short coats also show hot spots quickly.
Watch for heat, since these dogs overheat easily. Shade, cool water, and calm summer walks protect both their skin and their overall health.
Chinese Crested
Mostly bald with a flowing hairdo on top, the Chinese Crested looks ready for a rock concert. Its bare skin, however, needs real care.
Use dog-safe sunscreen before outdoor play, because sunburn happens fast. Moisturize with gentle lotion, and bathe weekly to prevent clogged pores and blackheads.
Chilly weather calls for a cozy sweater. A fitted jacket keeps this little diva warm during winter walks.
Xoloitzcuintli
More than 3,000 years ago, the Aztecs honored the Xolo as a sacred guide. Today it is the national dog of Mexico.
Hairless Xolos have tough, smooth skin, but it still needs protection. Sunscreen helps lighter-skinned dogs, and regular baths with mild shampoo prevent acne.
Skip heavy lotions that clog pores. A light moisturizer now and then keeps the skin soft without making it greasy or sticky.
American Hairless Terrier
Born from a single hairless puppy in Louisiana in the 1970s, this terrier has plenty of energy and zero fur to hide behind.
Outdoor fun means sunscreen on sunny days and a coat on cold ones. Scrapes happen easily, so check skin after rough play in bushes.
Good news for allergy sufferers, many people find this breed easier to live with. Regular baths keep that smooth skin clean and healthy.
Boxer
Boxers got their name, some say, from the way they bat with their front paws during play. Their goofy spirit is hard to resist.
Beneath that sleek coat, though, the skin can be surprisingly sensitive. Allergies, hives, and skin lumps show up often in this breed.
Run your hands over your Boxer weekly to find any new bumps. Early vet checks catch problems while they are still easy to treat.