10 Most Wrinkly Dog Breeds: Essential Skin Care Tips

When you see a dog with lots of skin folds and wrinkles, you might wonder what makes them so unique. Wrinkly dog breeds stand out for their one-of-a-kind look and playful personalities. Knowing how to care for your wrinkly dog’s skin can help keep them comfortable and healthy.

In this article, you will learn about popular wrinkly dog breeds and some simple tips for taking care of their special coats. Whether you already have a wrinkled friend or are thinking of adding one to your family, understanding their needs is important.

1. Shar-Pei

• The Shar-Pei is one of the most well-known wrinkly dog breeds. Its loose skin and deep folds give it a unique look. Most people notice the folds on the face, neck, and shoulders as soon as they see a Shar-Pei.
• These dogs have thick, bristly coats and a blue-black tongue. The wrinkles are more noticeable when they are puppies. As Shar-Peis grow older, some of the loose skin tightens, but many adults still keep deep folds on their face and neck.
• Because of these wrinkles, you need to pay extra attention to Shar-Pei skin care. Dirt and moisture can build up between the folds and cause skin problems. You should clean and dry the folds regularly to help prevent rashes or infections.
• If you are thinking about adding a Shar-Pei to your family, be ready for regular grooming. With the right care, the Shar-Pei’s wrinkles can stay clean and healthy.

2. English Bulldog

• English Bulldogs have a stocky build and a short, smooth coat. Their lovable appearance makes them popular as family pets. They are known for being gentle around children.
• The folds on your English Bulldog‘s face and body need regular cleaning. Trapped moisture and dirt can cause skin problems if you don’t keep their wrinkles dry and clean. 
• Using unscented antibacterial soap and warm water on a towel works well, followed by drying the skin completely. Some owners use Malacetic wipes for extra care, especially in hard-to-reach spots.
• This breed may need a bit more attention when it comes to hygiene. Keeping up with their skin care helps prevent discomfort and possible infections. If you own an English Bulldog, regular checkups with your vet are a good idea to keep their skin healthy.
• English Bulldogs can live comfortably in apartments and with families. Their wrinkles are a big part of their charm, but they do take some extra work to maintain. If you are thinking about bringing one home, knowing how to care for their skin is important.

3. Bloodhound

• The Bloodhound’s wrinkled features help give it a serious and unique expression. These folds, along with their big, soulful eyes, are easy to spot from a distance. Bloodhounds also have a strong, sturdy build and short fur that is easy to brush.
• The wrinkles on a Bloodhound are more than just looks. In the past, people believed the folds might help catch scent particles while tracking. Because of these deep folds, it’s important to clean the skin often to help prevent infection and keep your dog comfortable.
• Bloodhounds are gentle but can be stubborn, so training should be patient and consistent. If you bring a Bloodhound into your family, plan to clean its wrinkles and ears often to keep it happy and healthy.

4. Dogue de Bordeaux

• The Dogue de Bordeaux is also called the French Mastiff. This breed is easy to spot because of its big head and deep, loose wrinkles across its face.
• You might notice that these wrinkles give the Dogue de Bordeaux a serious and thoughtful look. These folds are not just for show—they need regular care to stay clean and healthy.
• If you choose this breed, you should clean the skin folds at least once a week. Sometimes, you may need to clean them every day, especially if your dog drools a lot or spends time outside.
• These dogs are known for being strong yet gentle. Early socialization and consistent training help them become well-behaved family members.

5. Basset Hound

• When you think of wrinkly dogs, the Basset Hound often comes to mind. This breed has long, droopy ears and loose skin that forms gentle folds, especially around the face and neck. The wrinkles, along with their big, sad eyes, give them a unique and memorable look.
• You might notice that Basset Hounds have short legs compared to their long bodies. Their loose skin helps protect them when moving through underbrush while tracking scents. This trait was developed for hunting, but it also means you need to pay extra attention to skin care.
• Wrinkles in Basset Hounds can trap moisture, dirt, and food. It’s important to clean their skin folds regularly to help prevent irritation or infection. Gently wiping the folds with a damp cloth and keeping them dry is usually enough for most dogs.
• This breed is friendly and social. They usually get along well with other pets and families. If you’re considering a Basset Hound, be prepared for their easygoing nature and the responsibility of regular skin care.

6. Pug

• Pugs are small, sturdy dogs that you can easily recognize by their round heads and deep, wrinkled faces. Their short muzzles and wide-set eyes give them a friendly and expressive look. Pugs have folds mainly around their noses and foreheads, which make their faces very unique.
• You may find that pugs are gentle and sociable pets. They like spending time with people and usually get along well with kids and other animals. They have a history as companion dogs, and they enjoy sitting close to you.
• It’s important to keep your pug’s skin folds clean. Wrinkles can trap dirt and moisture, which can lead to skin problems if not cared for. Wipe inside the facial folds regularly with a soft, damp cloth to help prevent irritation or infection.

7. Mastiff

• The Mastiff group covers several breeds, including the English Mastiff and the Neapolitan Mastiff. The Neapolitan Mastiff stands out with its thick folds and heavy jowls, giving it a unique and memorable look.
• Mastiffs tend to have calm and steady personalities. They are often gentle giants around families but can also serve as watchful protectors if needed.
• Caring for a Mastiff’s wrinkled skin is important. You should clean between the folds regularly to prevent dirt buildup and skin infections. A simple wipe with a soft, damp cloth can keep your dog comfortable and healthy.
• Because of their size and wrinkles, Mastiffs require attention to grooming and regular checkups. This helps to keep their skin in good shape and lowers the risk of common issues.

8. Bullmastiff

• The Bullmastiff is a large, strong dog with a calm nature. You can spot this breed by its broad, wrinkled forehead and short, dense coat. These dogs were first bred in England to help protect estates.
• Bullmastiffs are well-known for the deep folds on their faces. Their wrinkled skin gives them a unique expression and a gentle look. As a guardian breed, they tend to be alert but friendly with family.
• Because of their skin folds, Bullmastiffs need extra care. You should wipe between the wrinkles with a clean cloth. This helps prevent dirt, moisture, and bacteria from building up.
• Make sure you check the folds every day. If you notice redness or an unpleasant smell, it may be a sign of infection. Cleaning and drying the skin is an important part of caring for a Bullmastiff.
• Regular grooming and proper skin care help keep your Bullmastiff comfortable. You can help them stay healthy and happy by making wrinkle cleaning a routine part of your dog’s care.

9. Chow Chow

• The Chow Chow stands out for its thick fur and deep skin folds, especially around the face and neck. This breed’s unique features give it a lion-like appearance. Its straight coat comes in colors like red, black, blue, cinnamon, and cream.
• Chow Chows are known for being clean and easy to housebreak. They often keep themselves tidy, almost like cats. Despite their strong look, they are generally calm and reserved.
• Because of their dense fur and skin folds, it’s important to brush your Chow Chow often. This helps keep the coat free from tangles and stops dirt from building up between the folds. Regular cleaning also lowers the risk of infections.

10. Saint Bernard

• Saint Bernards tend to drool because of their large jowls and wrinkly faces. Their expressive faces and soft folds add to their friendly and approachable appearance. You’ll notice the most wrinkles around their brows and mouth area when they are relaxed or curious.
• Skin care is important for Saint Bernards. Keeping the skin between their facial folds clean helps prevent infections and irritation. You should gently wipe these areas and check them regularly for redness or moisture.
• Their dense coats also need brushing to stop mats and tangles. Along with regular grooming, be sure to monitor their skin folds closely.