Ask ten dog owners which breed deserves the “ugliest dog” label and you’ll get ten different answers, usually about someone else’s beloved pet. Wrinkled mastiffs, hairless Aztec dogs, and corded mop-like herders all show up on these lists for wildly different reasons, from excess skin to a near-total absence of fur. The ugliest dog breeds conversation is really a tour through some of the most unusual physical traits in the canine world.
According to the World Animal Foundation, during the fourth week of June and for almost 50 years now, the World’s Ugliest Dog contest has been held in Petaluma, California, at the Sonoma Marin Fair, proof that homely dogs have a dedicated following. This roundup covers 18 breeds regularly named to “ugliest” lists, along with the traits, temperaments, and quirks that make each one worth a second look.
| Breed | Country of Origin | Signature “Ugly” Trait |
|---|---|---|
| Bedlington Terrier | England | Curly, lamb-like coat cut |
| Neapolitan Mastiff | Italy | Loose skin and heavy jowls |
| Puli | Hungary | Corded, dreadlock coat |
| Chinese Crested | China/Mexico | Hairless body with tufts |
| Borzoi | Russia | Tiny head, elongated skull |
| Caucasian Shepherd Dog | Caucasus region | Massive, bear-like build |
| Xoloitzcuintli | Mexico | Bald, wrinkled skin |
| Pug | China | Flat face, bulging eyes |
| French Bulldog | France | Bat ears, squashed muzzle |
| Chihuahua | Mexico | Bulging eyes, apple head |
| Boston Terrier | United States | Bulging round eyes |
| Rat Terrier | United States | Oversized prick ears |
| Pekingese | China | Flattened face, heavy mane |
| Siberian Husky | Siberia | Intense, wolf-like stare |
| Affenpinscher | Germany | Shaggy, monkey-like face |
| Afghan Hound | Afghanistan | Exaggerated topknot and coat |
| Miniature Bull Terrier | England | Egg-shaped head |
| Griffon | Belgium | Bearded, human-like face |
1. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier’s coat doesn’t grow this way naturally. Groomers clip the curly, wool-like fur into a rounded shape that makes the dog resemble a small lamb, but according to PetHelpful, this hairstyle grants the dog an interesting sharklike appearance once the arched back and tucked waist come into view.
Underneath the odd haircut is a scrappy terrier originally bred in Northumberland, England, to hunt rats, rabbits, and badgers. Because that curly coat sheds very little, the Bedlington often turns up on lists of low-shedding dog breeds for allergy-prone households. Despite the lamb-like look, this breed keeps the fearless, energetic temperament typical of working terriers.
2. Neapolitan Mastiff
Descended from the war dogs of ancient Rome, the Neapolitan Mastiff carries enough loose skin to make anyone ask, in the words of Adopt a Pet, “Why the long face?” This majestic dog, who can weigh up to 150 pounds, boasts many rolls of wrinkles, especially around their face and neck.
Those droopy jowls and hanging dewlaps aren’t just cosmetic; they historically helped protect the dog’s neck during confrontations with predators and intruders. Giant guardian breeds like this one are frequently discussed alongside the most dangerous dog breeds because of their imposing size, even though most Neapolitan Mastiffs are calm, loyal family companions when properly socialized.
3. Puli
No breed wears its “ugly” label more literally than the Puli. According to the American Kennel Club, no other breed can be mistaken for the Puli, a compact but powerful herder covered from head to tail with profuse, naturally occurring cords, and these agile and faithful little dynamos are quick learners.
Those signature dreadlocks form on their own as the Puli’s soft puppy coat matures, and they take years of patient upkeep to maintain. This Hungarian breed was developed to work sheep flocks, which explains its place among classic herding dog breeds. Most Pulik are solid black, and that coloring may work against them at shelters.
Key Insight: Coat color affects adoption odds more than most people realize. Research cited by Parade Pets found that dogs that are black in color are significantly less likely to be adopted than lighter-colored dogs, a pattern known as Black Dog Syndrome.
4. Chinese Crested
The hairless variety of this breed is a shelter and show-ring regular for a reason. Per the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest history page, most of the competitors in the competition were also Chinese Crested, because the breed can exhibit exaggerated traits like a mohawk, bug eyes, and a long, wagging tongue.
A Chinese Crested comes in two forms: fully hairless with tufted “socks” and a topknot, or the fully-coated Powderpuff variety. Both stand roughly a foot tall and top out around 16 pounds, making the breed a favorite among fans of unusual, uncommon dogs; it’s worth a look alongside other rarest dog breeds for the same reason. Underneath the odd exterior is typically an affectionate, people-focused companion.
