Wrinkly dogs have a special way of melting hearts with their adorable folds and unique personalities.
From ancient guardians to playful companions, these breeds showcase how beauty comes in all shapes and textures.
Their distinctive appearance isn’t just for looks – many wrinkles served practical purposes throughout history.
While wrinkly breeds are undeniably charming, they require special care to keep their skin folds clean and healthy.
Always research breed-specific needs before welcoming one into your home.
1. Shar-Pei
With wrinkles so deep you could lose your keys in them, the Shar-Pei looks like a walking bundle of soft towels.
Originally from China, these dogs were bred to hunt, herd, and guard property with fierce dedication.
Their wrinkles actually helped protect them during fights, making it harder for opponents to grab hold.
Today, they’re calm and independent companions who bond deeply with their families while maintaining a dignified, almost cat-like aloofness around strangers.
2. English Bulldog
Don’t let that tough, wrinkled mug fool you – English Bulldogs are total softies underneath all those folds.
Bred centuries ago for bull-baiting in England, they’ve since transformed into couch-loving family favorites.
Their loose, wrinkled skin once protected them in the ring, but now it just makes them irresistibly huggable.
These stocky pups snore like freight trains and prefer leisurely strolls over marathon runs, making them ideal apartment companions.
3. Pug
Big personality packed into a tiny, wrinkled package – that’s the Pug in a nutshell.
These pint-sized charmers sport deeply furrowed brows that give them permanent expressions of concern or curiosity.
Originally bred as companions for Chinese emperors, Pugs still carry themselves with regal confidence.
Their playful, affectionate nature makes them wonderful with children, and they adapt beautifully to city living or country homes with equal enthusiasm and countless snorts.
4. Basset Hound
Those droopy ears and wrinkled, soulful eyes could convince anyone to share their dinner.
Basset Hounds possess one of the most powerful noses in the canine world, second only to Bloodhounds.
Their loose, wrinkled skin helps trap scents near their noses while tracking.
Originally bred in France for hunting rabbits, these low-riding hounds now prefer following interesting smells around the neighbourhood while charming everyone they meet with their mournful expressions.
5. French Bulldog
Part bat, part piglet, all adorable – French Bulldogs have conquered hearts worldwide with their quirky looks.
Their wrinkled faces and signature oversized ears give them an eternally curious expression.
Bred as miniature versions of English Bulldogs, Frenchies became beloved companions of Parisian lace workers in the 1800s.
They thrive in apartments, rarely bark excessively, and form incredibly strong bonds with their humans, often following them from room to room.
6. Dogue De Bordeaux
Remember Hooch from the movie Turner & Hooch?
That drooling, lovable giant was a Dogue de Bordeaux.
Also called French Mastiffs, these powerful dogs sport deeply wrinkled faces and massive heads.
They’re one of France’s oldest breeds, once used for guarding estates and pulling carts.
Despite their intimidating appearance, they’re remarkably affectionate and patient with children, though their slobber production could fill a small bucket daily.
7. Bloodhound
With a nose so powerful it can follow trails days old, Bloodhounds are the ultimate tracking machines.
Their wrinkled faces and droopy ears aren’t just for show – they help sweep scents toward their noses.
Law enforcement agencies worldwide rely on these determined detectives to locate missing persons.
At home, they’re surprisingly laid-back and affectionate, though their baying howl can wake the entire neighbourhood when something captures their interest outdoors.
8. Pekingese
Legend says Pekingese descended from Buddha’s pet lion shrunk to pocket size – and they certainly act like royalty.
These tiny dogs feature wrinkled, flat faces framed by luxurious flowing coats.
Chinese emperors treasured them for centuries, and commoners who stole one faced execution.
Their independent, sometimes stubborn nature reflects their imperial heritage, and they prefer being treated as equals rather than pets, often choosing their favorite family member wisely.
