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While all canines are cute and lovable in their own way, some breeds are known more for their appearance than others. Yes, there is a long list of cute canines, but what about those on the other end of the spectrum? I’m talking about those dogs that some people think are ugly, the ones that only a mother could love. For the record, I don’t think any of these dogs are ugly. I am a dog mom to one of these breeds, and several people come up to me every year and say, “What an ugly dog you have.” Thanks for your unwanted opinion, loser. I share a picture of my Bull Terrier mix, Bonkers, and you can see how cute he is.
Ugly dog breeds are sometimes quite extraordinary, with their unique appearance adding to their overall charm. We all know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and what one dog owner considers adorable, another person might not find cute at all. So, wherever you stand on the strange-looking dog spectrum, let me introduce you to 15 of the “ugliest” dog breeds and my experience owning an “ugly” pup. Plus, I share the world’s “ugliest” dog, and let me tell you, he is wildly adorable.
Characteristics Of “Ugly” Dogs
So, what makes a dog “ugly”? A few distinct characteristics might make some pups stand out as unattractive. These include droopy faces, bulging eyes, short legs, oddly shaped bodies, underbites, overbites, odd posture, wrinkly skin, lack of hair, and long, shaggy hair. Additionally, some of these breeds have been bred to have unusual shapes or sizes, which can also make them appear less than attractive. However, science shows that some folks have an innate preference for these unusual-looking animals.
Ugliest Dog Of The Year (2024)
Some people love ugly pups so much that ugly dog contests happen yearly across the globe. One of the longest-running contests in the world is the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California. The World’s Ugliest Dog contest has been going on for nearly half a century in Petaluma, and it aims to celebrate pets’ imperfections.
The latest ugliest dog winner was crowned in June 2024 and went to Wild Thang from Oregon, is an eight-year-old Pekingese. This is his fifth time as a contestant (but his first time winning). And boy, does he look like a wild thing!
Here is a snippet of Wild Thang’s winner profile.
Wild Thang contracted distemper as a puppy from a rescue foster. Sadly, thousands of dollars later, the other puppy did not make it, but Wild Thang did, barely. He survived, but not without permanent damage. His teeth did not grow in, causing his tongue to stay out, and his right front leg paddles 24/7. Other than that, he is a healthy, happy, glugly (glamorous/ugly) guy. He loves people, other dogs, and especially his toys. His purpose in life is to promote the necessity of vaccinating your pets. Wild Thang has an Instagram account (Wildthangofficial), allowing him to keep in touch with all his friends.
– Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California
Check out this short video showing Wild Thang in action, along with the other imperfectly perfect canine contestants.
15 Ugly Dog Breeds
Below, I describe some breeds most often called ugly in alphabetical order. As a reminder, all dogs deserve love, kindness, and the best care possible, regardless of whether or not they meet a specific definition of cute or ugly.
Affenpinscher
Though not a Terrier, this little German canine is also called a Monkey Terrier. These pups are tiny, only 7 to 13 pounds, and about 12 inches tall when fully grown. They have wiry, rugged coats and grumpy expressions. These little pups are tough, active, and bold. Despite their feisty personalities, Affenpinschers make lovely family pets and highly effective watchdogs.
This breed originated from Germany and was traditionally a ratter. Eventually, the little pup became popular as a companion dog for high-class ladies. The Affenpinscher is also relatively high maintenance. Their unusual coat texture requires an extra level of care and regular brushing. They get along with children but do not like too much energy or rough playtime.
Bedlington Terrier
Some think the Bedlington Terrier looks almost more alien than a canine, with tufted, pear-shaped heads, curly coats, arched backs, tasseled ears, and tiny eyes. They were first bred in Bedlington, England, and are intelligent, energetic, agile little canines. They reach between 17 and 23 pounds and stand between 15 and 7 1/2 inches tall. This breed is relatively long-living, with a typical lifespan of 11 to 16 years.
This medium to high-energy dog needs plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Bedlington Terriers are fast runners, energetic, courageous, and quite stubborn. Plus, they are one of the few non-shedding dog breeds. They are also playful and fiercely loyal and get along well with strangers and children. However, they do not get along as well with other canines or small pets like cats.
