The 7 Ugliest Dog Breeds In The World

One man’s trash is another’s treasure, right? Even dogs that are deemed “ugly” have the power to steal someone’s heart. It’s not a dog’s looks that reel us in; it’s their personalities and unconditional love. Beauty is highly subjective: where one person might see an ugly dog, another might see an adorable new friend. After scouring 10 expert lists, we have determined the consensus on the ugliest dog breeds that many still love and adore. Let us know your favorite ugly dog breeds in the comments below!

The List: Ugliest Dog Breeds, According to Canine Experts

1. Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested is an unusual-looking dog. They are mostly hairless with spotted skin and a wild-looking puff of hair on the tops of their heads and on their paws. This is not your typical beauty pageant pup. According to AnimalsAroundTheGlobe, the Chinese Crested dog is a champion in the, ahem, “ugliest dog” category for over 30 years! Their unique look features pointed teeth, sometimes sparse or even missing, and occasionally a winning (or perhaps slightly creepy) snaggletooth grin. But hey, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right?

Looks may be deceiving, though, because the World Animal Foundation gushes about the Chinese Crested’s personality. Forget about aloof supermodels – these pups are all about love, devotion, and playtime! They’ve stolen the hearts of many with their goofy charm and boundless affection. And get this – they’ve even managed to snag six “World’s Ugliest Dog” titles since 2010, proving that sometimes, cuteness comes in unexpected packages.

Parade Pets clears up the hair situation. The Chinese Crested comes in two flavors: hairless and “powderpuff.” The hairless variety is exactly what it sounds like – smooth, sleek skin. Powderpuffs, on the other hand, have minimal hair on their head, paws, and tail, giving them a fluffy, feathery look. So, whether you prefer a hairless wonder or a touch of poof, the Chinese Crested might just be your perfect match!

2. Pug

“Pug ugly” is a phrase that originally referred to the beaten faces of boxers. Now the term also refers to these odd-looking lovable dogs. Don’t let their looks fool you! The Scotsman may talk about their bulging eyes and wrinkles, but that quirky charm is exactly what makes them so popular. Descended from ancient Chinese royalty (pugs were gifted to outsiders, like canine ambassadors!), these funny-looking fellows remain a favorite today.

The pug’s “ugly-cute” paradox is unique. Daily Paws says their smooshed-in faces and endless wrinkles might not be for everyone, but that didn’t stop them from becoming the 29th most popular breed in America, according to the American Kennel Club. Think of them as living comic strips – their playful antics and endless capacity for love make them a perfect fit for families.

K9 of Mine reminds us that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and pugs are undeniably adorable to their human companions. These affectionate clowns are always up for a good time, bringing laughter and joy into their homes. Plus, they’re super adaptable – as long as they can cuddle up with their favorite people, they’re happy anywhere. So, whether you find them wrinkle-y wonders or goofy goofballs, one thing’s for sure: pugs have a way of stealing hearts.

3. English Bull Terrier

The English Bull Terrier has a bulbous snout and beady eyes. This breed has also received media glory as the mascot for brands like Bud Lite Beer and Target. But are Bull Terriers misunderstood mutts or quirky cuties? Yahoo! dives into the breed’s rise to fame, thanks in part to a certain beer-loving Spuds MacKenzie. Remember those iconic commercials? They helped propel the Bull Terrier into the pop culture spotlight.

But beyond their brush with celebrity, Care reminds us that these pups are more than just egg-shaped heads (though, let’s be honest, those are pretty unforgettable!). They’re known for their playful personalities and friendly spirit, making them excellent companions for families. Imagine those long snouts sniffing out adventures and those pointy ears forever perked up for playtime!

Their egg-shaped head (did we mention that unforgettable head?) is a trademark. While beauty is subjective, Pet Helpful says Bull Terriers have a certain charm, even if they don’t conform to conventional cuteness standards. So, next time you see a Bull Terrier, remember – there’s more to them than meets the eye (or the head, in this case)!

4. Affenpinscher

Affenpinscher is a small dog with a peculiar face. Many have an over or underbite, and frequently have a cool or standoffish personality. AZ Animals cracks the code on this terrier’s appearance, suggesting they always look like they just emerged victorious (or perhaps gloriously defeated) from a battle with their rodent nemeses. Their wild fur, perpetually surprised eyes, and impressive mustaches create an undeniably unique look. In fact, “monkey terrier” is one of their nicknames, a fitting description considering their, ahem, expressive features (and a hint at their German heritage!).

AnimalsAroundTheGlobe dives into the details. Their fur? A delightful (or perhaps not-so-delightful) combination of textures, with a shorter coat on the back and legs that gives way to a shaggier mane around the head and shoulders. Top it all off with those prominent eyes and a blunt muzzle, and you’ve got a pup with a personality all their own. While some might find them, well, unconventional, their charm lies in their utter unconcern with conventional cuteness standards.

