Wrinkly dog breeds have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, and it's not hard to see why. While the appearance of lines and creases on our faces tends to send us humans into a panic, when it comes to dogs, those irresistible rolls make them all the more charming – just like dogs with beards!
Whether you refer to them as skin folds or love handles, it's worth noting that all of that crinkly skin does require a little more care and attention. Prone to harbouring dirt and bacteria, wrinkly dogs need their skin cleaned and dried on a regular basis to prevent health issues.
Aside from that, though, these pups are just like other breeds when it comes to needing plenty of love and attention, high-quality nutrition, and lots of exercise and play time with the best dog toys.
From the highly active to the complete couch potato, here's our roundup of the cutest wrinkly dog breeds around...
Wrinkly dog breeds
1. Shar-pei
Hailing from Southern China, the shar-pei has been around since at least 200 BC and was originally bred to protect the royal family and guard the palace, as well as being used in dogfights.
Their loose skin served a very important purpose in those times, helping to protect them against attacks from other dogs – if a dog grabbed onto their skin, they could easily pull away and escape without any damage being done to their internal organs. Thankfully, the shar-pei is no longer used for these purposes and is now a loyal family companion.
Strong and independent, the shar-pei is highly intelligent, and while they love their human family dearly and are fiercely devoted to them, they can be very suspicious of strangers and other dogs, so early socialization and training are key.
When it comes to training your dog on your own, it's important to note that while shar-pei's are very bright, they can also be stubborn. The best way forward with this breed is to be very patient and consistent, using lots of praise and other forms of positive reinforcement.
2. French Bulldog
With their large bat-like ears and playful disposition, the French Bulldog is one of the world’s most beloved pets. Short in stature and with muscular bodies, Frenchies have small wrinkles that gather around their forehead and mouths.
They may be tiny, but Frenchies have big hearts that are overflowing with love and affection – no wonder they're ranked number one on the list of the most popular dog breeds in the US!
They adore their owners and are highly adaptable, fitting in everywhere from the city to the country. While they don’t bark much, they’re incredibly alert, which makes them great little watchdogs.
Frenchies are wonderfully relaxed dogs, and they’re very intelligent, which means training them is fairly easy as long as you keep things fun – this dog definitely learns best through games. Just bear in mind that they thrive on companionship, so leaving them on their own for long periods of time isn’t ideal.
3. Pug
One of the most popular and adored breeds, the pug will put a smile on anyone’s dial with its hilarious antics and clown-like personality. One of a kind in looks and nature, this little cutie is both charming and mischievous, which is a pretty wonderful combination!
With wrinkled faces that are offset with huge expressive eyes that sparkle with love, the pug is a happy and curious dog that has delighted people for centuries. Happy in any living environment as long as they’re surrounded by people, the pug is highly flexible and adaptable but does best in moderate climates that are neither too hot nor too cold.
While they may be clowns at heart, the pug carries itself with dignity. They love playing games and as long as they’re well trained and socialized, this is a dog that will get on with just about anybody, including other animals and children.
The pug does have a lot of facial folds that can be a breeding ground for bacteria, so regularly cleaning and drying these is a must.
4. Basset Hound
Low-slung and low-key, the basset hound is one of the most recognizable breeds in the world thanks to their large domed heads, sad looking eyes and long ears, not to mention those wrinkly legs and brow. Incredibly patient, the basset hound is great with kids and makes a wonderful family dog.
While they may be mild and agreeable at home, they are prone to moments of stubbornness when they’re in the great outdoors and pick up a scent that they’re determined to follow. They’re also well known for barking a lot, so early training around this is key if you want a harmonious household.
Although all their loose skin can give the basset hound a sad look, these scent hounds are actually naturally happy dogs who are calm and even-tempered. They’re very relaxed overall, but they are emotionally sensitive and they don’t respond well to negative reinforcement – firm, consistent but loving is your best approach with this breed.
5. English Bulldog
Jokingly referred to as having a ‘sourmug’ face, nothing could be further from the truth when it comes to the English Bulldog’s nature, which is overflowing with kindness and friendliness that they bestow on everyone they meet.
They have a distinctive waddle, a tough and muscular build, loose skin on the head, and a furrowed brow with hanging chops on either side of their jaw.
Looking at them, you’d be forgiven for thinking they’d be rather lazy – and they definitely can be – but the English Bulldog will still enjoy accompanying you on a daily stroll.
This dog is calm, courageous, tenacious, and docile, with a very sweet and gentle temperament. They’re incredibly people-orientated and will actively seek out attention but in a very non-demanding way. Just one word of warning: they tend to snore heavily, so you might want to tuck them into bed in another room at night!
6. Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff has a powerful and imposing presence, which is what you’d expect from a guard dog breed that’s been intimidating intruders and protecting people and property since ancient Roman times. And yet, while they may be wary of strangers, they are incredibly sweet and placid when it comes to their family.
With a rather large head that’s covered in voluminous folds and a fair amount of drool that comes from those large jowls, even the youngest Neapolitan Mastiff appears somewhat old in appearance. But these gentle giants really are a joy to have in your home with their steady, calm, and watchful presence bringing a sense of security and comfort.