Bergamasco Sheepdog
The Bergamasco Sheepdog’s matted appearance is normal for the breed and serves a specific purpose. These mats provide protection, help regulate temperature, and protect their bodies from cold and wet temperatures. Three kinds of hair interweave to form dense, thick mats that will grow over the dog’s lifespan and look like a mop. They typically reach 55 to 85 pounds, stand between 20 and 24 inches tall, and live between 13 and 15 years.
The breed has been traced back 7,000 years to the Middle East, where they were used as a herder and guard dog. They are incredibly intelligent and are known by several other names, including the Bergamo Shepherd Dog, Bergamese Shepherd, and Cane da Pastore Bergamasco. These Shepherds are affectionate and get along with children.
Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is another tiny yet mighty breed. This pup makes the list due to their unique expression and adorable squishy faces. These little pups sport a distinct beard on a large round face with a prominent domed forehead. They have an undershot jaw, giving them a defiant and grumpy appearance. These little pups reach only 8 to 10 pounds and stand 7 to 10 inches tall.
Brussels Griffons usually live between 12 to 15 years. This breed originates from Belgium, where they worked as stable hands and ratters. They are typically family dogs but prefer a quieter home without young, excitable kiddos. They bond closely with their primary caregiver and are known as Velcro dogs. Griffs can have a dense, wiry coat or a smooth, silky one. Either way, they’re both unusually cute-looking.
Here’s Squid & Pretzel, two of the cutest Brussels Griffons ever, @squidthegrif
Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a small, hairless dog breed, often with long, flowing hair on their head, feet, and tail. They resemble miniature punk rockers, and due to their unusual appearance, the breed is often called the “ugliest dog” in the world. Cresties have friendly and outgoing personalities. Despite topping many lists as the ugliest dog, this breed makes a wonderful pet. They are clingy dogs, love their humans, and always demand to be the center of attention. Cresties are pretty sensitive and make excellent therapy dogs.
Chinese Crested have large, wide-set pointy ears, almond-shaped eyes, narrow noses, flat cheeks, and elongated heads. They come in several different coat colors and have different spots and patterns on their skin. Powderpuff Cresties are rarer than hairless Cresties and have long, silken hair. They only reach 8 to 12 pounds when fully grown and stand between 11 to 13 inches tall.
English Bull Terrier
Bull Terriers make this list for their distinct egg-shaped heads. These bullies have a unique appearance: elongated faces, pointy ears, and tiny, piercing eyes. Bull Terriers come in miniature and standard sizes. The standard size is between 50 and 70 pounds, while the miniature reaches 25 to 35 pounds. Both have signature oval-shaped heads, creating a very distinctive facial profile.
It’s fair to say no other dog looks just like the Bull Terrier. In fact, this pooch is famous for its unique appearance, advertises Bud Light beer, and is the mascot of the Target store chain. People are surprised to learn that Bull Terriers are one of the sweetest dog breeds. They are very affectionate and sensitive and get along very well with children. Bull Terriers are also quite mischievous, earning themselves the nickname of class clowns.
I know I shouldn’t have favorites, but Bull Terriers are my favorite breed, and I think they are also the cutest. My rescue dog is a Bull Terrier mix, and many people have told me how ugly he is and how hideous Bull Terriers are in general. So, if someone calls your dog ugly, I know how it feels. But don’t worry about it, they’re wrong!
Photo by Emma Braby for Canine Journal, © Cover Story Media, Inc. 2024.
Épagneul Pont-Audemer
This rare French gun dog is a remarkably unique-looking pup, earning its place on our list. The breed developed in the 19th century from several lines of water spaniels. There has never been a large population of these pups; even today, they are rare and hard to find. These medium-sized dogs reach between 44 and 60 pounds when fully grown.
