Dogs come in different sizes and skin coats, but the one thing that makes a dog appear really adorable is its wrinkles! It’s hilarious that some dogs are born with that grandpa skin, giving them a serious yet cuddle-worthy appearance.
They have furrowed brows, and the folds on their coats will take you some time to count. You’ll find wrinkles on their face and furrows above the brows that will make them look absolutely adorable!
If you want a pet dog that looks like a dumpling, check out these dog breeds known for being wrinkly.
Dog Breeds Known For Being Wrinkly
1. Shar-Pei
Wanna know which dog is absolutely cuddle worthy with the massive wrinkles, it is the Shar-Pei!
Biological Explanation Of Its Wrinkles:
Shar-Pei’s wrinkles are a genetic mutation. They arise owing to the genetic mutation that occurs in the hyaluronic acid synthase 2gene. Thanks to this mutation, your pet dog appears all wrinkly and cute!
As per Science Daily, this alteration in the genes makes a special enzyme in the body produce a lot of hyaluronic acid, which accumulates underneath the skin and creates wrinkles.
Impact Of The Wrinkles
Yes, Purina righty says that these wrinkles and folds make the dog look squish-worthy. But, there is a downside to them! There is a need to put special attention on cleaning these folds, or else they are prone to various allergies.
Atopy is a common skin issue with a visible effect on the skin folds and belly.
Cleaning The Folds:
Clean their wrinkles daily
Bathe regularly
Dry the wrinkles properly to control moisture from trapping in them
Use a dog-friendly balm
2. Bloodhound
Bloodhounds have wrinkles around the head and neck, which give this dog breed a distinct appearance.
Significance Of Its Wrinkles
These wrinkles are not useless! Rather, they support its keen sense of smell. When the droopy ears of this dog track a scent, the wrinkles trap it. This way, the Bloodhound is able to hold that scent for a long period and detect the prey.
Also, these dogs have loose skin, which ensures they don’t get hurt while hunting large prey.
Bloodhound is a dignified and serious dog! You can call it the professor of the dog world, and this dog’s wrinkles give it this tag!
Impact Of The Wrinkles
Obviously, these wrinkles also have the potential to hold moisture. Hence, bacteria can accumulate here and let an infection occur.
Deep wrinkles are more prone to catching infections as they can trap moisture easily.
Cleaning The Folds:
Use dog-specific wipes to clean the folds
Dry the folds properly
Clean the droopy ears as well
3. English Bulldog
The loose skin and folds of an English Bulldog are a trademark of its distinct formation.
Value Of Its Wrinkles
These dogs were originally bred for bull-baiting. These folds and wrinkles would resist the grip of a bull during this activity.
Today, the squishy face of this dog makes it one of the most popular dog breeds out there, especially a favorite amongst the kids!
Impact Of The Wrinkles
The English Bulldog is prone to developing infections if moisture remains in the folds. It is especially prone to becoming prey to dermatitis. As soon as you witness the signs of an infection, rush to the vet!
Cleaning The Folds:
Invest in a good quality wrinkle paste designed for dogs and use it as a gel on the folds
Don’t use products containing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide
Use medicated wipes to clean the wrinkles
4. Basset Hound
This adorable hound dog has unlimited wrinkles spreading all across its face, head, and neck.
Purpose of The Wrinkles
Apart from making the Basset Hound appear cute, these wrinkles serve a special purpose. These dogs were originally bred to be hunters and go after pests and small game. They had to go into the burrows for that.
Their ears would drag on the ground and pick up scents. The wrinkles on the neck, also known as dewlap, would trap the scent and hold it for a long time. Hence, it would get pretty easy for the dog to catch its prey!
Wrinkles Or No Wrinkles?
You may have come across some Bassets with fewer wrinkles than others. Well, the larger bassets have more bone compared to the smaller ones, and hence they have loose skin, which makes them appear more wrinkly when compared to the smaller dogs. This Reddit thread says that as the dog grows, it tends to get more saggy and wrinkly.
Cleaning The Folds:
Use cotton balls to clean the folds
Get a dry cloth to pat the area
Invest in some antiseptic wipes with chlorhexidine in them
Avoid using rough chemicals around the wrinkles
5. Neapolitan Mastiff
A major defining feature of the gentle Neapolitan Mastiff is its loose, hanging wrinkles.
Intent of The Ruffles
Wrinkles on this gentle giant are a result of its specific breeding. In Italy, they were bred in this way to give them a gigantic, imposing appearance. These big wrinkles are a descriptive characteristic of the Molosser family of dogs that have massive folds around the body.
Alongside this, the loose skin around their face acts like a physical barrier. Overall, this wrinkly breed sends a strong message to the stranger and deters any kind of intrusion.
When used in fighting, the massive folds help the dog stay protected against bites. Today, their big bodies and scary appearance make them phenomenal guard dogs.
