It might seem like a silly question at first glance, but it’s a valid one! After all, unlike human lips, a dog’s lips are a bit different and not as easily identifiable.
Dogs do indeed have lips. But unlike humans, their lips aren’t designed for sipping through straws or for applying lipstick. The structure and function of a dog’s lips are unique to their species, serving purposes more suited to their way of life.
Dog lips, also known as the ‘labia,’ can be found around their mouth and run along the sides, ending near the loose skin of their cheeks.
On many dogs, the lips are not highly visible, while some breeds have very prominent, droopy, and even wrinkly lips.
In the following article, we cover 11 dog breeds known for their big, bold, and often drool-filled lips. From Bulldogs to Dogo Argentinos, we’ve compiled a list of pooches that blow the biggest kisses!
11 Dog Breeds With Amazingly Big Lips
Sit back and let us lead you on a tour of the dog world’s best and biggest smackers. Prepare to pucker up – it’s about to get slobbery!
1. Bulldog
Bulldogs are the showstoppers of the dog world when it comes to lips. These dogs are renowned for their big, saggy jowls that droop over the sides of their mouths. The ample lips not only look adorable but also serve a functional purpose.
Historically, their wide mouths and hanging flaps of skin were designed to channel blood away from their eyes during battles with bulls. Nowadays, they help make that adorable slobbery kiss even more unforgettable.
- Fun Fact: Despite their tough guy looks, Bulldogs are known to be quite the snorers! This is mostly due to their short snouts and the loose skin on their face.
In general, bulldogs are medium-sized dogs with a muscular build and a characteristic wrinkled face. They are known for their loose, saggy skin, and of course, those incredible lips.
Bulldogs are usually friendly, courageous, and calm, and make excellent family pets. While they’re not the most active breed, their loyalty and ability to form strong bonds with children make them a popular choice for families worldwide.
2. Bloodhound
Bloodhounds take the “big lips” game to a whole new level. Their lips are so enormous that they frequently drag on the ground. One might say it’s their built-in mop for cleaning your floors! Those big, droopy lips work alongside their wrinkled skin and large droopy ears to help funnel scent towards the nose, making them one of the best scent-tracking breeds in the world.
- Fun Fact: Bloodhounds have the best sense of smell of any dog breed. In fact, their tracking results can be used as evidence in a court of law.
Bloodhounds are large dogs known for their extraordinary tracking abilities. Their sense of smell is so advanced it can be used as evidence in a court of law. Despite their serious working capabilities, Bloodhounds are very gentle and friendly. They are excellent with children and other pets and enjoy being part of the family. A bloodhound might be a bit stubborn at times, but their charming personality makes it all worth it.
3. Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is another breed blessed with impressively large lips. Their lips are so prominent that they’re practically a signature feature of the breed. These dogs have big, heavy, hanging upper lips that create an unmistakably serious (and slightly goofy) expression. It’s a drool fest waiting to happen, but fans of the breed wouldn’t have it any other way.
- Fun Fact: The Neapolitan Mastiff has appeared in various movies throughout the years, including the “Harry Potter” series as Hagrid’s pet dog, Fang.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are one of the largest breeds in existence, often weighing up to 150 pounds. They’re protective and somewhat reserved, making them excellent guard dogs. But don’t let their size and stern expression fool you. Underneath that tough exterior, they are gentle giants who are deeply devoted to their family. They are calm, peaceful dogs, always ready for a nap on a comfortable sofa.
4. Boxer
Boxers are also a breed that sports a prominent lip feature. Their lips are big and droopy, often sticking out from their faces in a comical display. It’s almost as if they’re pouting, making it hard for their owners to say no to their charming faces.
- Fun Fact: Boxers get their name from their playful behavior. When they get excited, they have a tendency to jump up and “punch” with their paws, almost like a boxer in the ring.
Boxers are medium-to-large dogs known for their muscular build, playful nature, and boundless energy. They are intelligent, which makes training relatively easy, and they’re loyal, making them great family pets. Boxers are extremely affectionate and love nothing more than spending time with their human family. If you don’t mind a bit of drool and a lot of fun, a Boxer might just be the perfect breed for you!
5. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards have some of the biggest lips in the canine world. These dogs have incredibly large, droopy lips, often hanging down past their jaws. But those big lips are part of what gives Saint Bernards their distinctive, lovable appearance. Their smooches might be a bit slobberier than most, but that just adds to their charm!