These pups are muscular, strong, and deep-chested, with round-shaped eyes and long ears. Most of this breed has an inquisitive, kind facial expression, small sunken eyes, and low-set long ears. Also known as the Pont-Audemer Spaniel, this pup is affectionate, gentle, and fun. Though exceptionally talented as retrievers, this dog has a very distinctive appearance. They look a lot like an everyday Spaniel wearing a curly wig.
Griffon Nivernais
This medium-sized pup belongs to the hound family and reaches 45 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Griffon Nivernais stands between 20 and 25 inches tall. They live between 10 and 14 years. The Griffon Nivernais is affectionate with family and trusted people but becomes shy around strangers. This canine is also quite stubborn, vocal, and energetic.
The Griffon Nivernais can be traced back to France in the 1200s. At one point, the line was thought to have completely died out but made a resurgence in the early 1900s. This dog is relatively uncommon and rarely found outside of France. They have shaggy coats, long heads, dropped ears, very bushy eyebrows, and dilute coloring, giving them a very messy, unkempt, and sometimes dirty appearance.
Hairless Khala
Also known by the name Pila or the Peruvian Inca Orchid, this intriguing-looking dog can be traced to Latin America. It is a small to medium-sized breed that reaches 15 to 30 pounds and stands 14 to 20 inches tall when fully grown. Khala means “without clothes,” and these pups definitely have that naked appearance. They have a similar appearance to the Chinese Crested, with their hairless body and fur crest on their heads.
Like many other hairless canines, the Hairless Khala has a unique glossy look. They come in several different colors and are moderately easy to train. They make terrible guardians, love to play, and are super sweet. This pooch is quite hard to find outside of Latin America.
Hairless Terrier
Hairless Terriers are actually a line of Rat Terriers. These hairless pups are a naturally occurring breed. The first hairless puppy was born to a normally-haired rat terrier litter in 1972 in Louisiana. Then, other hairless puppies were born and bred together to create four litters of hairless offspring. The American Hairless Terrier is one of the few true hairless canines. They have broad, wedge-shaped heads with pointy V-shaped ears and smaller, theatrical eyes.
These pups must stay inside for most of the day during the winter because they have no hair and can quickly get cold. You could also knit them a DIY dog sweater. These guys are small but mighty, weighing 12 to 16 pounds and standing 12 to 16 inches tall. They are relatively long-living, with an expected lifespan of 14 to 16 years. This breed is incredibly affectionate with family and quite interactive with young children.
How anyone can call Avery ugly, I’ll never know @averybodyloves.aht
Komondor
The Komondor, also called the Hungarian Sheepdog, was initially bred and used as a herder and guard dog for flocks and livestock. These dogs like to protect their human flocks in their homes. These dogs usually weigh between 80 and 120 pounds, but they are exceptionally agile and full of energy.
They have slightly rounded, long ears, black noses, and almond-shaped eyes, but you can’t see these features under their mop-like hairstyle. A Komondor’s tasseled coat looks like dreadlocks and only comes in white. They are rare pups to find, and their unusual appearance ensures you will not forget meeting one of these funky-looking Fidos.
Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a massive dog that can reach between 110 and 150 pounds when fully grown. These behemoths stand 24 to 31 inches tall. Their heads are enormous and dripping with folds of skin. Despite their colossal size and intriguing appearance, these gigantic dogs are gentle. These gentle giants hail from southern Italy and are also called the Neo or Mastino.
Although pretty docile, they are clumsy, so these pups do not do well in small spaces. They are also heavy droolers, which some think adds to their “ugly” score. Mastinos come in solid gray, mahogany, black, tawny, or tan brindle. They are best in homes with older children and may do well with other animals. A famous Neo is Fang from the Harry Potter movie series.
Puli
The Puli breed often gets mistaken for the Komondor, which has a similar appearance. Both come from Hungary and are sheepdogs. A Puli is slightly smaller, between 25 and 35 pounds. They have corded, curly coats that look like dreadlocks and feel like wool. The way their tails curl up, sometimes it can be hard to tell if these guys are coming or going.
