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Dogs · 9 mins read

23 Ugliest Dog Breeds in the World

Adeniyi Adeleye

Adeniyi Adeleye

Updated July 31, 2024

Ugliest Dog Breeds
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With so many beautiful dog breeds, it can be hard to know where to start if you’re in the market for a new pet.

That said, there are also some extremely ugly dog breeds out there, so if you’re looking for an out-of-the-box idea, here are the eight ugliest dog breeds in the world and where you can get one for yourself!

Which dog breeds are the ugliest in the world? This can be an intensely personal question, as beauty (or lack thereof) is in the eye of the beholder.

Some people might say the ugliest dog breeds out there are the ones that look most like their own pets.

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While others might go so far as to say all dogs are beautiful, no matter how ugly they may be! 

Regardless of how you feel about ugly dogs, we researched and found the ugliest dog breeds on Earth today! Check the list below. 

1. Chinese Crested

Photo by ivabalk on Pixabay

The first on our list of ugliest dog breeds is Chinese Crested. The Chinese Crested is a hairless breed that many find to be unattractive.

This breed is known for being high-strung and challenging to train. The Chinese Crested is not a good choice for first-time dog owners.

2. Peruvian Inca Orchid

by corinne_benavides is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

The Peruvian Inca Orchid is considered one of the ugliest dog breeds in the world.

This is due to their unique appearance, which includes a long body, short legs, and a large head. 

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They are also known for being very shy and timid, making them seem even more ugly to some people.

However, they are very loving and loyal dogs. They also make great companions for those willing to give them a chance.

3. Pekingese

Photo by No-longer-here on Pixabay

The Pekingese is a small, long-haired breed of dog. The Pekingese has been described as one of the ugliest dog breeds in the world.

Some people believe the Pekingese is unattractive because of its wrinkled skin, large eyes, and short legs. 

Meanwhile, others believe the Pekingese is ugly because of its small size and fragile build.

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Whatever the reason, there is no denying that the Pekingese is one of the ugliest dog breeds in the world.

4. Bulldog

by sabianmaggy is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Bulldog is often considered one of the ugliest dog breeds in the world.

Their short muzzles make them look mean, and their enormous heads can be off-putting to some people.

But don’t let their looks fool you – Bulldogs are one of the most gentle and loving dog breeds.

They make great family pets and are known for being extremely loyal to their owners.

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5. Neapolitan Mastiff

by gomagoti is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Neapolitan Mastiff is an ancient breed once used as a guard dog. It is now considered one of the ugliest dog breeds in the world. 

This giant breed can weigh up to 200 pounds and has a large, wrinkled head that often droops over its eyes.

The Neapolitan Mastiff is also known for being slow and lazy, which may be why it’s not as popular as other dogs.

6. Bedlington Terrier

by tanakawho is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Bedlington Terrier is often considered one of the ugliest dog breeds in the world.

This small terrier has a lamb-like appearance and is known for its wooly coat. 

While its looks may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the Bedlington Terrier is a loving and loyal companion.

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7. Xoloitzcuintli

The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, is a small, hairless breed originating from Mexico.

The Xoloitzcuintli is considered one of the ugliest dog breeds in the world due to its hairless body and often wrinkled skin.

Despite its less-than-desirable appearance, the Xoloitzcuintli is a loyal and loving companion that makes a great addition to any family.

8. Pug

Photo by Steshka Willems on Pexels.com

The pug is a dog with a wrinkled, short-muzzled face and curled tail.

The breed has a fine, glossy coat in various colors, most often fawn or black, and a compact square body with well-developed muscles. 

Pugs were brought from China to Europe in the sixteenth century and were popularized in Western Europe by the House of Orange of the Netherlands.

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9. Borzoi

Photo by alektas on Pixabay

The Borzoi is one of the oldest and most regal dog breeds. And unfortunately, it is also one of the ugliest dog breeds.

With its long, shaggy coat and mournful eyes, the Borzoi looks like a cross between a mop and a Basset Hound

But don’t let its ungainly appearance fool you – this powerful and athletic breed was once used for hunting wolves in Russia.

10. Bergamasco Sheepdog

by mfortini is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

The Bergamasco Sheepdog is often considered one of the ugliest dog breeds in the world.

This large, shaggy dog is not for everyone, but those who love them say they are gentle, loving companions. 

