You know the look. That face only a mother—and maybe a few thousand internet strangers—could love. We're talking about the ugliest dogs ever, the ones that look less like a Golden Retriever and more like a gargoyle that had a rough night at a dive bar.
Honestly, there’s something weirdly magnetic about a dog with a tongue that won’t stay in its mouth. Or a pup with skin that looks like a crumpled paper bag. Since the 1970s, the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest in Petaluma, California, has been proving that beauty is, well, pretty subjective. It’s not about being mean. It’s a celebration of the "imperfect" pups that usually get looked over at the shelter.
The Hall of Fame: Sam and the Reign of the Chinese Crested
If we’re talking about the GOAT of "ugly," we have to talk about Sam.
Sam was a blind Chinese Crested who won the title three times in a row from 2003 to 2005. He didn't just look like a dog; he looked like a cryptid. He had milky eyes, a few wisps of white hair on an otherwise hairless, spotted body, and teeth that jutted out at impossible angles. He was so legendary that he even appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Why do Chinese Cresteds dominate?
Basically, the breed is a genetic lottery for the contest. They often have:
- Protruding tongues due to missing teeth.
- Naturally hairless skin that can get splotchy.
- Mohawk-style tufts of hair that defy gravity.
But Sam wasn’t just a face. His owner, Susie Lockheed, famously rescued him after others saw him as "unadoptable." That’s the core of this whole subculture. These aren't just funny-looking animals; they are survivors.
Beyond the Hairless: Bulldogs and Hunchbacks
Not every "ugly" dog is a hairless wonder. Take Quasi Modo, the 2015 winner. She was a Pit Bull-Dutch Shepherd mix born with a spinal defect that left her with a short, hunched back. She looked a bit like a hyena or a Tasmanian devil.
Then there’s Zsa Zsa, the 2018 champion. She was an English Bulldog with a tongue so long it practically hit the floor when she walked. Her owner found her on Petfinder after she spent five years in a puppy mill.
Then we have the 2024 winner, Wild Thang. This Pekingese is a perfect example of what fans call "Glugly"—glamorous and ugly. He survived distemper as a puppy, which is why his teeth never grew in and his tongue hangs out permanently. After five tries at the title, he finally nabbed the $5,000 prize.
And just last year, in August 2025, a hairless English-French Bulldog mix named Petunia took the crown. She’s got the classic squished face, but with the added texture of hairless skin and a history of being rescued from a hoarding situation.
The Science of Why We Love Them
It sounds counterintuitive. Why do we want to cuddle something that looks like a gremlin?
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Psychologists point to something called the "Baby Schema" or Kindchenschema. Basically, features like big eyes, large heads, and clumsy movements trigger a nurturing response in our brains. When a dog has "ugly" features—like the bulging eyes of Peanut (the 2014 winner) or the lopsided gait of Scamp the Tramp (2019)—it taps into our desire to protect the underdog.
"People find room in their hearts for creatures that are beautiful on the inside even if they’re not beautiful on the outside." — Karen Spencer, Sonoma-Marin Fair Marketing Director.
Fact-Checking the "Ugly" Standard
People often worry if these contests are exploitative. It's a fair question. However, the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest has some strict rules:
- Health First: Owners must provide a vet’s note proving the dog is healthy.
- Natural Imperfection: No one is allowed to "style" a dog to look worse. It has to be authentic.
- Rescue Mission: The vast majority of winners are rescues. The event actually raises tons of money for shelters.
How to Care for a "Unique" Looking Pup
If you end up adopting one of these charmingly odd dogs, keep in mind they often have specific needs. It's not just about the looks; those features often come with maintenance.
- Skin Care: Hairless breeds like Chinese Cresteds need sunscreen. Seriously. They can get sunburned and even develop acne or blackheads if their skin isn't moisturized and cleaned.
- Dental Health: Many of the ugliest dogs ever have "bad" bites (malocclusions). This makes them prone to gum disease because their teeth don't self-clean as well as a normal mouth. Regular vet cleanings are non-negotiable.
- Breathing Issues: Brachycephalic (flat-faced) winners like Petunia or Zsa Zsa often need surgeries to help them breathe or eat comfortably.
If you’re looking to bring a "differently-abled" or "unconventionally cute" dog into your home, start by checking sites like Petfinder or local breed-specific rescues. Look for dogs labeled as "special needs" or those that have been in the shelter the longest. Often, the dog with the crooked face is the one with the most personality.
Check your local shelter for "Senior" or "Special Needs" sections; these are where the real gems—and future champions—usually wait for a home.