Ugliest dogs of all time: Canines so homely, they're cute
People love dogs for a variety of reasons: They’re loyal, playful and usually very cute. But man’s best friend isn’t always the best-looking animal. There are many dogs that lack the fluffy fur and adorable faces of the more popular breeds.
While these odd-looking dogs may have a hard time racking up likes and shares on social media, they are still worthy of recognition. Each year, the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, holds the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest, which celebrates less conventionally cute companions. Dog owners from around the world bring their unattractive pets to compete.
Though many types of dogs have tried to claim the title of Ugliest Dog, there's one breed that stands alone in producing the most unsightly canines: the Chinese crested. Since the beginning of the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest in the 1970s, the winner has been either a purebred or part Chinese crested at least 22 times. The breed is small, mostly hairless, and prone to buggy eyes – not a recipe for cuteness. Still, they're a beloved breed, described by the American Kennel Club as a “frolicsome, ultra-affectionate companion dog.”
Related:Zsa Zsa, the World's Ugliest Dog, dies at age 9
More:Cute alert! Most popular tiny dog breeds in America
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
To determine the ugliest dogs in the world, 24/7 Wall Street reviewed photos, selecting canines who competed in the contest without winning but were considered ugly enough for our list. Dogs that won were prioritized for inclusion. Our list is rendered in alphabetical order and is not ranked.
1. Archie
Breed: Chinese crested and chihuahua
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2006 winner
2. Brutus
Breed: Mutt
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2017 contestant
3. Chase
Breed: Chinese crested
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2017 third place
4. Ellie Mae
Breed: Chinese crested
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2013 contestant
5. Elwood
Breed: Chinese crested
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2007 winner
6. Gus
Breed: Chinese crested
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2008 winner
7. Himisaboo
Breed: Dachshund and Chinese crested
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2016 third place
8. Icky
Breed: Mutt
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2017 contestant
9. Josie
Breed: Chinese crested
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2018 third place
10. Martha
Breed: Neapolitan mastiff
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2017 winner
11. Moe
Breed: Brussel Griffon pug
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2017 second place
12. Mugly
Breed: Chinese crested
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2012 winner
13. Pabst
Breed: Boxer
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2009 winner
14. Peanut
Breed: Shih Tzu and chihuahua
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2014 winner
15. Pee Wee Martini
Breed: Japanese Chin / Chinese crested
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2006 ugliest mutt
16. Penny
Breed: Pug
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2013 contestant
17. Princess Abby
Breed: Chihuahua
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2010 winner
18. Quasi Modo
Breed: Pitbull and Dutch shepherd
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2015 winner
19. Rascal Deux
Breed: Chinese crested
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2016 contestant
20. Reggie
Breed: Peruvian mix
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2013 contestant
21. Rue
Breed: Chinese crested
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2016 contestant
22. Scamp
Breed: Terrier
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2018 second place
23. Sweepee Rambo
Breed: Chinese crested
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2016 winner
24. Walle
Breed: Beagle, boxer and basset hound
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2013 winner
25. Yoda
Breed: Chinese crested and chihuahua
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2011 winner
26. Zsa Zsa
Breed: English bulldog
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2018 winner
24/7 Wall Street is a USA TODAY content partner offering financial news and commentary. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.