Why we love wrinkly dogs
Wrinkly dogs have a special kind of charm. Their expressive faces, folded skin, and slow, thoughtful blinks can melt the hardest heart. For many owners, those folds are a signature feature, giving each dog an endearing, almost cartoonish personality. But those same wrinkles, sweet as they are, come with unique care needs. This post is a warm, practical guide for owners and pet carers who want to keep these pups happy, healthy, and comfortable.
Meet the eight wrinkly breeds we adore
Below you’ll find a friendly snapshot of eight breeds known for their folds. For each one, I include a little about temperament, what their wrinkles mean for daily care, and the kind of home they often thrive in.
1. English Bulldog
Appearance: Broad, stocky body with deep face wrinkles and a pushed-in nose.
Personality: Gentle, affectionate, and often laid-back. They love short walks and long cuddle sessions.
Care notes: Those facial folds should be checked and gently cleaned frequently, especially around the mouth. Bulldogs can be sensitive to heat, so keep them cool on warm days.
2. French Bulldog
Appearance: Compact with bat-like ears and charming face folds.
Personality: Playful, slightly mischievous, and devoted to their people.
Care notes: Their short snouts mean exercise should be moderated in hot weather. Skin fold care, ear checks, and gentle dental routines help prevent irritation.
3. Shar Pei
Appearance: Famous for deep, sand-paper textured wrinkles from head to body as puppies, which may smooth a bit with age.
Personality: Loyal, independent, and sometimes a little reserved with strangers.
Care notes: Shar Peis need regular cleaning between heavy folds, and their skin can be prone to allergies. Early social contact helps them feel secure with different people and animals.
4. Neapolitan Mastiff
Appearance: Massive and noble, with loose skin and dramatic facial folds.
Personality: Calm and protective, but affectionate with family.
Care notes: Their size means joint-friendly exercise and careful handling. Focus on fold hygiene and regular vet check-ins for any mobility concerns.
5. Pug
Appearance: Small and stocky with deep facial folds and big round eyes.
Personality: Clownish, social, and food-motivated.
Care notes: Pugs can overheat easily and may snore or snort because of their short muzzle. Keep skincare simple and consistent, and watch their weight.
6. Bloodhound
Appearance: Long, drooping skin and loose folds around the face and neck.
Personality: Gentle giants with an incredible sense of smell and a calm demeanor.
Care notes: Their ears and facial folds need regular attention to prevent moisture buildup. They enjoy long noses-down walks that let them follow scents for enrichment.
7. Brussels Griffon
Appearance: Small with a distinctive wrinkled brow and expressive face.
Personality: Alert, affectionate, and often very bonded to one person or family.
Care notes: Their facial folds are smaller but still deserve light cleaning. They do well in apartments and love interactive play.
8. Neapolitan Mastiff (listed for emphasis)
Note: We included Neapolitan Mastiff earlier because it’s often overlooked, but this breed deserves special mention for how their dramatic skin folds affect daily life. They require a calm home, patient training, and carers comfortable with large-breed handling.
Common wrinkle-related needs
Wrinkly dogs have some shared care priorities. Here are practical, easy-to-follow tips you can use at home or share with a pet carer.
Skin fold care
- Check the folds daily. Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe between folds. Dry thoroughly with a soft towel to keep moisture from lingering. Moist, dark places can encourage irritation.
- Use pet-safe cleansing wipes or a vet-recommended mild cleanser if needed. Use sparingly and rinse if the product recommends it.
- If you notice redness, odor, frequent flaking, or your dog seems bothered by the area, consider contacting a vet. These signs may indicate an infection or allergy.
Bathing and drying
- Bathe according to the breed and lifestyle. Some wrinkly breeds need frequent baths, especially if they have skin issues. Others do fine with monthly bathing and spot cleaning.
- After any bath, pay extra attention to drying folds. A soft towel and gentle air-drying in a warm room can help. Avoid forcing air directly into folds.
