6 dog breeds that always look sad

Dog breeds around the world have their own physical traits, behaviours and personalities that make them special. Some stand out for their impressive coats, size or energy, while others win over animal lovers with their facial expressions. Among them are dogs that seem to look sad all the time, even when they are happy and comfortable.

This melancholy appearance is often down to natural features such as drooping eyes, long ears, loose facial skin and wrinkles around the muzzle. A dog's expression does not necessarily reflect how it feels, however. Many of these breeds are playful, affectionate and sociable, showing their happiness through body movements, interactions and loving behaviour.

Here are six breeds known for their sad-looking expressions.

1. Basset hound: a sad-looking dog breed

Originally from France and also developed in Great Britain, the basset hound is among the breeds best known for its melancholy expression. Drooping eyes, exceptionally long ears and folds of skin around its face give it a sad appearance. This medium-sized dog has an elongated body supported by short, strong legs. Its short, smooth, dense coat can combine white, black, brown and other shades typical of scent hounds. Despite its serious expression, it is usually calm, affectionate and sociable.

2. Bloodhound

The bloodhound is a European breed historically linked to Belgium and later developed in Great Britain. Loose skin, deep wrinkles on its head, long ears and drooping eyes make it easy to recognise and give it a notably melancholy expression. It is a large dog with a short, dense and hardy coat, which can be black and tan, liver and tan, or red. In a family setting, it is generally gentle, patient and affectionate.

3. St Bernard

The St Bernard originated in the Swiss Alps and became known for its historical role in rescue operations in mountainous regions. As well as its impressive size, it has a large head, soft-looking eyes, slightly drooping eyelids and hanging cheeks, which can give it a sad appearance. Its dense coat can be short or long and is generally white with reddish or brown patches. Although imposing in appearance, it usually has a calm, patient and loving temperament.

4. Neapolitan mastiff

An Italian breed, the Neapolitan mastiff is a large dog distinguished by its sturdy appearance and the amount of loose skin around its head and neck. Deep wrinkles, eyes partly covered by folds and drooping cheeks give it a serious, melancholy expression. Its short, dense, smooth coat can be grey, black, mahogany or fawn. Historically used as a guard dog, it has a strong protective instinct and tends to be very attached to its family.

5. Clumber spaniel

Developed in England, although some accounts suggest it may have French ancestors, the clumber spaniel has a naturally sleepy and melancholy expression. Its deep-set eyes, drooping eyelids, long ears and broad head all contribute to this look. It has an elongated body, relatively short legs and a plentiful, dense coat that is predominantly white, sometimes with orange or yellow markings. As a family dog, it is usually gentle, calm, intelligent and affectionate.

6. English bulldog

Originally from England, the English bulldog is readily identified by its flat face, deep wrinkles, drooping cheeks and rounded eyes, which can give it a sad or worried expression. This medium-sized dog has a compact, muscular and sturdy body, with a broad chest and relatively short legs. Its short, smooth, fine coat can be white, fawn, red or brindle. Despite its serious look, it is generally affectionate, sociable and very attached to its family.