Which Wrinkly Puppy is Best for Children?

For anyone who grew up with a dog, some of our happiest memories were spent with our four-legged friends: going for hikes together, playing catch or tug-of-war, or merely relaxing, snuggled up together on a cold winter's day. Then, when you get older and begin to have a family of your own, you want to share that opportunity with your own little ones. Or perhaps, if you never had a dog, you want to give your children an experience you never had.

Picking the Right Wrinkly Puppy for Your Family

All dogs come in many different shapes and sizes-- as well as temperaments, and personalities. That is why it’s important to thoroughly research different dog breeds when it comes to choosing the right wrinkly puppy for your family.  Your family’s lifestyle, location, as well as temperament of different breeds are all factors to consider when choosing the best dog for you.  

For dog-lovers who prefer a wrinkly faced pooch, there are dozens of breeds out there. But which type of wrinkly puppy is best suited for being around children? In this article, we will explore a variety of different wrinkly pups, as well as examine some of the pros and cons of keeping them around kids.

Top 5 Wrinkly Puppy Picks for Children

English Bulldog

To many, these are the ultimate squishy-faced companions, becoming not just a well-loved pet, but the symbol of a nation. English Bulldogs may once have been used for combat, dating back to the 17th century. Still, since then, their loyal and courageous nature has been turned towards the families they love. These dogs have developed a gentle and protective reputation, especially towards children in a family. 

However, they can display dominance towards an owner and aggressiveness to their peers. This behavior is more prominent with males, and so many owners choose a female dog. Either way, these are great dogs for people looking after children in small houses or apartments.

Average Height: 15 inches  – 17 inches

Temperament: Gentle, Sweet, Dependable, Predictable

Life-Expectancy: 8-10 years

French Bulldog

We couldn't mention the English Bulldog without mentioning French Bulldogs as well. French Bulldogs originate from a mix between toy bulldogs, which were imported from England along with lacemakers in the 19th century, and local ratters in France. What emerged was a fun-loving, energetic little pooch. French Bulldogs have short, smooth coats, with their wrinkles being restricted to their squishy faces. 

It's hardly surprising that these pooches became popular dogs across Paris, with many still becoming enchanted with their adorable demeanour today. Given their nature, and the ease with which they can be trained, French Bulldogs make fantastic pets for children. Turn training into a game and even your kids will be able to teach them proper behavior – and perhaps even a few tricks. 

One downside is that French Bulldogs require a lot of attention. That can be great with kids aged around 8 to 12; however, any older and these wonderful pets might not get the attention and care they need. 

Average Height:  11 - 13 inches

Temperament: Easy-going, Lively, Sociable, Patient, Playful

Life-Expectancy: 10-12 years

Pug

Pugs are almost childlike themselves with their wide expressions and big, shiny eyes. Their small size also makes them a natural choice for having around kids since they are so non-threatening.  Pugs are generally known for being extremely friendly and easy to train. They're also cute as a button, and capable of expressing a range of emotions: happiness, sadness, curiosity, fear, and more. As such, a wrinkly faced pug would make a fantastic companion for a young child, being easy to read and understand. 

Pugs are suited to a range of climates, but ideally, conditions shouldn’t be too far in either hot or cold extremes.

Average Height:  10 – 12 inches

Temperament: Charming, Clever, Sociable, Playful, Attentive

Life Expectancy: 13-15 years

Neapolitan Mastiff

Neapolitan Mastiffs are gentle giants that hail from southern Italy. Their wrinkles make them adorable, and even as puppies, they cover the entirety of their body. They're a perfect companion to snuggle up with on cold days, enjoying their luxurious coats. Contrary to popular belief, bigger dogs are generally less aggressive, and Neapolitan Mastiffs are no different, displaying a quiet and calm demeanour. 

However, despite their gentleness, the clumsy nature of these dogs can make them ill-suited to very young children or toddlers – especially considering their strength. However, for older children, they can be a fantastic buddy, as they are prone to adore children when raised together. 

One negative is the constant drooling which can cause skin conditions. Consider teaching your children how to apply Squishface Wrinkle Paste on your wrinkly mastiff puppy as an essential lesson in care and responsibility. Our specially formulated paste creates a water repellent barrier to prevent rashes and irritation forming in our wrinkly faced friends that are prone to skin conditions.

Average Height:  25 – 28 inches

Temperament: Gentle, Quiet, Calm, Even-tempered

Life-Expectancy: 7-9 years

Dogue de Bordeaux

The final wrinkly pup we come to is the Dogue de Bordeaux, which as its name suggests, can trace its origins back to France. There they used to be guardians of castles, as well as being employed in hunting and fighting. However, though they are big and robust, they are wonderfully affectionate dogs. They were made famous in the 80s, following the buddy cop film Turner & Hooch. Tom Hanks played the friendly Turner; meanwhile, his adoring buddy was a beautiful Dogue de Bordeaux. 

These powerful dogs are known for being gentle and loving towards children, as well as renowned for their intelligence and stubbornness – as displayed in the movie. However, just as with Neapolitan Mastiffs, their large size can be a concern especially for young children. Therefore, if you have very young children, either wait a few years before you bring home your Dogue de Bordeaux, or ensure you are on hand to give adequate supervision.

Average Height: 23  – 26 inches

Temperament: Even-tempered, Devoted, Courageous, Sweet

Life-Expectancy:  5 - 8 years

This concludes our suggestions for which wrinkly puppy may be best for you and your family.  Whichever wrinkly faced pup captures your heart, it's important to remember that these pooches do require a little extra love and care. Though we love their squishy, wrinkly faces, those adorable wrinkles can be a source of irritation and inflammation for dogs. As such, it's essential to use Squishface Wrinkle Paste to keep those skin folds clean and dry and ensure your wrinkly pup is healthy and happy for years to come.

So, which wrinkly puppy are you going to bring home to your children?  We hope this article will help you make the best decision.  

Check out our blog on 10 things to consider before buying a puppy.