Care Regarding Wrinkles
One thing that you, as a dog parent, need to remember is that this dog drools a lot! Hence, the chances of moisture trapping in its wrinkles are higher than what it is for other dogs. You’ll have to make some special efforts to keep this dog away from infections.
Cleaning The Folds:
Dry the wrinkles after cleaning with a wet cloth to avoid bacterial growth
Use mild, dog-friendly shampoos for bathing
Opt for professional grooming once in a while
6. Pug
This dog was loved by the Chinese emperors owing to its adorable wrinkles and folds, and the same love is now shown by the kids!
Significance of The Wrinkles
Back in the day, the Chinese emperors would keep the wrinkled Pug around them as they would consider these folds and wrinkles as a symbol of luck. As a matter of fact, they would consider the most wrinkly pug to be the luckiest one for them!
Wrinkles Make Them Expressive
In today’s time, the concept of the dog’s wrinkles being ‘lucky’ has become obsolete. However, these wrinkles still contribute to making the dog appear adorable.
In fact, the Pugs with an affectionate nature have an expressive face owing to these creases. Their wrinkles and gentle nature surely distinguish them from other breeds.
Cleaning The Folds:
Use malactic wipes to clean the wrinkles
Clean the V-shaped pattern of creases on the forehead daily
Softly dab between every crease with an unscented wipe
7. Dogue de Bordeaux
Dogue de Bordeaux has a characteristic wrinkled appearance, setting it apart from all other dogs.
Occurrence Of Wrinkles
This dog has symmetrical wrinkles on the face and folds around the muzzle. It has loose skin around its head and neck, which makes these wrinkles appear prominent. When the dog is in its learning stage and trying to be attentive, you’ll notice its wrinkles being really visible.
Also, these wrinkles are a result of selective breeding. Breedes made sure to retain these folds as a special physical characteristic of this dog.
Functionality of These Wrinkles
These wrinkles are not useless! Rather, they make them appear like powerful dogs and give them an imposing presence. While guarding a property or patrolling an area, they work as sturdy deterrents against criminals.
Cleaning The Folds:
Use pet-friendly wipes
Remove dirt and debris every day
Use a pet-safe and antifungal balm
8. Xoloitzcuintli
The wrinkled foreheads set these dogs apart from others and make them appear sober!
Development of The Wrinkles
Xolos, the hairless dogs, tend to develop these wrinkles since puppyhood. In fact, these wrinkles are most noticeable when they are puppies. As the dog matures, these wrinkles get a bit softer.
Though it’s true that this hairless dog is sensitive to extreme heat and high temperatures, the wrinkly skin doesn’t really get affected by it.
Significance of These Wrinkles
It is one of many wrinkly dogs that are distinguished by their wrinkly skin. These wrinkles help the dog regulate its temperature. They play a major role in heat dissipation and keeping the dog comfortable even in a super-warm environment.
Cleaning The Folds:
Prevent dirt buildup by cleaning it regularly
Moisturize the skin with a chemical-free product
9. Chow Chow
Thanks to Chow Chow’s big bodies and wrinkly skin, you will never confuse them for any other dog!
Significance of The Wrinkles
If you have ever seen this dog, you would notice that it has a distinctive “scowl” or frowning face. The wrinkles contribute to this appearance, making this dog appear distinctive.
The funny part about this is that a lot of people think the dog with a muscular body is ‘angry’, judging by its frowning expression. Well, that’s not the reality! It is just a natural expression of the dog and not its mood.
An Issue With The Wrinkles
Though they seem harmless, there is a problem associated with them. At times, these wrinkles lead to the eyelids rolling inwards. In such situations, the cornea is irritated, and it eventually leads to vision problems.
Cleaning The Folds:
Constantly groom the wringles by removing the trapped dirt and moisture
A damp cloth works well in cleaning the folds
Use cotton swabs if you find the wrinkles getting red while cleaning
10. French Bulldog
Selective breeding gives the French Bulldog its characteristic face filled with wrinkles and creases.
Wrinkled History
The French Bulldog inherited this physical trait from the English Bulldog ancestors. Initially, these wrinkles would give protection during fights. However, in today’s time, these wrinkles are just there to make the dog appear cute and cuddly.
Wrinkles On A brachycephalic face
The French Bulldog is famous for having a brachycephalic face. Wrinkles get more prominent on such a face, making it a distinctive facial feature. At times, these expressions make them comical as well. They are a great addition to their playful and affectionate nature, making them phenomenal family dogs with kids.
Cleaning The Folds:
Get a good supply of pet-safe wrinkle wipes and clean the folds with them
Remove dirt and debris from the folds, especially after playtime
Be gentle with their sensitive skin
Conclusion
Be it a small dog with wrinkles on its face or a muscular dog with unlimited folds around its body, these dog breeds are surely distinct from others.
However, these wrinkles are to be taken proper care of by making sure they are kept clean at all times. They are prone to infections and can easily become a home for bacteria. Keep an eye on them!
