What Is a Wrinkly Dog Called? Meet These Adorably Foldy Canines

Have you ever seen those squishy-faced pups with all those cute folds and wondered. “what is a wrinkly dog called?” Well I’m here to tell you all about these adorable doggos with their characteristic skin folds that make them so huggable and unique!

The most wrinkly dog is commonly known as the Shar Pei but there are actually several breeds famous for their wrinkled appearance. These wrinkly dog breeds have stolen hearts worldwide with their distinctive looks and lovable personalities.

Why Do Some Dogs Have Wrinkles?

Before diving into the specific breeds, let’s understand why some dogs have those adorable folds in the first place.

These wrinkles aren’t just for show – they actually served practical purposes throughout history

• Protection during fights – Loose skin allowed dogs to twist and maneuver without serious injury
• Blood channeling – For fighting breeds, wrinkles often directed blood away from vital areas
• Hunting advantage – The Shar Pei’s abundant folds made it difficult for opponents to get a grip
• Byproduct of breeding – In brachycephalic breeds (short-faced dogs), wrinkles are a result of breeding for flattened faces

Today, while these original purposes may no longer be relevant for family pets, these characteristic folds have become defining traits that many dog lovers adore.

Top Wrinkly Dog Breeds That Will Make You Smile

1. Chinese Shar Pei: The Ultimate Wrinkly Dog

The Shar Pei is probably what most people think of when imagining a wrinkly dog. These ancient Chinese dogs are perhaps the most wrinkled breed in existence, especially as puppies when they seem to be wearing a coat several sizes too large!

History: Dating back over 2,000 years to China’s Han Dynasty, Shar Peis were originally versatile farm dogs serving as guardians, hunters, and herders. Their name literally means “sand skin,” referring to their rough, wrinkled coat.

Physical Traits:

• Profoundly wrinkled skin (especially as puppies)
• Unique blue-black tongue (shared only with Chow Chows)
• Small, sunken eyes
• Tiny, triangular ears
• Bristly, short coat that feels somewhat prickly
• Distinctive “hippopotamus” muzzle shape

Temperament: Independent, loyal, protective, intelligent but sometimes stubborn. They’re generally quiet, barking only when they perceive threats.

Care Requirements: Their defining wrinkles need regular cleaning and drying to prevent moisture-related skin infections. Special attention should be paid to facial folds where food particles can get trapped.

2. English Bulldog: The Iconic Wrinkly Face Dog

English Bulldogs are instantly recognizable with their squat, muscular bodies and distinctively wrinkled faces that give them a perpetually concerned expression.

History: Originally developed for the brutal sport of bull-baiting in medieval England, these dogs were bred for strength and determination. When blood sports were banned in 1835, breeders began selecting for companionable traits instead of fighting abilities.

Physical Traits:

• Distinctive facial wrinkles
• Broad shoulders and chest with a compact body
• Short, glossy coat in various colors
• Characteristic “pushed-in” face (brachycephalic)
• Loose, wrinkled skin, especially around the face and shoulders

Temperament: Despite their sometimes intimidating appearance, Bulldogs are exceptionally affectionate, patient with children, peaceful with other pets, courageous but not aggressive.

Care Considerations: Their adorable facial folds need regular cleaning and thorough drying to prevent dermatitis and infections. They’re also sensitive to heat and humidity due to their brachycephalic structure.

3. Neapolitan Mastiff: The Magnificent Giant Among Wrinkly Dogs

When it comes to big wrinkly dog breeds, few can match the impressive stature and abundant skin folds of the Neapolitan Mastiff. These massive doggos command attention wherever they go!

Historical Background: Their lineage traces back to ancient Rome, where their ancestors served as fearsome war dogs. Later, they were developed in southern Italy, particularly around Naples (hence the name), as estate guardians.

Physical Attributes:

• Massive size (males weighing 150-200 pounds or more)
• Abundant loose skin forming dramatic wrinkles across the entire body
• Large, rectangular head with pronounced wrinkles
• Deep-set eyes often partially hidden by surrounding folds
• Short, dense coat that accentuates the skin wrinkles

Temperament: Deeply loyal and devoted to their families, naturally protective without being needlessly aggressive, typically calm and dignified in familiar settings.

Care Requirements: The abundant folds and wrinkles require regular cleaning and inspection to prevent moisture-related skin issues. Special attention should be paid to facial wrinkles, neck folds, and body creases.

4. Pug: The Charming Small Wrinkly Dog Breed

Pugs prove that wrinkly face dogs come in all sizes! These compact companions pack just as much personality as their larger counterparts.

History: Originating in China around 400 BCE, these small wrinkly dog breeds were treasured companions to Chinese emperors and later became favorites in European royal courts.

Physical Features:

• Distinctive facial wrinkles arranged in a specific pattern
• Compact, square body weighing 14-18 pounds
• Large, round eyes that convey expression
• Flat, wrinkled face with a short muzzle
• Tightly curled tail

Personality: Outgoing, social, and eager to be involved in family activities. They have a mischievous sense of humor that seems designed to entertain their humans.

