All around the world with the different types of dog breeds, body features and characteristics are used to distinguish these dog breeds from one another.
One certain feature that differentiates dog breeds is the “dewlap.”
Which many people will refer to as the loose skin hanging around the neck and throat on breeds like the Basset Hound or Bloodhound.
What is Dewlap in Dogs?
Dewlaps otherwise called “chops” or jowls are loose folds of skin around a dog’s lower neck, a dog whose neck has no excess loose skin is called a “clean throat” or “dry throat”.
Many dog breeds that rely on scent make use of the dewlap to help trap smells.
As the dog breathes in or out, his breath stirs up the dust and molecules which carry scents directly to the dog’s nose.
While having the Dewlap is an important factor in some dog breeds, it might be a sign of a serious medical condition, which might need urgent attention. Which might lead to the dog having a sad face.
Why Do Dogs have Dewlaps?
Dog breeds with dewlaps make use of their dewlap or loose neck skin when it comes to tasks like guarding and fighting.
This is obvious in breeds like Shar-Pei which would likely win a fight with another dog because of its loose skin.
When an attacker bites the Shar-Pei, it can twist its coat and bite back or recover quickly.
The loose skin also serves as a shield between the inner body parts; and protects the dog in case an attacker bites it.
Below are breeds of dogs with Dewlaps.
1. Basset Hound
Basset hounds are a dog breed with a sturdy body built low to the ground with long, drooping ears and very loose skin across their whole body.
They tend to have short legs with wrinkles.
These dogs were bred to be scent hounds and make use of their dewlaps when detecting scents.
These dogs are curious sniffers and can follow a scent for miles.
2. Neapolitan Mastiff
Neapolitan mastiff is also another breed of dog with loose skin around its neck.
This dog breed was raised by ancient Romans as a war dog and was raised to fight in wars, which made it develop its dewlap as natural protection important to its survival.
The dewlap extends from its lower jaw to the lower area of its neck.
This dewlap is high as an important feature of the breed that its absence can be a sign of underdevelopment of the dog breed.
3. Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are most famous for being skillful detectors and are capable of tracking a scent for many miles, due to their long loose skin around its neck; large drooping ears; solemn eyes that complete an expression of dignity.
The presence of their dewlaps and powerful legs allow them to scent and reach miles of harsh terrain.
These dogs need to be guided or protected with a fenced yard as they have absolutely no road sense at all.
4. Chinese Shar-Pei
A native of South East Asia, the shar-pei breed of dogs is an alert, medium-sized dog.
The Shar-Pei has an abundance of loose skin and wrinkles covering its head, neck, and body.
This helps protect it when it’s been challenged by another dog breed.
5. Bulldogs
Bulldogs are another dog breed with loose skin around their neck, although these dogs have flattened faces due to their ancestry which involves them being used for bullbaiting.
Today’s bulldog features wrinkled jowls a reminder of his ancestry with loose neck skin.
6. French Bulldog
The French bulldog shares a common ancestry with the bulldog and also possesses loose skin around its neck which is mainly used for detecting smells and also gives this dog breed its distinctive appearance.
The French bulldog’s head and shoulder have moderate wrinkles with some of these breeds having excessively loose skin.
7. Pug
This Chinese dog breed is popular for its playfulness and loyalty and is a great companion for all types of owners and living situations.
When it comes to size, pugs are relatively small and require low maintenance.
These breeds of dogs are typically very friendly and charming.
The presence of their wrinkled faces and large, expressive eyes make them look curious.
You can find their dewlaps underneath their neck.
8. English Bulldog
English Bulldogs were originally raised in England to bait bulls.
These dog breeds are tough, muscular dogs that appear to be tough on the outside but have a friendly, sweet, and calm side.
These dogs can be easily recognized by the heavy wrinkles that surround its face and the loose skin that hangs around their mouth.
They also have loose skin in the form of dewlaps around their neck.
9. Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers have much extra skin because of their role as a working dog breed, with this extra skin helping to enhance the skills that working dogs need.
The Labrador dewlaps serve the purpose of helping the dog when tracking and also when it hunts.
This sagging skin and is thought to give them more skills.
10. Pekingese
The Pekingese dog breed is compact and dignified dog breeds with deep wrinkles accentuating its short muzzle.
The Pekingese is said to have a lion-like appearance due to the long mane around its neck, and the long loose dewlap adding to its overall furriness.
Its large, expressive eyes showcase a loyal, confident, and fairly independent demeanor.
11. Xoloitzcuintli
Xoloitzcuintli, called Xolos for short are Mexican hairless dogs with a deep sense of loyalty and a general lack of a full coat. Xolos can be very loyal watchdogs and also loving companions.
You can find their dewlaps around their neck area and whenever you see their foreheads wrinkle, then the dog is attentive or pondering about something.
Final Thoughts
Most common dog breeds have loose skin around their bodies.
While some serve the purpose of helping mothers carry their pups, others help the dog detect smells.