While young Neapolitan Mastiffs are fairly active, adults tend to be lazier and love lounging around the house. They do need a lot of room to sprawl about, so they’re not well suited to apartment living, and while they adore children, they’re a bit too large and clumsy to be around very small children who may be unsteady on their feet.
7. Dogue de Bordeaux
Existing as far back as the 14th century, this breed of dog was very popular in Southern France in the region around Bordeaux, hence its name. Its lineage isn’t quite clear, although it’s likely that the Dogue de Bordeaux is closely related to the bullmastiff and Tibetan Mastiff.
Historically put to work pulling carts, transporting heavy objects, and guarding flocks, their protective instincts are now solely focused on their human families, who they are fiercely loyal and devoted to.
They are incredibly courageous and affectionate, and their wrinkled face and soulful eyes make them appear very endearing. Even-tempered yet vigilant, they are very sweet and sensitive souls but they can be stubborn and dominant if they’re not trained consistently from a young age.
8. Pekingese
We’re pretty sure the Pekingese was a feather duster in its past life and we’re almost certain that just walking this little cutie across your floors will probably be all that’s needed to keep them sparkling clean! Bred for centuries to be the companion animals of the imperial family of China, this cherished toy dog breed makes the perfect cuddle buddy.
With their lion’s mane, impressive furriness, and deep wrinkles on their mane, these adorable dogs have a regal manner and an affectionate nature that makes them impossible not to fall in love with them. While they may be small, they can be opinionated and stubborn, so a firm but loving hand is imperative with this breed.
Charming and confident, they form very tight bonds with their humans, and yet at the same time, they’re also very independent, so you don’t need to worry about them being overly clingy. Although they will tolerate children, they don’t like rough housing, so they’re best suited to calm kids or adult-only homes.
9. Bullmastiff
Bred to tackle poachers in England, the bullmastiff has retained its fearless work ethic but is a loving and docile companion when at home with their people. Powerful and protective, this courageous and devoted dog has a fairly imposing presence, standing at around 27 inches in height and weighing in between 100 and 130 pounds.
While they may not, at first glance, appear like they’d make good family dogs, they’re incredibly gentle and affectionate with those they love. Calm and easy-going, they enjoy being around well-behaved children but may not take as kindly to other animals.
Although they have good hearts, the bullmastiff can be a very independent thinker, which means they’re no pushover. Firm and consistent training and socialization are absolutely vital so that they know who’s the top dog in the pack - you! If they don’t learn their place early on, they can end up dominating the home and everyone in it, which is not what you want.
10. Bloodhound
With huge ears and droopy skin that tends to hang in deep folds around their head and neck, you definitely won’t mistake a bloodhound when you spot one. Known as the ‘sleuth hound’ because of their unrivaled ability to find people who are lost or hiding, this breed is relentless when they’re on a scent trail.
But when they’re not stubbornly and single-mindedly tracking people down, this easygoing breed enjoys the company of adults, kids, and other dogs. They’re affectionate and gentle as well as highly active and intelligent. If you choose to welcome a bloodhound into your family, get ready for lots of exercise – this is one breed not content to laze around.
Yet, while they do have endless energy and endurance and are prone to drooling and a distinctively hound-like odor, they’re also kind and sensitive, and their tolerant nature means they’ll do well in most homes.
11. Saint Bernard
A large working dog that hails from the Swiss Alps, the Saint Bernard can reach heights of 30 inches and can weigh up to 180 pounds – that's a whole lot of dog! But while they may be big, they are true gentle giants at heart, with a deep affection for both adults and children.
These charming and playful pups have a wrinkled brow and large jowls that make them prone to drooling. Because of their large size, they take a lot longer to mature than smaller breeds, so they won't reach their full size until they're around three years of age.
Saint Bernards have a mellow demeanour, and because they're so people-oriented, they're one of the dog breeds most likely to have separation anxiety. Because of that, it's best not to leave them alone for long periods.
Energetic dogs, tend to become calmer as they get older, and because they don't have a high prey drive, they tend to do well in homes with other pets.
12. English Mastiff
You'll want to have plenty of space in your home for this breed because the English Mastiff is one large and powerful dog. Standing tall at over 30 inches or more and weighing up to a whopping 230 pounds, the English Mastiff is an ancient breed discovered in 55-54 BCE.
Once used as hunters and guardians, their protective instincts remain strong, and they make loving and devoted family companions. While they will certainly jump to attention if they sense danger, on the whole, the English Mastiff is a real couch potato who would rather lounge around the house than engage in high-energy activities.
Known to be one of the dog breeds that drool the most, we highly recommend keeping some old rags on hand to mop up after this slobbery pup!
Calm, patient, and gentle, the English Mastiff is great with children who know how to behave around a dog of this size. However, because they're so big, they're better in homes with older children who are less likely to be harmed by an accidental bump.
