7 Adorable Wrinkly Dog Breeds

Quick Take

• One breed on this list was purpose-built for pit fighting, and its irresistibly squishy appearance masks a temperament that routinely blindsides first-time owners. Explore the Shar-Pei's history →
• The wrinkle-cleaning routine most owners follow leaves out a key step, and skipping that step turns those adorable folds into a breeding ground for infection. See the full care routine →
• The most famous wrinkly dog breed isn't actually the most wrinkled, and the true title-holder has a name that literally translates to its own texture. Meet the true wrinkle champion →
• One wrinkly giant on this list has a lifespan so short it reframes the entire decision to own it, even though its temperament makes it one of the most devoted family dogs here. Learn about the French Mastiff →

When it comes to adorable breeds, wrinkly dogs are hard to beat. Some have rolls all over their bodies, while others only have wrinkles on their faces, but either way, this feature makes them undeniably precious. Unfortunately, with wrinkles come folds that accumulate dirt and debris. So, these breeds come with unique grooming needs, like frequently cleaning the folds to avoid infection. There are several dog breeds with rolls, but they all differ in size and personality. If your dream is to own a wrinkly pup, keep scrolling to learn about seven adorable wrinkly dog breeds and discover which one might be right for you.

Shar-Pei

The shar-pei is the most notorious wrinkly dog breed in the world because its entire body is covered in rolls. After their wrinkles, their second most noticeable feature is their thick, wide snout. Shar-peis have short, coarse hair, which is why their name translates to sandpaper skin.

Shar-peis were bred as guard dogs and pit fighters, so they can sometimes be aggressive. They are a dominant and independent breed, making it tough to train them. However, this feisty breed needs training and socialization as soon as possible because they do not get along with other dogs and are very wary of strangers. Shar-Peis are not a recommended breed for first-time dog owners.

Breeding Statistics

• Height – 18-20 inches
• Weight – 44-60 pounds
• Lifespan – 8-12 years
• Temperament – Independent, loyal, and calm

Pekingese

The Pekingese is considered a toy breed, only reaching six to nine inches in height. These adorable wrinkly dogs have a long mane covering most of their bodies. However, they only have rolls on their faces.

Pekingese act regal and sophisticated, genuinely believing they are the king or queen of the castle. While they are playful, they don’t enjoy rough play, so this breed is not a good choice if you have small children. Instead, they thrive in single-caregiver homes where they are the only pet.

Breed Statistics

• Height: six to nine inches
• Weight: seven to 14 pounds
• Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
• Temperament: loving, aloof, and intelligent

English Bulldog

The English bulldog is by far the most famous wrinkly dog breed, with rolls all over their bodies and loose skin, which adds to the effect. Sometimes people confuse the French bulldog with this much larger breed. Most English bulldogs have an underbite, which causes their bottom teeth to protrude over their upper jaw.

English bulldogs are gentle, playful, and caring, and thrive with human attention. Even though they can weigh up to 55 pounds, they insist on being lap dogs. These adorable wrinkly dogs don’t require a lot of exercise; walking around the block once a day will keep them physically stimulated.

Breed Statistics

• Height: 11-16 inches
• Weight: 40-55 pounds
• Lifespan: 8-10 years
• Temperament: Lazy, quiet, and dependable

Pug

While small, the pug has a surprisingly muscular build with a wrinkly, squished snout. This breed has very distinctive curly tails. They are playful dogs that can get up to lots of mischief if left alone for too long, although they typically aim to please their loved ones. Pugs are highly adaptable and thrive in any home as long as they are given proper care. They also get along well with other family pets.

However, pugs are prone to weight gain, and owners must ensure they stay on a strict diet. Like the English bulldog, these small dogs only need moderate exercise, as they are brachycephalic and have difficulty breathing when they over-exert themselves.

Breed Statistics

• Height: 10-13 inches
• Weight: 14-18 pounds
• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Temperament: Playful, charming, and affectionate

French Mastiff

The French mastiff, also called dogue de Bordeaux, is a large, intimidating dog that easily wards off threats to protect its family. While they don’t have droopy skin on their faces, they do have wrinkles around their short snouts. In addition, these magnificent dogs have a solid, muscular build and medium-sized floppy ears. French mastiffs can be stubborn, so they need a disciplined and patient hand when training.

Breed Statistics

• Height: 23-27 inches
• Weight: 99-110 pounds
• Lifespan: 5-6 years
• Temperament: Sweet, docile, and stubborn

Neapolitan Mastiff

Neapolitan mastiffs are the epitome of cuteness with their droopy lips and wrinkly faces. These gigantic dogs are notorious for warding off strangers with their muscular build and frightening appearance. However, when it comes to their families, they are loving and gentle, making them great pets for families with older children. Unfortunately, Neapolitan mastiffs need lots of space to roam and exercise because of their massive size. Therefore, they are definitely not suited for apartment living.

Breed Statistics

• Height: 26-30 inches
• Weight: 110-150 pounds
• Lifespan: 8-10 years
• Temperament: Gentle, quiet, and protective

French Bulldog

The French bulldog is a wrinkly breed known for its stubborn nature and screechy yap. Their snouts and foreheads are adorned with adorable rolls, but the rest of their stout bodies are covered in a smooth, one-layered coat. Frenchies have wide-set shoulders, similar to the English bulldog, but they are less wrinkly, and their bat-like ears are more prominent.

Like their larger cousin, these adorable wrinkly dogs don’t need a lot of exercise, making them excellent apartment dogs. Frenchies are quite playful and do well in family settings. They are well known for being prone to health problems such as brachycephalic airway syndrome (breathing difficulties) and frequent ear infections.

Breed Statistics

• Height: 11-12 inches
• Weight: 20-28 pounds
• Lifespan: 10-14 years
• Temperament: Friendly, gentle, and outgoing

Caring for Wrinkly Dog Breeds

Looking after a wrinkly dog breed requires daily cleaning and care because the folds between their rolls can get infected. However, this does not mean you need to bathe them every day. Instead, you can use wrinkle wipes and paste to disinfect the area. You can also use these wipes to remove the tear stains running down their face. Additionally, the alcohol-free wipes are excellent for allergy-prone or sensitive breeds, like the French bulldog.

The wrinkle paste prevents infection by creating a water-repellent barrier, blocking the collection of fungus, bacteria, and moisture. Some of these pastes are hypoallergenic, so if your pup has sensitive skin, it provides comfort and protection with its cleansing barrier.

Also note that when you have a wrinkly-faced dog, you should keep a towel handy when you are out to wipe your pooch down if they get wet. For example, if it rains and your pup encounters a puddle, you need to clean its folds as soon as possible. This is because bacteria and yeast thrive in humid environments, such as moist skin folds.