World Animal Foundation reminds us that looks can be deceiving. These pint-sized powerhouses, clocking in around 10 pounds, can switch up their look depending on their “stylist” (or lack thereof). They might have an intense expression, but don’t let that fool you – they’re playful and full of spirit, often carrying themselves with the confidence of a much larger dog. So, whether you find them endearingly messy or delightfully unconventional, the Affenpinscher is a breed that garantiert (that’s German for “guarantees”) to leave a lasting impression.

5. Mexican Hairless

This Mexican Hairless Dog is definitely a warm-climate breed. They also have bristly whiskers and occasionally an ungainly tuft atop their wrinkled heads. Meet the Xolo (pronounced show-low): a hairless wonder with a heart of gold! K9 of Mine spills the beans on this Mexican gem, also known as the Xoloitzcuintli. These smooth-skinned sweeties are calm and loving companions, perfectly suited for warm climates. Imagine those sleek bodies coming in a variety of stunning shades – black, liver, slate, bronze, and even gray-black!

Daily Paws reminds us that beauty is more than fur deep. Sure, Xolos might not be the fluffiest pups around, but they’re incredibly hardy with an average lifespan of up to 18 years! They might be considered part of the “ugly dog” squad by some, but Xolos have a rich history. Their name is believed to come from the Aztec god Xolotl, and today they hold the prestigious title of national dog of Mexico. So, next time you see a Xolo, remember – beneath that hairless exterior lies a loyal, loving companion with a fascinating past.

6. Bulldog

Bulldogs are chunky slobber machines. Though loveable, they often suffer health problems due to their breeding. They may not be winning any doggy supermodel contests, but that doesn’t stop us from adoring Bulldogs! K9 of Mine describes them as lovable lugs – calm, friendly goofballs with a hint of stubbornness (think selective hearing when it’s walkies time!). These furry couch potatoes are perfectly content to snuggle by your side, though don’t forget – moderate exercise is still a must to keep them happy and healthy.

Care goes gaga for their unique features. That smooshed-in face, the jiggling jowls, the endless wrinkles – they’re a drool-worthy package of sweetness! The Bulldog Club of America even highlights their temperament as a delightful mix of courage and dignity. Despite their, ahem, unconventional looks, Bulldogs are known for being gentle giants.

AZ Animals points out that the Bulldog’s brachycephalic (short-faced) features can lead to health problems. Those adorable squished-in snouts can make breathing a challenge, and their large heads sometimes necessitate C-sections. They might also have less-than-perfect vision and struggle with temperature extremes.

But here’s the thing: Bulldogs are undeniably popular for a reason. Their gentle personalities, playful spirit, and loyalty make them cherished companions. So, while they might not be everyone’s cup of tea in the looks department, their inner beauty shines through for those who love them. Just be sure to give them extra love (and maybe a cool bandana on a hot day) to keep these special pups happy and healthy.

7. Neapolitan Mastiff

Neapolitan Mastiffs are large dog breeds. They have distinctive wrinkly skin that seems to hang off their bodies. Pet Helpful throws some playful shade, suggesting the Neapolitan Mastiff is a unique blend of English Mastiff, Bloodhound, and maybe a mischievous gremlin. Let’s face it, these aren’t your average lapdogs.

AZ Animals mentions Martha, the Neapolitan Mastiff who stole the show (and the crown!) at the 2017 World’s Ugliest Dog contest? There’s a reason for that. Neapolitan Mastiffs are the kings and queens of wrinkles – monstrously large heads draped in folds, perpetually furrowed brows, and eyes that seem to hold the weight of the world (or maybe just a longing for a good back scratch). The wrinkles even extend to their paws, making them look like they’re wearing tiny, wrinkled booties.

World Animal Foundation compares the Neapolitan Mastiff to a funhouse mirror reflection, all stretched out and overflowing with wrinkles and loose skin. Imagine droopy eyes like pools of melted chocolate and jowls that could rival a basset hound’s – these “ugly guys” (their words, not ours!) have a fascinating history. Descended from massive Roman war dogs crossed with British Mastiffs, they were bred for guarding and protection.

Despite their, shall we say, unconventional looks, Neapolitan Mastiffs are known for their gentle and loyal nature. These giant goofballs may not win any best-in-show awards, but their kind hearts and protective instincts have won over many a human companion.

Sources:

• AnimalsAroundTheWorld
• World Animal Foundation
• Parade Pets
• The Scotsman
• Daily Paws
• K9 of Mine
• Yahoo!
• Care
• Pet Helpful
• AZ Animals

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.