10 Wrinkly Dog Breeds That Rock Their Rolls

Wrinkly dog breeds aren't just cute — a lot of these dogs were bred to have extra skin for good reasons.

Published September 8, 2023
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There’s something irresistibly cute about a dog with wrinkles. Their folded cheeks just beg to be pinched (gently, of course), and their rolls are great for cuddling. If you love dogs with way too much skin, you’ll be happy to know there are several wrinkly dog breeds. From the rolly shar pei to the squish-faced French bulldog, these 10 dogs are as wrinkly as they come.

Shar Pei

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Shar pei are, hands down, the wrinkliest of the wrinkly dog breeds. These dogs were originally used as guard dogs, and their skin folds helped protect them from potential attacks. But today, they make smart, loyal pets who retain all those adorable creases.

Pug

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The pug’s wrinkly face isn’t just cute. It was actually bred that way for a reason. Breeders tried to make the folds look like the Chinese character for prince, which it certainly resembles! Even though they’re small, pugs have an enormous personality. They’re playful, silly, and sweet dogs.

Bulldog

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When you think of wrinkles, your mind might immediately go to the bulldog. These dogs have tons of folds and puckers all over their faces and bodies, which just adds to their charm. Because debris can build up between their skin folds, this breed needs special care. You definitely need to stock up on pet wipes if you have one of these rolly pollies as a pet!

French Bulldog

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With wrinkles and huge, bat-like ears, the French bulldog is hard to miss. The Frenchie is one of the most popular dog breeds right now, and a lot of their appeal has to do with their unique appearance. This breed is brachycephalic, meaning they have that squished face you know and love. As cute as it is, their shortened airway can put these dogs at risk for respiratory problems.

Bloodhound

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Bloodhounds are so wrinkly that the skin on their foreheads often sags down over their eyes. Some people say this has a purpose, which is to protect their eyes from debris and branches while they follow a scent. Whatever the case, these docile dogs are super cute with all that extra skin and their long, floppy ears.

Neapolitan Mastiff

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The Neapolitan mastiff is only one of several mastiff types, but it’s definitely the wrinkliest. This breed is enormous and reaches between 110 and 150 pounds on average. They were once used for fighting in war, which could explain their desire to have lots of excess skin. Today, they make loyal and lazy couch potatoes.

Boxer

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Even though boxers have a pretty muscular and toned body structure, they have loads of extra skin on their faces, which makes them one of the top wrinkly dog breeds. These dogs always look like they’re concerned about something, but it’s just those cute creases. If you’re looking for a high-energy dog that does very well with children, the boxer is a great choice.

Dogue de Bordeaux

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You might not be familiar with the dogue de Bordeaux, because they’re a relatively rare breed. These French dogs have a very distinct look, with a large, stocky body, red fur, and tons of wrinkles. Despite their intimidating appearance, the dogue de Bordeaux is a super sweet and gentle dog who gets along with just about anyone.

Basset Hound

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Basset hounds are known for their short legs and long ears, but these cuties have plenty of wrinkles as well. Most of the skin on their body is pretty loose, which creates folds just about everywhere. The breed is at risk for skin problems like yeast infections and pyoderma, so definitely stay on top of grooming with regular wipe-downs and baths. 

Bullmastiff

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And last but certainly not least is the bullmastiff. This gentle giant isn’t quite as wrinkly as the rest of the breeds, but they still have plenty of folds on their face and neck area. During puppyhood, they tend to have way more wrinkles, though they grow into them as they reach their adult size. As pets, bullmastiffs are fearless, affectionate, and bond very deeply with their people.

Wrinkles Take Extra Care

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Even though wrinkly dog breeds are extra cute, they do take some extra care. Be sure to wipe their skin folds (on the face and elsewhere!) every day to prevent infections, and see your vet at the first sign of something brewing. If you’re up for the additional maintenance, then one of these wrinkly breeds might be the right fit for you.

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10 Wrinkly Dog Breeds That Rock Their Rolls