5. Borzoi
The Borzoi’s proportions confuse people expecting a typical “cute” dog face. As Dogbible puts it, the Borzoi, a Russian Greyhound, is elegant and graceful with a long, narrow head and a silky, wavy coat, and its extremely slender figure and long legs might be considered disproportionate by some, while others admire its elegance and speed.
Bred by Russian nobility to course wolves across open steppe, the Borzoi relies on speed rather than bulk or bite force, which is why the breed never appears guarding a junkyard. That flowing, silky coat also lands the Borzoi on rosters of long-haired dog breeds. Most owners describe the temperament as gentle, quiet, and independent rather than fierce.
6. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Few breeds look as intimidating up close as the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. According to Wikipedia, this livestock guardian from the Caucasus mountains shows real regional variation: those in Azerbaijan are fairly tall and lightly built; those in Dagestan are smaller and roughly square in outline; those of the former Checheno-Ingush ASSR are heavily built and very large.
Males run a minimum of 110 pounds with a dense, coarse double coat that adds to the bear-like silhouette many find off-putting. Interestingly, breed standards exclude solid black coloring entirely, so despite the breed’s size, it never technically qualifies among true large black dog breeds. Bred to guard flocks against wolves and bears in harsh mountain terrain, this dog’s imposing looks are functional rather than accidental.
7. Xoloitzcuintli
Pronounced “show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee,” this ancient breed has worn its bare skin proudly for roughly 3,000 years. The American Kennel Club describes it as the ancient Aztec dog of the gods, today a loving companion and vigilant watchdog, with the alert and loyal Xolo coming in three sizes, and in either hairless or coated varieties.
The hairless trait comes from a dominant gene that also affects dentition, which is why many Xolos have fewer teeth than typical dogs. As the national dog of Mexico, the Xoloitzcuintli shares the spotlight with other Mexican dog breeds that trace back centuries. Whether hairless or coated, Xolos tend to be calm at home and alert with strangers.
Pro Tip: Hairless dogs like the Xoloitzcuintli need sun protection just like people do. A light, breathable shirt or pet-safe sunscreen on exposed skin helps prevent sunburn during long walks.
8. Pug
The Pug’s squashed face has made it one of the most polarizing breeds on any “ugly” list. As Daily Paws notes, Pugs, with their protruding eyes and pronounced wrinkles, are considered both ugly and cute.
Originally bred as lapdogs for Chinese royalty, the Pug’s flat skull and short airway also make it prone to overheating and weight gain, so portion control and safe treats matter more than usual. Owners curious about safe snacks can check which fruits dogs can eat before sharing table scraps. Despite the wheezing and snoring, Pugs remain famously affectionate, food-motivated companions.
Common Mistake: Letting a Pug become overweight puts extra strain on an already short airway. Keep exercise light but consistent, and monitor breathing during hot weather.
9. French Bulldog
Bat-shaped ears and a pushed-in muzzle give the French Bulldog its unmistakable, slightly gremlin-like charm. As K9 of Mine describes it, French bulldogs and Frenchie mixes are favorites of many thanks to their playful, adaptable demeanors, and these friendly furry friends do well with children and other dogs, making them suitable for a variety of home environments.
The breed descended from small English Bulldogs brought to France by lace workers, then crossed with local ratters in Paris. Frenchies come in several colors, including solid black and black brindle, making them one of the more popular black dog breeds for families with kids or other pets. Their compact size and low exercise needs suit apartment living especially well.
10. Chihuahua
Named after the Mexican state where the breed was first documented, the Chihuahua carries an outsized personality in a tiny frame. The bulging eyes and rounded “apple head” skull common in the breed are exactly the traits that land it on ugly-dog lists, even as it remains one of the most popular toy breeds in the United States.
Weighing in at six pounds or less in most cases, Chihuahuas are a fixture among teacup dog breeds prized for portability. Solid black Chihuahuas are common and count among the more recognizable small black dog breeds sold in the US pet market. Bold, alert, and fiercely loyal to their chosen humans, this breed rarely acts small.
11. Boston Terrier
Nicknamed the “American Gentleman” for its tuxedo-like black-and-white coat, the Boston Terrier still lands on ugly-dog lists thanks to its bulging, wide-set eyes and flat face. Bred in Boston, Massachusetts, in the late 1800s, it was one of the first breeds developed entirely in the United States.
That partly black coat may work against Boston Terriers in shelters, since Parade Pets reports that dogs that are black in color are significantly less likely to be adopted than lighter-colored dogs, a strange phenomenon known as Black Dog Syndrome. In reality, the breed’s friendly, easygoing temperament makes it one of the more adaptable small black dog breeds for first-time owners.