13. Boxer
If you're looking for a high-energy dog breed with an upbeat and playful nature, the boxer is a real contender. With their adorable wrinkles and skin folds, coupled with their sweet and protective nature, these dogs are impossible not to love. Deep-chested and well muscled, the boxer is an excellent runner and loves to jump through the air in pursuit of their favorite toy.
An active dog that does best with owners who lead an outdoorsy lifestyle, boxers get on brilliantly with children, but they do have a high prey drive, so they're not a great choice if you have small pets in the home. They also enjoy digging, so that's something to keep in mind if your flower beds are your pride and joy!
Very intelligent and trainable, boxers do require patience when being taught new things, not because they're not quick learners but because they have so much energy and can be easily distracted. You'll also need to regularly clean and dry their skin folds to prevent issues like dermatitis.
14. Chow chow
The chow chow is an ancient dog breed that originated in China more than 8,000 years ago. Muscular dogs with flat faces and fluffy fur, this compact and stout breed has performed a variety of roles from guardians and protectors to cart-pullers and companions.
Loyal to those they love, the chow chow can be very aloof with strangers and other pets, but they can learn to become more friendly with regular training and socialization from a young age.
Independent and intelligent, they're faithful and devoted, but they are not ones for cuddles and lots of attention, preferring to seek out their humans when they're in need of quiet companionship. Because of their thick coats, they're prone to overheating, so short bursts of exercise are best for this breed.
15. Cane corso
Strong-willed and dominant, the cane corso is not a breed for the inexperienced or faint of heart. However, for confident owners who are happy to invest time and energy into training them and meeting their needs, this smart, loyal, and noble dog can make a wonderful companion.
With a distinctive wrinkly forehead that gives them a thoughtful expression, the cane corso is a large working dog with a lineage that can be traced back to Ancient Rome. Their imposing presence and fearless nature meanp;' they have a long history of being used as guard dogs, and they were one of the first breeds to be used in the military.
Unwaveringly devoted to their human family, the cane corso is a quiet yet attentive dog but their behavior can vary depending on the training they receive. With the right owners who show them kindness and patience, they tend to be very gentle and affectionate. However, they can become reactive if owners use harsh or unkind training methods.
16. Perro de Presa Canario
A medium-sized dog with a muscular body, the Perro de Presa Canario originated in the Canary Islands in Spain, where they were bred to work alongside livestock. Strong and fiercely protective, they are vigilant, alert, and have a loud bark.
However, while they do have a tough-guy reputation, with the right owners, they can be docile, gentle, and obedient pets.
Calm, even-tempered and confident, the Perro de Presa Canario does best in active homes with ample opportunities for outdoor adventures and needs lots of space that they can run around in. Because of their suspicious nature, they require lots of training and socialization from a young age to ensure they know how to behave appropriately around strangers and children.
17. American Bulldog
This American dog breed has performed a variety of jobs since they came into existence in the 17th century, including being farm dogs and hunting partners. Brave and loyal, they're active dogs who love playing games and going on long walks.
Because they have a history of guarding people and property, the American Bulldog can be very protective of those they love, and they require regular training and socialization to help them grow into well-adjusted adult dogs. Thankfully, they're super smart and eager to please, so you should find they learn quickly.
American Bulldogs have high exercise needs, and they do not take well to being left alone for long periods. With that in mind, these dogs are best suited to those who lead an active lifestyle, and a big, fenced backyard is also a must to give them ample opportunities to run about when they need to.
18. Boerboel
Deeply protective and highly territorial, the boerboel is a dog breed for experienced owners. Also known as the South African Mastiff, this large pup can easily tip the scales at 200 pounds, so you'll want plenty of space if you plan on welcoming this imposing pup into your home.
While they have traditionally been used to guard farms and livestock, when not at work, the boerboel is a calm and loving canine with a genuine affection for children. Devoted, smart, and trainable, their confident and independent nature can make them a challenge for novice pet parents, but in the right hands, they're docile and obedient.
19. Tosa
Composed and courageous, the tosa is a rare breed originating in Japan. Quiet and obedient, they are almost always tranquil and calm, but they also have a vigilant nature and won't hesitate to leap into action if they feel their loved ones are at risk.
Dignified and sensitive, the tosa is a devoted and steadfast companion and they thrive in loving homes where they can receive plenty of affection. While they are true gentle giants, they still need a highly experienced owner due to their powerful prey drive.
20. Australian Bulldog
With a friendly disposition and a love of adventure, the people-oriented Australian Bulldog is a delightful companion breed. An outgoing dog who will greet everyone they meet with an enthusiastic hello, this Australian breed prefers to be with their family at all times and enjoys the company of other pups.
They tend to have a fearless streak, which, coupled with their social nature, can get them into trouble sometimes as they won't hesitate to try to make friends with animals they'd be better off steering clear of. For that reason, you may want to keep them on a leash when walking in areas like fields where cows, bulls, or horses may be present.
Sweet-natured and fiercely loyal, Australian Bulldogs make fantastic family pets and fun-loving companions for children.
Love the wrinkly dog breeds? Check out our round up of the cutest dog breeds in the world!
Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis de Leaver.
Recent updates
This feature was last updated in April 2025 by Kathryn Williams.
