Last Updated on October 8, 2026 by admin
Squishy dog breeds are the ones with soft, loose skin, wrinkles, jowls or flat “smushed” faces: think Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Pekingese, Shar-Pei and the big mastiff breeds. The squish is lovable, but those same features bring real care needs, from cleaning skin folds to managing breathing in hot weather, so it pays to know them before you choose one.
What makes a dog “squishy”?
“Squishy” isn’t a breed group. People use it for three overlapping looks:
- Flat, squishy faces (brachycephalic breeds): short muzzles and pushed-in noses, like the Pug and French Bulldog.
- Wrinkles and loose skin: folds on the face, neck or body, like the Shar-Pei and Neapolitan Mastiff.
- Big cheeks and jowls: heavy lips and dewlaps, like the Bulldog, Bullmastiff and Dogue de Bordeaux.
If you mean soft and fluffy rather than wrinkly, breeds such as the Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise and Havanese are a better match; they are “plush” because of their coats, not their skin.
Squishy dog breeds at a glance
Size and lifespan figures below come from each breed’s American Kennel Club profile.
| Breed | Squishy feature | Height | Weight | Life expectancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulldog | Wrinkled brow, hanging jowls, flat face | 14–15 in | 40–50 lb | 8–10 years |
| French Bulldog | Flat face, soft folds | 11–13 in | Under 28 lb | 10–12 years |
| Pug | Wrinkled brow, round flat face | 10–13 in | 14–18 lb | 13–15 years |
| Boston Terrier | Short, squishy muzzle | 10–12 in | 12–25 lb | 11–13 years |
| Pekingese | Flat face plus long coat | 6–9 in | Up to 14 lb | 12–14 years |
| Chinese Shar-Pei | Deep folds on head, neck, shoulders | 18–20 in | 45–60 lb | 8–12 years |
| Bullmastiff | Wrinkled skull, well-developed cheeks | 24–27 in | 100–130 lb | 7–9 years |
| Mastiff | Deep wrinkles on head and muzzle | 27.5–30+ in | 120–230 lb | 6–10 years |
| Neapolitan Mastiff | Profuse hanging wrinkles and lips | 24–31 in | 110–150 lb | 7–9 years |
| Dogue de Bordeaux | Wrinkled face, dewlap, jowls | About 23–27 in | 99–110+ lb | 5–8 years |
Small squishy face dog breeds
1. Bulldog
The AKC describes the Bulldog as instantly recognizable by “his wrinkled brow, hanging jowls and rolling gait,” with a mellow, docile and friendly temperament. Bulldogs are low-energy and happy in apartments, but they are one of the breeds most affected by flat-face breathing problems. Their facial wrinkles need regular checks so food and moisture don’t cause irritation. See our guide to the lifespans of flat-faced breeds for how health affects longevity.
2. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is the most popular breed in the AKC’s current rankings. Frenchies have the bat ears and squishy face, weigh under 28 pounds, and are playful, alert and adaptable. Like Bulldogs, they snore, struggle in heat, and should not be over-exercised in warm weather. Weigh up the trade-offs in are French Bulldogs good dogs?
3. Pug
A Pug’s large round head, big eyes and wrinkled brow give it a range of almost human expressions. Pugs are small but solid, affectionate and a little mischievous. Clean the nose fold regularly and keep them lean, because extra weight makes breathing harder.
4. Boston Terrier
Nicknamed “the American Gentleman,” the Boston Terrier has a tuxedo coat and a short, squishy muzzle on a lively, friendly dog of 12 to 25 pounds. Bostons are more energetic than Bulldogs but share the same sensitivity to heat.
5. Pekingese
The smallest dog on this list, the Pekingese stands 6 to 9 inches tall and weighs up to 14 pounds. It combines a flat face with a long coat, so it’s both squishy and fluffy. Pekes are loyal and dignified rather than bouncy, and the long coat needs regular grooming. Their short muzzle leaves the eyes exposed, so keep an eye out for scratches and irritation.
Big squishy dog breeds with wrinkles and jowls
6. Chinese Shar-Pei
The Shar-Pei is the classic wrinkly dog: a broad “hippopotamus” muzzle, blue-black tongue, small ears and abundant folds of loose skin about the head, neck and shoulders. The AKC notes that the name translates literally as “sand skin,” describing the harsh, sandpapery coat, so a Shar-Pei is wrinkly but not actually soft to touch. They are loyal to family and standoffish with strangers, and need early socialization. Read more in our Shar-Pei puppies guide.
7. Bullmastiff
A 100- to 130-pound guardian with a broad, deep muzzle, well-developed cheeks and “a fair amount of wrinkle when alert,” per the breed standard. Bullmastiffs are calm indoors but powerful, so training and a secure yard matter.
8. Mastiff
Males can top 200 pounds. The AKC says the deep wrinkles around a Mastiff’s head, eyes and muzzle should be inspected and cleaned regularly, and adds, simply: “Mastiffs drool!” They are gentle with family, but their size alone makes them a big commitment in space, food and vet costs.
9. Neapolitan Mastiff
The AKC says the “profuse hanging wrinkles and folds, and pendulous lips” make a Mastino look like a marzipan Mastiff left out in the sun. The breed scores the maximum on the AKC’s drooling scale, so keep towels handy.
10. Dogue de Bordeaux
The French Mastiff has a huge wrinkled head and a dewlap down to the chest. The AKC notes the breed is well known for drooling and that facial wrinkles need cleaning at least weekly, sometimes daily. It also has the shortest life expectancy on this list, at 5 to 8 years.
Caring for a squishy dog
- Clean skin folds. Wipe wrinkles with a damp cloth or vet-approved wipe, then dry them fully. Trapped moisture leads to skin-fold infections. Our dog wrinkle care guide walks through it.
- Protect their breathing. Flat-faced breeds overheat easily. Walk them in cool parts of the day, keep them in air conditioning in summer, and use a harness rather than a neck collar, as VCA Animal Hospitals advises.
- Keep them lean. VCA notes obesity worsens breathing problems in brachycephalic dogs.
- Plan for drool. The mastiff breeds drool a lot; Pugs and Frenchies much less.
- Budget for vet care. Wrinkly and flat-faced breeds often need more vet visits for skin, eye and airway problems. Choose a breeder who health-tests, or consider breed rescue.
When to call your vet
Call your vet promptly if your squishy-faced dog:
- collapses or faints after exercise or in heat (see an emergency vet);
- breathes very noisily, mouth-breathes at rest, or tires after a short walk;
- retches or vomits often;
- has red, smelly or oozing skin folds;
- squints, has a red eye, or paws at its face.
FAQ
What is the squishiest dog breed?
For wrinkles, the Neapolitan Mastiff and Chinese Shar-Pei have the most loose skin. For a small squishy face, the Pug, French Bulldog and Bulldog are the usual answers.
What dog breeds have chubby cheeks?
Breeds with full cheeks and jowls include the Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Mastiff and Dogue de Bordeaux. Pugs and Frenchies look chubby-cheeked because of their short, round faces.
Are squishy face dogs healthy?
Many live full lives, but flat-faced breeds are prone to brachycephalic airway syndrome, and wrinkly breeds are prone to skin-fold infections. Keeping them lean, cool and clean helps a lot.
What is the softest dog breed?
If you want a soft coat rather than soft skin, look at Bichon Frises, Havanese and Shih Tzus. The Shar-Pei, despite its wrinkles, has a harsh, sandpapery coat.