Pulik (plural for Puli) are very smart and incredibly manipulative herders. They make great family pets but are fiercely loyal and can try to herd their people to keep them safe. This can sometimes cause some problematic behavior, like nipping and barking. If you want a funky-looking, wooly-haired, shaggy flop top, this pup might be for you. You might also be surprised to learn that Pulik are a hypoallergenic breed.
Shar-Pei
This dog breed looks like a baby hippopotamus. Shar-Peis are medium-sized to large dogs weighing between 45 and 60 pounds. They are stocky and square, with heads that seem larger than they should be. This breed has wrinkly skin folds across their entire body and has a unique bluish-black tongue.
They have wide muzzles and tiny triangular-shaped ears. These pups often look like they are scowling or grumpy due to the loose skin that hangs over their face. Despite a gloomy expression, Shar Peis are low-energy, mellow dogs who are reasonably agreeable to humans. They do not get along well with other dogs, can become aggressive, and have a stubborn streak. Shar-Peis are a brachycephalic breed, meaning they must be well supervised when exercising. The folds of skin and shorter noses can cause breathing problems if they exert themselves too much.
Xoloitzcuintli
Also called the Mexican Hairless, the Xoloitzcuintli comes in coated and hairless. Each variety comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. Toys weigh between 10 and 15 pounds, miniatures weigh between 15 and 30 pounds, and standard can reach between 30 and 55 pounds. It is believed that these dogs descend from ancient Aztec and Mayan animals. The breed is named after Xolo, the Aztec god of fire.
The hairless variety, which has a more unusual appearance, is more common than the coated variety. Hairless have smooth, thick skin with some short hair that grows on the tops of their heads, feet, and tails. This pooch comes in various colors, including black, gray, slate, brindle, bronze, fawn, and red, and can be solid or spotted. The Xolo often appears in deep doggy thought due to their facial wrinkles, giving them a curious, introspective look.
In the words of Luther’s owner, Dr Sab Cohen-Hatton, “He is gorgeous. That is all.” @dr_sab_cohenhatto
Frequently Asked Questions
We know that some of our pooch-loving readers still have questions about ugly dogs. If you don’t see your question below, let us know in the comments, and we’ll find the answer for you.
Why Do People Keep Ugly Dogs?
Despite their unusual appearance, many still keep these distinctly different-looking dogs as pets. Why? Well, mainly because they are not ugly, just quirky. These underdogs are all adorable in their own way. And also because, like all dog breeds, they are incredibly loyal, loving companions to their families and bring joy to their lives. All the breeds I mention here are wonderful, amazing creatures I would love the privilege of raising.
Is My Dog Ugly?
No. Next question.
Do Ugly Dogs Have More Health Concerns?
While these dog breeds can make great companions, it is essential to be aware of their potential health concerns. The most important thing to remember is that there is a lot more to a dog than what they look like. Many of these canines are prone to common dog health problems, such as breathing, joint, and eye conditions. Some of these breeds are also known for their sensitive skin, especially hairless types, which means you must protect their skin from the sun.
How To Keep An Ugly Dog Happy
If you’re lucky enough to have an ugly dog or are hunting for one, you want to know how to keep them happy, healthy, and looking their best. It’s important to keep them exercised and trim with a daily exercise schedule, depending on their needs. You also want to invest in challenging and interactive dog toys to stimulate their minds throughout the day. A high-quality, all-natural diet can help keep their dreads or skin in top condition. It’s also essential to keep their teeth healthy and pearly white because an ugly dog is one thing, but an ugly dog with bad breath is never a good look.
What do you think about ugly dogs? Do you have one, or is there such a thing? If I’ve missed a pup you find particularly unattractive, drop us a line in the comments section below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Emma is a dog mom to a traditionally cute Doxie named Chips and an “ugly” Bull Terrier mix named Bonkers. She finds all the dogs on this list adorable and really doesn’t like it when someone calls her dog ugly. Before specializing in canine content research and writing, she worked as a professional dog walker and sitter, has cared for hundreds of dogs, and has yet to meet an ugly dog breed. Emma works with an experienced team at Canine Journal to bring their readers the best, most accurate, and up-to-date information.
