Key Takeaways
- Chinese Crested
- Bedlington Terrier
- Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless)
- Living with Pets
- Pet Compatibility
No dog is ugly, just special in his or her own way.
Ashley likes her cat, Bear, more than most people, and the feeling is mutual. Bear especially has it out for her boyfriend and has been known to land a punch or two with his paws. Though she has her hands full with this ongoing family feud, she enjoys writing in her free time and has been featured in several publications, including Happy Paws, Allrecipes Magazine and Teen Vogue.
Jiggly jowls, wrinkly scowls, and tiny tufts of randomly placed fur are just a few distinct characteristics that lead to certain dogs being labeled as ugly dog breeds.
There's certainly a lot to be celebrated about each of these pups' unique appearances—in fact, June 20 is designated Ugliest Dog Day, and the World's Ugliest Dog Contest is held annually in California to honor these homely pets who deserve homes. The unique aspects of these "ugly dog breeds" are what make them beautiful to those lucky enough to love them unconditionally.
Here are our top 17 contenders for ugly dog breeds that are coming for your heart—and maybe even your home.
With protruding eyes and pronounced wrinkles, the pug is the stereotypical ugly yet cute dog, recognized by most and revered by some, including ancient Chinese emperors who held pugs in such high esteem they were bestowed upon outsiders as gifts. The pug today is the 29th most popular dog breed in America, according to the American Kennel Club, and is a family-friendly fixture found in many homes.
Chinese Crested
What he lacks in hair on the rest of his body, the Chinese crested makes up for along the crest of his head, often sporting a signature style with tufts of hair framing his fine-boned face.
"Their appearance of the unique hair pattern, large erect ears, and oval, wide-set eyes give them an exotic, inscrutable, and mischievous expression," says Jerry Klein, DVM, chief veterinary officer for the American Kennel Club (AKC).
But don't worry—looks can be deceiving. These laidback loungers are compatible companions for any home, not likely to cause trouble besides taking over your lap.
Bedlington Terrier
Lithe and lamb-like in appearance, the Bedlington terrier knows how to rock a Mohawk, but this doggie 'do doesn't stop there. Klein says their thick, curly coats are often trimmed to form tasseled ears trademarked to the breed. One thing his 'do doesn't do? Shed! Bedlington terriers are great pets for puffy-eyed owners who are more susceptible to allergies.
RELATED: 20 Dog Breeds That Don't Shed (Much)
Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless)
The xoloitzcuintli, more commonly known as the Mexican hairless dog, is typically a bald breed, but some may be born with short coats or hints of hair on the head. Though they may not be hairy, they are hardy, with an average lifespan of up to 18 years, which Klein attributes to their natural breeding over thousands of years in Mexico. They are another "ugly dog breed" with a prided pedigree, thought to have earned their name from the ancient Aztecs' god "Xolotl," and are recognized as the national dog of Mexico.
Even without the lion-like locks they share with their king-of-the-jungle counterparts, the Pekingese is recognized as an inherently royal breed, historically luxuriating in the laps of Chinese emperors. Though their company has changed over time, their lovable lapdog status hasn't.
"Pekingese make loyal and dignified companions that develop a close bond with their own humans," Klein says.
The frowning, focused face of many sports teams, these meaty mascots are well-known for their tough stature and loose jowls, but don't let their exterior fool you. Bulldogs may look grumpy on the outside, but they are goofballs at heart, and good with kids and families—in fact, they round out the top five of the AKC's most popular dog breeds list.
Bloodhound
With a long face, droopy ears, and drooling mouth, lackadaisical-looking bloodhounds aren't immediately recognized for their athleticism, but their super sniffers—the best amongst their canine counterparts—often have them hot on a scent trail. Bloodhounds are even known to serve as police dogs to locate criminals or missing persons. That's Detective Fido to you!
Japanese Chin
Elegant and poised, much like a cat, the petite Japanese chin is better suited for mature households with experienced dog owners who can understand that, much like their feline friends, Japanese chins prefer things on their own terms and have a stubborn streak. Low-energy lap dogs, their soft, silky coats beg to be stroked, much like their adorable smushy faces call for endless adoration.
Italian Greyhound
The Italian greyhound is essentially a mini version of the greyhound, weighing in at 7–14 pounds compared to the larger breed's 70 pounds, but what's lost in size is maintained in speed. Small but sleek in appearance, these sighthounds are quick on their feet and are happy to head out on hunting expeditions with you. However, much like their stature, their endurance is short, and they are just as happy cozying up on the couch. Those short bursts of energy are a far cry from their longstanding history as an ugly dog breed favored by royalty. Klein says these lanky pups were revered during the Roman Empire as a symbol of status.
Bull Terrier
The bull terrier may be familiar to Target shoppers already (recognize their mascot, Bullseye?), but their oval, Humpty-Dumpty-shaped heads are hard to forget for anyone seeing the breed for the first time. Their playful personalities also stand out for making mischief, so be sure to allow for plenty of opportunities to expend his energy.
Rat Terrier
As the name suggests, rat terriers have a penchant for preying on rodents and would find success with farm life, as well as with a more laidback lifestyle as a family pet in a house or apartment. Their purposeful appearance allows them to be adaptable in their athleticism.
"They are a small-to-medium sized dog that gives the appearance of elegance and fitness, denoting speed, power, and balance," Klein says.
Irish Wolfhound
Weighing up to 180 pounds, these large and in-charge pups have an intimidating first impression but are gentle giants to those who know them.
"Irish Wolfhounds were once fearless big game hunters being able to hunt down a wolf in a single take," Klein says. "Today, they are calm and delightful companions. While just the sight of them is enough to deter any intruder, they are too calm to be guard dogs."
Affenpinscher
Affenpinscher in German translates to "monkey-like dog," so it's no wonder this petite primate-like breed makes the list of ugly cute dogs with unique appearances. Independent and intelligent, this mustachioed monkey dog packs a big personality into a tiny package, best suited for families with older children who can allow these pups the space they need.
Chihuahuas are itty bitty, maxing out at six pounds and weighing as little as three—but don't tell them that. Klein says Chihuahuas come with a confident, big-dog attitude, despite their demure apple-like heads and alert ears standing tall and adorable. They aren't afraid to show a strange person or pup who's boss, so it's important to socialize them with people and pets early to help rein in their sassy side.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Even though Neapolitan mastiffs aren't as colorful as a pint of tricolored ice cream, this sweet, huge baby makes for a very loyal pet. And when we say huge, we mean it. Neapolitan mastiffs typically weigh between 110 to 150 pounds. But despite their size, they actually make great apartment dogs, as they would love nothing more than for you to scoot over and share the couch.
Their corded coats of the Puli may make them seem like area rugs, but pulik are actually incredibly active, energetic dogs who are incredibly agile and light on their feet. Pulik excel in several dog sports, which help keep her stay mentally stimulated. Possibilities include agility, herding, rally, and obedience. If you prefer to keep your puli out of the show ring, the breed also makes for a great therapy dog.
These land hippopotamuses are ultra-cute bundles of wrinkles and skin folds topped off with a curly tail. Shar-pei dogs, despite their appearance, are quite regal dogs who are very reserved and "cat-like." This breed is also highly intelligent, but early socialization is crucial to make sure they don't deem every stranger as a potential threat.