- Fun Fact: The heaviest recorded Saint Bernard weighed a whopping 365 pounds. That’s about the size of two average-sized human adults!
Saint Bernards are massive dogs known for their kind, gentle nature. Originally bred to be alpine rescue dogs, they are quite comfortable in colder climates. Despite their size, they’re known for being great with kids and are often described as “gentle giants”. They might need a bit more space to move around, but their loving and friendly nature makes them a wonderful addition to many families.
6. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland dog breed has some of the most distinctive lips in the canine world. These dogs have large, droopy lips that often hang down past their lower jaw. But watch out – those lips can produce quite a bit of drool, especially around mealtimes or when they’re hot.
- Fun Fact: Newfoundlands are excellent swimmers, thanks in part to their webbed feet. These dogs were originally bred to help fishermen in Canada.
Newfoundlands, or “Newfies” as they are often affectionately called, are large dogs originally bred for water rescue. They have a sweet, gentle nature and are known for being great with children. Despite their size, they’re quite agile and they absolutely love swimming. Newfies are loyal, intelligent, and make excellent family pets.
7. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are undeniably the supermodels of the canine world when it comes to lips. Their incredibly long, droopy lips are perfect for picking up scents, but also for getting caught in their food and water dishes. This might be a messy situation for some, but for Basset Hound lovers, it’s just part of the package.
- Fun Fact: Basset Hounds have the longest ears of any dog breed. They can even trip over them while eating or running!
Basset Hounds are medium-sized dogs with remarkably short legs, droopy ears, and of course, their iconic lips. They are quite laid-back, often happy to just lounge around, but they are also known for their keen sense of smell. Despite their sometimes serious expression, Basset Hounds are actually quite friendly and gentle, making them excellent family pets.
8. Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, is another breed with impressively large lips. Their heavy, pendulous lips give them a somewhat serious expression, but those familiar with the breed know that underneath, they’re just big softies.
- Fun Fact: The Dogue de Bordeaux has one of the shortest life expectancies of any breed, typically living only about 5 to 8 years.
Dogue de Bordeaux are large, powerful dogs with a calm and balanced temperament. They are very loyal and protective of their families, which makes them excellent guard dogs. However, they are also known for being gentle and patient, especially with children. Dogue de Bordeaux do require a firm, confident owner, as they can be quite headstrong.
9. Clumber Spaniel
Clumber Spaniels are blessed with adorably large, hanging lips that give them a unique, somewhat solemn expression. But let’s be honest, it just makes us love them more. Their droopy lips can sometimes lead to a bit of drooling, but their owners swear it’s a small price to pay for the love these dogs give.
- Fun Fact: The Clumber Spaniel got its name from Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, UK, where the breed was first developed.
Clumber Spaniels are the largest of the spaniel breeds, known for their low, heavy build and relaxed temperament. Despite their somewhat lazy demeanor, they are intelligent and enjoy a good play session. Clumber Spaniels make excellent companions due to their affectionate and gentle nature.
10. Shar Pei
Shar Peis might be best known for their wrinkles, but they also have some impressively large lips. Their lips, along with their broad muzzle and the unique shape of their head, give them a distinctive appearance that is unmistakable.
- Fun Fact: Shar Peis were originally bred as palace guards in ancient China. In the 1970s, the breed was so rare that it was considered one of the world’s rarest dog breeds.
Shar Peis are medium-sized dogs that were originally bred as guard dogs in China. They are known for their calm, confident demeanor and loyalty to their families. **Despite their somewhat aloof personality, Shar Peis are very devoted to their family and are known to be quite protective.
11. Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino has an impressive set of lips as well. Like many other breeds on this list, they are quite droopy, adding to their overall expressive and somewhat comical appearance. But don’t be deceived by their funny looks – these dogs are strong and powerful.
- Fun Fact: Dogo Argentinos have been trained for a variety of roles including police assistance, search and rescue, military work, and service dog work. Their versatile nature and high intelligence make them adaptable to many situations.
Dogo Argentinos are large, muscular dogs originally bred in Argentina for big game hunting, including wild boar. They are protective and brave, which makes them excellent guard dogs. However, they are also very friendly and affectionate with their families. Dogo Argentinos require a confident, experienced owner as they can be quite strong-willed and require plenty of exercise.