Ears, eyes, and noses
- Many wrinkly breeds have ears that retain moisture. Keep ears dry and inspect for redness or unusual discharge.
- Eyes can be sensitive. Check for tear staining, redness, or signs of discomfort. If eyes bulge or tear excessively, a vet visit may be wise.
- Short-nosed breeds can have breathing quirks and may struggle in high heat. Keep walks short on hot days and prioritize shade and water.
Diet and weight management
- Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on joints and skin folds. Quality food, portion control, and regular exercise tailored to the breed can help.
- If your dog develops recurring skin issues, consider discussing diet with your vet. Certain food sensitivities may be a factor.
Grooming and trimming
- Regular grooming keeps wrinkles clean and reduces trapped hair or debris. For some breeds, professional grooming is helpful every few months.
- Nail trimming, dental care, and paw checks are part of routine grooming. Don’t forget to look between paw pads for trapped dirt.
Exercise and enrichment
- Many wrinkly breeds prefer short bursts of play over long endurance activities. Puzzle toys, scent games, and gentle fetch sessions can keep them engaged without overheating.
- Adapt activities to your dog’s abilities and age. Senior dogs may need softer surfaces and shorter walks.
Training, socialization, and temperament tips
Wrinkly dogs come in many personalities. For the best outcomes, start socialization early, use positive reinforcement, and respect each dog’s boundaries.
- Keep training sessions short and fun. Little wins build confidence, especially for independent breeds like the Shar Pei.
- Reward calm behavior. Some wrinkly breeds are naturally relaxed, and rewarding that calmness helps them feel secure.
- For protective breeds, structured introductions to new people and pets help them learn appropriate reactions.
When to call a vet
Consider contacting a vet if you notice:
- Persistent redness or foul smell coming from skin folds.
- Sudden changes in appetite or energy.
- Recurrent ear infections or eye discharge.
- Difficulty breathing, especially after mild exertion.
These signs can be symptoms of underlying issues that may need professional care. Using gentle language with owners and carers helps everyone take prompt action.
Choosing a pet carer who knows wrinkly breeds
Finding someone who understands a wrinkly dog’s special needs makes life easier for everyone. Here are practical things to look for when you interview a sitter, walker, or groomer on Floofy.
- Ask about experience. Have they cared for your specific breed or similar short-muzzled or folded-skin breeds?
- Ask for details. How do they clean skin folds, and what steps do they take to prevent overheating?
- Request references or past client reviews that mention wrinkle care.
- Arrange a meet-and-greet. Watch how the carer handles your dog, checks folds, and responds if the dog shows signs of discomfort.
- Discuss emergency plans. A good carer will know the nearest vet and understand the basics of first response for breathing or skin emergencies.
A short checklist you can share or use during interviews:
- Comfortable handling head and face
- Knows how to clean and dry skin folds
- Understands heat intolerance in short-nosed breeds
- Will check ears and eyes during visits
- Agrees to follow your grooming and feeding routines
Preparing your dog for a new carer
- Create a short care sheet with key notes: folding hotspots, favorite treats, daily routines, medication schedules, and vet contact details.
- Demonstrate how you clean folds and any calming cues you use. Small rituals help carers keep things consistent.
- Start with short visits to build trust. A 30 to 60 minute trial can show how your dog responds and how the carer manages the dog’s special needs.
Final thoughts
Wrinkly dogs bring oodles of personality and warmth into our homes. Their folds are part of what makes them unique, and a little thoughtful care goes a long way. With routine cleaning, sensible exercise, and carers who understand the quirks of wrinkly breeds, these dogs can live comfortable, joyful lives.
If you’re looking for carers experienced with wrinkly dogs, Floofy is a great place to start. Use the checklist above, meet carers in person, and share what makes your dog special. A little preparation and the right partnership will help your wrinkly companion thrive.
Thanks for loving these wonderful dogs. If you have a wrinkly pup, tell us about them, and share your best care tips with the Floofy community.