Whether they’re on small pups like the Pug or huge ones like the Mastiff, adorable wrinkles are the envy of many a dog lover — which is exactly why we set out in search of the canine world’s most wrinkled breeds.
Sharing your home with one of these dogs isn’t all fun and games, though. You’ll need to wash their deep skin folds with a soft, damp cloth or a baby wipe, and then dry them thoroughly. Leaving behind moisture in dogs’ wrinkles can cause bacterial growth and skin infections, so make sure you’re prepared to discuss a skin-care regimen with your veterinarian.
Now that you know what it takes to care for one of these canines, enjoy the scrunched faces and furrowed brows of our favorite wrinkled breeds.
French Bulldog
With his unmistakable bat ears and endearing wrinkles, the French Bulldog is a neighborhood favorite who always makes an impression. The fact that he's a brachycephalic (or "flat-faced") dog and therefore requires minimal exercise makes him popular among city-dwellers who don't have big backyards for more active breeds.
Chinese Shar-Pei
Perhaps the dog who's most famous for her wrinkles (and her blue-black tongue) is the Chinese Shar-Pei. Don't let her goofy exterior fool you, though. She is a serious, loyal watchdog who needs early and frequent socialization to teach her what is a threat and what is normal. You may want to snuggle up on those adorable wrinkles, but respect your Shar-Pei and let her decide if she wants it.
Neapolitan Mastiff
This massive canine is wrinkled all up and down his huge frame. The Neapolitan Mastiff (who can weigh more than 150 pounds) has a deeply wrinkled face and a body that's covered in loose skin. Get used to following this big guy around with a hand towel — he's famous for his drooling, so you'll need to wipe his mouth constantly, especially after he drinks.
Pug
Let's face it: This mug is simply unforgettable. The Pug's scrunched-up forehead may make her look like she's always worrying, but the reality is that she's probably laughing (with you or at you). Like the French Bulldog, Pugs can't handle tons of intense exercise, but they should be kept lean and fit. And be prepared to listen to her nightly lullaby: snoring. Lots and lots of snoring.
Bloodhound
The sunken eyes. The furrowed brow. The slobbery, loose jowls. What's not to love about the Bloodhound? He's a sweet and sensitive breed famous for his scenting skills and impressive tracking abilities. He's also known for his drooling abilities, so be prepared to wash your Bloodhound’s wrinkly face thoroughly after every meal — before he shakes his head and slings slobber everywhere.
Dogue de Bordeaux
If you fell in love with the Dogue de Bordeaux during Tom Hanks' film Turner and Hooch, you're not alone. This handsome, wrinkled hulk of a dog always turns heads. He's a strong and stubborn breed, so if you're thinking of getting one, make sure you can provide firm leadership paired with early and consistent training. As long as you clean his endearing wrinkles, the rest of his grooming routine should be simple: Just brush his short coat once a week to remove dead hairs.
Bulldog
Who doesn't love the Bulldog? Those cute wrinkles and that distinctive underbite can bring an entire neighborhood of kids to their knees. While you're caring for the folds of skin on her face, make sure you don't forget to clean another crucial area: the indentation at the tail set.
Mastiff
The Mastiff is another breed known for his wrinkled forehead (and, while we're at it, his slobbering). He's a "gentle giant" who will mostly be a quiet, loving presence in your home — unless he recognizes a threat to his family. If you're looking to bring one home, make sure you're up to the challenge of raising an extremely powerful dog who will probably outweigh you.
