Ugly is subjective. But in this competition, it means everything.
Year after year, owners enter their pets in a contest to become the one, the only, world’s ugliest dog.
It may not sound like a badge of honor, but for the pets and their owners, this competition is proof that where you come from does not define where you end up.
If you can make it here, you can truly make it anywhere.
With her floppy tongue and bulging eyes, this year’s winner, Jinny Lu, a six-year-old pug, did not disappoint.
Jinny Lu was the runner-up in 2025. This was her fourth attempt to win the top prize.
According to her biography, Jinny Lu was “found in a wooden box in freezing weather in the mountains of South Korea.”
She likes to sneak “onto kitchen chairs and very stealthily puts her amazing tongue into everyone’s food bowls.”
She also likes to spend time snuggling, sunbathing and greeting visitors.
Her fun fact? She screams at her reflection in the mirror.
The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest, which takes place during the Sonoma County Fair at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, California, recently celebrated its 50th year.
The contest promotes dog adoptions and celebrates “the imperfections that make all dogs special and unique.”
The dogs are treated as stars as they strut along a red carpet lined by adoring fans.
Judges consider the pet’s background and story. Previous winners include dogs who “embody resilience and inspiration.”
Jinny Lu won US$5,000 (RM20,230), a trophy and a trip to New York for a live appearance on the Today show.
Jinny Lu, who emerged as the winner from among eight contestants, will also appear on limited- edition cans of Mug Root Beer, a sponsor of the competition.
Pinky, an albino Pomeranian Chihuahua mix with a rosy snout, was the runner-up and took home US$3,000 (RM12,138) and a trophy.
Otto, a Chihuahua mix with a cleft palate, won third place, earning US$2,000 (RM8,092) and a trophy. – ©2026 The New York Times Company
