The 5 Most Wrinkly Dog Breeds



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Ironically, in the dog world it seems that wrinkles are a sign of tenderness and beauty. The more wrinkles there are, more adorable a dog looks. This is something that humans could learn to see and appreciate too.
Wrinkles in dogs do not occur in all breeds, and they are not due to old age. Wrinkles happen because of a genetic predisposition that produces a large amount of hyaluronic acid, resulting in heavy, meaty and thick skin. Dogs' wrinkles are not like those of us humans; they are like folds in the skin, which look adorable, but require specific care, as they can be very sensitive.
Do you love dogs with wrinkles? Then we invite you to read this AnimalWised article where you can discover the 5 most wrinkly dog breeds.
Wrinkliest dog breeds
Although a wrinkled dog breed will need care and attention to avoid skin problems in the folds, they are also some of the most loving and adorable breeds. Whether large or small, these dogs have various different looks and temperaments. Our list of the 5 most wrinkly dogs are:
- Shar Pei
- English Bulldog
- Pug
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Bullmastiff
We also provide some extra wrinkly dog breeds at the end, so keep reading.
Shar Pei
There's no room for doubt: This dog breed takes the first place in our Top 5 of most wrinkly dogs. Not only do they have the most wrinkles, but they also carry them with pride. Shar Peis are small, dog-shaped bears.
Anyone who has seen a Shar Pei puppy without feeling softened by their tender and cuddly look doesn't have a heart. It is precisely as puppies that Shar Peis have more wrinkles; if you have one or are thinking about bringing one home, take all the photos you can while your dog is a baby.
These Chinese dogs are a very loyal, loving and serious breed. If you want to hold it in your arms constantly, you will have to train your Shar Pei from a young age, as they are dogs who appreciate and respect their personal space. Despite their docile and gentle appearance, Shar Peis are very protective and may take you by surprise.
They require specific care, as they have extremely delicate skin that is prone to bacteria due to moisture accumulation in the spaces between the wrinkles.

English Bulldog
The English Bulldog has a reputation of being the brave and reckless dog from many cartoons, but this is far from the truth. These dogs are very quiet; they love being around children and playing with them, but they also enjoy moments on the sofa next to their human companion.
All puppies are beautiful dogs, but the English Bulldog are a class apart. Their most characteristic wrinkles are those in the face, which accompanied by their distinctive underbite give them the appearance of rough, gangster-like dog.
Here you can learn more about the different Bulldog breeds, including the English, French and American types.

Pug
Pugs have wrinkles in the middle of their forehead, as if they were always worried about something. When a pug looks at us, we completely melt. It is impossible to be angry with them. You will see their love and amiability from the time they are a wrinkly puppy.
Actually, pugs are never very worried. They have lots of energy - maybe too much, and they are one of the more playful and happy breeds in the world, which make them extremely popular pets. In fact, pugs are among the 5 best dog breeds for beginners.

Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff or Mastino, with wrinkles on its face, always looks like a hearty old man with a heart of gold. Even as puppies, these mastiffs look like tiny senior citizens.
Just like the Shar Pei, the Neapolitan Mastiff has wrinkles on most of its body. This only leads their human companions to cuddle up close to their velvety coat or snuggle up in their never ending curtains of skin.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are famous for drooling and for their quiet and relaxed attitude, which is perfect for accompanying large families with small children.

Bullmastiff
This breed of dog is also called a “gentle giant”. As a general rule, the larger the dog breed, the more friendly and better temperament.
If a Bullmastiff is brought up in the right way, it will never be a threat to their human companion or family. In fact, it will become the best guard dog and best friend. You just need to be a bit careful, because they do not completely control their weight and strength and they could be a bit rough when playing.
Their wrinkles are mainly on their face and neck, which softens their strong and daunting presence.

Other wrinkly dog breeds
While we have provided our list of the 5 most wrinkly dog breeds, there are other wrinkled pooches to consider. Here we bring you some honorable mentions from our ruffled dog pals:
Dogue de Bordeaux
Have you ever seen one of our favorite 80s American cop buddy movies, Turner & Hooch. Turner is the ever-affable Tom Hanks, but Hooch is actually a pooch. If you have ever wondered what type of dog is Hooch, you will be happy to know they are a Dogue de Bordeaux. This French dog breed is known for their wrinkly facial expression, although the wrinkles don't extend to the rest of their body.
While their power, size and intelligence mean they can be great pets, there is a reason Turner finds Hooch a little difficult. They are a stubborn breed with a playful nature. Training needs to be carried out as early as possible otherwise they may be headstrong. Fortunately, they are also very loving and gentle around children. Their massive size makes supervision necessary, but they can be a wonderful family pet.

Bloodhound
While they are not the wrinkliest dog breed, the Bloodhound's long droopy face falls with big wrinkles. Their expression surely the inspiration for the description 'hangdog'. When they are puppies, the wrinkles are present, but they develop to be even longer when they grow as an adult. They are a wonderful pet, but another large wrinkly breed, so they need the space to thrive. A gentle giant, they are also great working dogs, but their many health issues mean they have an unfortunately short lifespan.

Pekingese
The origin of ‘peke’ typing in Persian cats, this brachycephalic dog breed's shortened snout contributes to their wrinkled expression. This is similar to the reaosn why the Pug is so wrinkled. Unlike the Blood hound or Dogue de Bordeaux, the Pekingese is a small dog breed. They originate in China and were valued for their lion-like appearance. An eternal puppy, the Pekingese is very loyal and lovable.
It can be difficult to see the scrunched up face of the Pekingese due to their long hair. They are noted for their ability to be groomed in many different ways, similar to the Yorkshire Terrier. This is something which makes them particularly popular in dog shows.

Serrano Bulldog
We finish our list of the most wrinkly dogs with another Bulldog breed. The Serrano Bulldog is from Brazil. They are a sturdy and strong breed, their wrinkles limited to their face. The rest of their body is very muscular. Known also a a Mountain Bulldog, they are a great dog for walking and have a balanced temperament. Like many of the wrinkly dog breeds, their wrinkled features show they have both the look and temperament of a kindly old man.
Let's not forget that there are also many wrinkly mutt dog breeds which have undetermined heritage.

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