12. Rat Terrier
Originally bred on American farms to hunt vermin, the Rat Terrier has oversized prick ears and a wiry, alert expression that some find more comical than cute. Despite the unglamorous name, this breed is quick, athletic, and endlessly curious about its surroundings.
That high energy shows up in quirky habits, including the tail-chasing behavior common among small, prey-driven terriers; readers curious about the reasoning behind it can see why dogs chase their tails for the full explanation. Rat Terriers were once among the most common farm dogs in the rural United States, prized for their vermin-control instincts.
13. Pekingese
Bred for centuries inside the Chinese imperial palace, the Pekingese has a deliberately flattened face and a heavy, lion-like mane that can make the dog’s actual body hard to spot underneath all that hair. Excess coat volume is a recurring theme on ugly-dog lists, since it obscures the animal’s real proportions.
Despite the squashed features, Pekingese dogs carry themselves with notable dignity and independence, a trait bred into them as companions for royalty rather than working dogs. Their stubborn streak means training requires patience, but their loyalty to their chosen person runs deep. Regular grooming is non-negotiable given how easily that mane mats.
14. Siberian Husky
This entry surprises people, since Siberian Huskies are usually celebrated rather than mocked. As A-Z Animals puts it, breeds like Siberian huskies bewitch us with their piercing blue eyes and lustrous coat, yet the breed still shows up on some “unsettling” or “intense” dog lists.
The reason usually comes down to that piercing, wolf-like stare and occasional mismatched eye colors, which some people find eerie rather than endearing. Bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia to pull sleds across brutal terrain, the Husky’s thick double coat and vocal, almost human-sounding “talking” only add to the wolfish impression.
Important Note: Most sources agree the Siberian Husky is objectively striking rather than ugly. It appears here mainly because its intense gaze and wolf-like features occasionally spook people unfamiliar with the breed.
15. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher earned its nickname honestly. As A-Z Animals notes, Affenpinschers are called monkey terriers, a fitting description for a breed with a shaggy, wiry coat and an expressive, almost human face.
Developed in Germany to hunt rodents in stables and homes, this toy breed often appears in solid black, making it a lesser-known entry among small black dog breeds. Because the Affenpinscher is uncommon compared to mainstream toy breeds, it’s frequently grouped with other rarest dog breeds in the US. Underneath the scruffy exterior is a confident, mischievous little dog with a big personality.
16. Afghan Hound
Bred to hunt in the harsh mountains of Afghanistan, this sighthound’s long, silky coat and exaggerated topknot can look almost comically dramatic, especially when unclipped or windblown. The narrow skull and aloof expression only add to the impression that this dog is judging everyone in the room.
That flowing coat evolved for practical reasons, insulating the dog against extreme temperature swings in mountainous terrain. Afghan Hounds are famously independent and somewhat aloof with strangers, a personality trait that matches their regal, almost aristocratic bearing. Show-quality grooming for this breed can take hours per session.
17. Miniature Bull Terrier
The full-sized Bull Terrier’s egg-shaped head is one of the most divisive features in the dog world, and the Miniature Bull Terrier inherits the exact same profile in a smaller package. According to Dog Academy, the English bull terrier is not a good-looking dog, and many dogs on this list have some redeeming qualities, but the English bull terrier just looks like an egg, with a rounded, oblong head shape that gives it an alien-like appearance.
Standing under 14 inches tall, the Miniature Bull Terrier packs a muscular, compact build into that unusual head shape. Originally bred in England for ratting and companionship, the breed is known for a stubborn, clownish streak that tends to win owners over fast. Early socialization matters more than looks when it comes to living happily with this breed.
18. Griffon
The Griffon, most commonly known in the US as the Brussels Griffon, has a bearded, mustached face that looks strikingly human, an effect that unsettles some people and delights others. Bred in Belgium originally to hunt rats in stables, this toy breed later became a favored companion for European nobility.
Griffons come in several colors, including solid black, adding another entry to the list of popular black dog breeds kept as apartment companions. The wiry, rough coat variety sheds relatively little, putting the Griffon in similar company with other low-shedding dog breeds. Despite the odd expression, most Griffons are affectionate, confident, and eager to be near their people.
Whether it’s a Neapolitan Mastiff’s wrinkles or a Xoloitzcuintli’s bare skin, every breed on this list proves that “ugly” is mostly a matter of unfamiliar traits rather than actual flaws. Many of these dogs were bred for specific jobs, hunting rodents, guarding flocks, or hauling sleds, and their unusual looks are simply the byproduct of function over form. For readers who enjoyed this detour into canine oddities, the feline world has its own contenders worth a look in this guide to ugliest cat breeds.