Every dog breed has its typical characteristics by which you can recognize them. A rather unusual feature is a strong wrinkle expression.
In this article you will find out which dog breeds are hidden behind the folds and which even got a role in Harry Potter.
11 dogs with wrinkles at a glance
Dog breeds with a pronounced formation of wrinkles get their unique appearance from an excess of loose skin. In addition, too much hyaluronic acid is stored in the skin.
The wrinkle effect can be bred, but one should not overdo it when breeding wrinkled dogs, as too many wrinkles can also pose health risks for the dog.
The folds have different purposes. While these may appear cute and cuddly on small dogs, they add a dangerous and aggressive edge to a large guard dog.
1. Shar Pei
The Shar Pei is probably the most famous representative of the wrinkled dogs. His looks even landed him in an anti-aging commercial by cosmetics manufacturer Garnier.
The Shar Pei is not a questionable trend breed, rather it is a breed from China that dates back very far and was mainly used as a guard dog.
In the mid-19th century, the Shar Pei was considered almost extinct until breeders rediscovered this breed.
Shar Pei puppies have a lot of excess skin, which they will grow into over time. The wrinkle effect is thus slowly lost. Overbred wrinkle formation severely restricts the otherwise agile dog’s quality of life.
2. Pug
There is hardly anyone who does not know the pug. The kissable face with the big googly eyes also originally comes from China.
Wrinkles and creases on the face are additionally emphasized by an extremely short bred nose. Pugs also have loose skin on their backs.
Extreme breeding often ensures that the folds and wrinkles, especially on the face, become easily inflamed.
Originally, pugs were considered to be very robust dogs. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to acquire a healthy Pug.
The dog should not have too many wrinkles and should have a clear nose for better breathing.
3. Mastiff
Mastiff breeding has a tradition that has been tried and tested for centuries. They were once popular companions on war expeditions and were also used for wild boar and bear hunting.
Later, the dogs, which weighed up to 90 kilograms, were abused by the British nobility for cruel show fights with bears.
Today, mastiffs are considered so-called list dogs and may only be kept with special proof. Animals from reputable breeders have a high stimulus threshold and are not inherently aggressive. However, she is characterized by a high level of defensive readiness.
4. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a deliberate breed of bulldog and mastiff. The formation of wrinkles is particularly pronounced on the forehead. These wrinkles give the dog a unique and expressive facial expression.
A bit curious: Instead of loudly barking, Bullmastiffs frown when they become aware of something. This trait made him very popular as a guard dog for game wardens and park rangers.
Today he finds his destiny equally as a police and family dog. The originally non-aggressive animal loves its family, is easy to train and sovereign. He always keeps his own head.
5. Neapolitan Mastiff
You probably know this wrinkled giant from the famous Harry Potter series alongside Hagrid. He, too, has a long tradition. This breed is believed to have descended from Roman war dogs.
The Neapolitan Mastiff has large folds and hanging lips. His expression is therefore comfortable to sad, which says nothing about his actual, enormous potential. He has a calm and easy-going nature and is considered to be very loyal.
This four-legged friend does not belong in a beginner’s household, but in the hands of experienced dog owners. In many places, keeping them requires a permit.
Additionally, this wrinkled dog, prone to drooling due to its anatomy, is among the most expensive dog breeds.
6. Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux has many folds in the head area, which extend over the shoulder and become less in the back.
The dog, which weighs around 50 kilograms, found its origins as a pig packer and bear biter. Later he was used more and more often as a guard dog.
The Bordeaux mastiff became famous in the nineties as the leading actor “Huutsch” alongside Tom Hanks alias Scott in the Hollywood film Scott & Huutsch. The drooling and all-destroying dog proved to be a cuddly hero.
7. English Bulldog
The English bulldog found its origins in old Bullenbeisser breeds. However, the dog, which is sporty by nature, lives in a body that is not designed for this.
The wrinkled and short bred snout often leads to breathing problems in the four-legged friends. Wrinkles on the face also require regular care so that they do not become inflamed.
Despite having a rather fierce appearance, the English bulldog is an affectionate and loyal dog.
8. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is more of a pocket-sized mastiff. It brings along all the characteristics of its larger relatives. She is known to be confident, alert and smart.
The French bulldogs inherited the facial wrinkles typical of bulldogs from their ancestors, the «bull biters».
9. Bloodhound
Bloodhound breeding dates back to Belgian monks in the Ardennes and continued in Britain in the eleventh century.
The naming does not refer to a special blood thirstiness of this breed, but to its «pure blood». The naming was intended to further reinforce the purebred character.
The Bloodhound is considered a sympathetic stubborn person who never asserts his will aggressively. He is friendly towards people and other dogs.
Bloodhounds tend to drool. Today, oversized wrinkles and drooping eyelids are often bred into the sporty dog.
10. Fila Brasileiro
The Fila Brasileiro is related to the Bloodhound, but its wrinkles are more pronounced. It came to South America a long time ago with the Spaniards and Portuguese, where it was popular as a herd dog and guard dog, but also on slave plantations.
This breed is considered an all-rounder, because they also have a very good nose. The Fila Brasileiro is considered very loyal to its caregivers, but they should have a lot of experience in dealing with dogs.
11. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound was initially bred for the purpose of hunting rabbits in a cross between the French Basset Hound and the English Bloodhound.
An American shoe label still uses the basset as a logo for their brand to this day.
Fashion breeds today often result in dogs with excessively loose skin and ears that are too long. The loose skin creases even on the legs. The stocky dogs are therefore less suitable for sporting activities due to their sluggishness.