Care Essentials: Their deep facial wrinkles need regular cleaning and thorough drying to prevent skin infections. Like other brachycephalic breeds, they’re sensitive to heat and humidity.

Other Notable Wrinkly Dog Breeds

While the four breeds above might be the most famous for their wrinkles, several other dogs deserve recognition for their foldy features:

Bloodhound

With their loose, droopy skin especially prominent around the head and neck, Bloodhounds are famous for their tracking abilities. Their wrinkles actually help trap scent particles, making them excellent hunting companions.

French Bulldog

The Frenchie has English Bulldogs as ancestors but was developed in France. They have wrinkled faces like their English counterparts but sport more “squishy” features rather than droopy wrinkles and jowls. Their tall, bat-like ears are another distinctive feature.

Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff)

Also known as the French Mastiff, these dogs have large heads with distinctive deep wrinkles. They actually have the largest head-to-body ratio of any breed, and their enormous snout resembles a Bulldog’s, complete with an undershot jaw and numerous wiggling wrinkles.

Bullmastiff

A cross between the Bulldog and the Mastiff, the Bullmastiff has characteristic wrinkles across its massive head. Despite their intimidating size, they’re typically gentle and affectionate with their families.

Basset Hound

Built low to the ground with long, drooping ears and very loose skin across their whole body. Even their legs tend to have wrinkles! These dogs were bred to be scent hounds and have an excellent sense of smell.

Special Care Tips for Wrinkly Dog Breeds

If you’re thinking about bringing home one of these adorable wrinkly pups, there are some special care considerations to keep in mind:

Daily Skincare Routines

Proper skin care is essential for all wrinkly dog breeds:

• Regular Cleaning: Clean between skin folds daily using pet-safe wipes or a soft cloth dampened with warm water.
• Thorough Drying: After cleaning, ensure all folds are completely dried, as moisture is the enemy of healthy skin in wrinkly dogs.
• Inspection: While cleaning, inspect all skin folds for signs of irritation, redness, unusual odor, or discharge that might indicate infection.
• Gentle Products: Use only mild, fragrance-free products specifically formulated for sensitive canine skin when bathing.

Common Health Concerns

While each breed has specific health considerations, certain issues appear frequently across different wrinkly dog breeds:

• Skin Fold Dermatitis: The most common condition affecting wrinkly skin dogs, this inflammation develops when moisture, bacteria, and debris accumulate in skin folds.
• Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: Many wrinkly face dogs have shortened skulls that can compromise breathing passages.
• Eye Problems: The facial structure of numerous wrinkly breeds makes them prone to various eye conditions, including entropion (inward-turning eyelids).
• Heat Sensitivity: The combination of skin folds and, in many cases, shortened muzzles makes temperature regulation challenging.

Regular veterinary check-ups with professionals familiar with wrinkly breeds are essential for maintaining long-term health.

Is a Wrinkly Dog Right for You?

Before you rush out to get one of these adorably wrinkled pups, consider if your lifestyle matches their needs:

The Joys of Wrinkly Dogs

• They have distinctive appearances that draw attention
• Many form deep bonds with their families
• Their expressive faces seem to communicate emotions clearly
• With breeds ranging from tiny Pugs to massive Mastiffs, there’s likely one suited to your living situation

The Challenges

• The defining wrinkles require consistent maintenance
• Many wrinkly breeds have predispositions to certain health conditions
• Most struggle in hot, humid environments
• Some breeds, particularly those with guardian backgrounds, need consistent training

So, what is a wrinkly dog called? While the Shar Pei might take the crown for most wrinkles, there are actually many breeds that sport these adorable folds – from Bulldogs to Pugs to massive Mastiffs.

These distinctive wrinkly dog breeds offer some of the most unique and memorable companions in the canine world. Their special appearance not only makes them stand out in a crowd but also makes them some of the most photographed and adored pets worldwide.

If you’re considering adding one of these remarkable wrinkly dogs to your family, take time to research thoroughly and prepare your home for their specific needs. The rewards of sharing your life with these distinctive, lovable canines will far outweigh any additional care requirements!

Wrinkly dogs are not a specific type but refer to various dog breeds with excess, loose skin and folds, most notably the Shar Pei and Bullmastiff breeds, but also including the English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Pug, and Bloodhound. These folds can create a distinct appearance but also require specialized skin care to prevent infections by keeping the skin clean and dry.

Some prominent wrinkly dog breeds include the Shar-Pei, known for its abundant wrinkles especially when young, the English Bulldog and French Bulldog with their distinctive facial folds, the large Neapolitan Mastiff and Bullmastiff with their loose skin, and the Pug and Basset Hound with their expressive, wrinkled faces. Other examples are the Bloodhound with its jowls and the Chinese Chow Chow with its excess skin and hair.