While they may not be everyone’s cup of tea, there is no denying that Bergamasco Sheepdogs are unique-looking dogs.

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11. Hairless Khala

by Shawn Hoke is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The Hairless Khala is a wrinkly, hairless dog that resembles a cross between a Shar-Pei and a prune.

This breed is not for everyone, as they require special care and attention.

So, if you are looking for a low-maintenance dog, the Hairless Khala is not your breed.

However, if you are willing to put in the time and effort, this breed can make a loyal and loving companion.

12. Chinese Shar-Pei

by Beverly & Pack is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a wrinkly, sagging mess of a dog. This breed is one of the ugliest dog breeds, once used as a test subject for Botox. 

The Chinese Shar-Pei’s skin folds can harbor all sorts of dirt and bacteria, making this breed a health hazard.

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If you’re looking for an ugly dog breed, the Chinese Shar-Pei is the one for you!

13. Affenpinscher

Photo by idamkilde on Pixabay

The Affenpinscher is a small, terrier-like dog breed with a unique appearance.

The most notable feature of this breed is its monkey-like face, which is why it is often referred to as the monkey dog.

While some people find this breed’s appearance endearing, others find it ugly.

Multiple publications have named the Affenpinscher one of the ugliest dog breeds in the world.

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14. Puli

Photo by kidsnewshu

The Puli is among the ugliest dog breeds, and it is often compared to a mop.

They are small to medium-sized dogs with long hair cords covering their entire body.

The hair is so thick that it often forms mats and can be challenging to care for. Pulis are loyal and protective dogs, but their appearance is not for everyone.

15. Komondor

The Komondor is an ugly dog breed originally bred in Hungary to protect livestock.

The Komondor is a large, shaggy dog with a mop-like coat that hangs down to the ground. 

Meanwhile, the breed is not for everyone, as they require a lot of grooming and care.

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However, if you are looking for an ugly dog breed, the Komondor is one to consider!

16. French Bulldog

Photo by whitedaemon on Pixabay

The French Bulldog is one of the ugliest dog breeds in the world.

They have odd-shaped heads and wrinkled skin, and their bodies are often too small for their heads.

Also, they have a reputation for being lazy and stubborn. However, they are also known for being loving and loyal companions.

17. Chihuahua

Image by: depositphotos.com

The Chihuahua is a toy dog, typically weighing no more than 6 pounds and standing no taller than 9 inches at the shoulder. 

The Chihuahua’s large, expressive eyes and alert ears give it a degree of intelligence and dignity that belies its small size.

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But don’t let that fool you: the Chihuahua is also one of the most fiercely loyal (and yappy) dogs, making it an excellent watchdog.

18. English Bull Terrier

Photo by I_Love_Bull_Terriers on Pixabay

The English Bull Terrier is a large, muscular dog with a short coat.

They are considered among the ugliest dog breeds due to their aggressive nature and tendency to drool.

However, they are also one of the dogs’ most loyal and loving breeds.

19. Japanese Chin

by AlyssssylA is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

The Japanese Chin is a toy dog breed popularized in China and later brought to Japan.

They are known for their flat faces, small eyes, and large ears. While they may be cute to some, others find them one of the ugliest dog breeds.

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20. Rat Terrier

by chazferret is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

The Rat Terrier is an American terrier initially bred to catch rats in homes and warehouses.

They are small dogs with short legs and long bodies and come in various colors.

While they may not be the prettiest dogs, they are some of the ugliest dog breeds.

21. Whippet

by In Memoriam: me’nthedogs is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

The Whippet may be one of the sleekest, most graceful dogs, but that doesn’t make it any less ugly.

With its long, skinny body and pointy face, this dog looks more like a rat than a pup. And don’t even get us started on that hairless tail…

22. Havanese

The Havanese is a small, sturdy dog with a mop of curly hair that covers its head, body, and legs. This breed is known for its friendly personality and intelligence.

However, many people find the Havanese one of the ugliest dog breeds due to its unkempt appearance.

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23. Great Dane

Photo by mtajmr on Pixabay

The Great Dane is one of the world’s largest and ugliest dog breeds.

Many people think they’re pretty ugly. But that’s okay because they make up for it with their great personalities. 

They’re gentle giants who are loyal and loving, and they make great family pets.

So, if you’re looking for an ugly dog breed that’s also sweet and lovable, the Great Dane is a great choice.

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