50 Ugly Dogs That Are Still So Darn Cute
Updated: Jan. 20, 2023
Not every dog has a perfectly groomed and fluffy coat with perfect coloring, but even ugly dogs are adorable and make the perfect addition to any loving home.
World’s Ugliest Dogs
Even ugly dogs can be cute, especially when they flash those puppy dog eyes and snuggle up next to you. So many people agree that ugly dogs are adorable that the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest has been held annually for almost 30 years. Owners from around the country bring their pups to Petaluma, California to celebrate each and every dog’s unique beauty. The dogs walk up and down the red carpet in front of judges, international media, celebrity hosts, and fans. The contest promotes the love of all dogs and encourages people to adopt because many of the contestants came from shelters and puppy mills. Not every dog has to meet the AKC’s pedigree standards to be a great addition to any home. Read on to take a look at some of the adorable contestants from the past few years.
Scamp the Tramp
Look at those locks.
Rico
Rico gives out a constant wink.
Jake
This enthusiastic pup knows how to smile for the camera. If you like these ugly dogs, you’ll also want to look at these hilarious dog photos.
Lemmy
Look at that sweet face.
Monkey
This adorable pups loves long car rides and meeting new people. Don’t miss these dogs with beards that you will absolutely fall in love with.
Rascal Deux
Look at her style. Rascal has appeared on America’s Got Talent and the cover of a magazine.
Tostito
That tongue is ready to give kisses all day long.
Gertrude
This little 4 lb chihuahua lives with 9 other rescue dogs.
Grendel
This Mastiff/American Staffordshire mix is the most gentle giant. If you’re a dog owner, these dog cartoons will make you chuckle.
Fabio
This 13-year-old teacup chihuahua still looks like a puppy.
Josie
Josie doesn’t need any jewelry to make her one of the cutest ugly dogs.
TeeTee
TeeTee is a Crestie Mix from Arizona with a great sense of humor, strong spirit, and a cute little tongue.
Wild Thang
Look at that fluff!
Rooby Roux
Rooby Roux is completely blind and has two seeing eye humans. These adorable puppy pictures will make you melt.
Himisaboo
That cute combover won the hearts of this pup’s parents.
Miss Moogie
Moogie weighs only 4.6 pounds but has a big heart.
Willie Wonka
Willie, an American Staffordshire Terrier mix, is only 7 months old but already has a following on Instagram, has met some pretty cool celebrities, and even made an appearance on TV.
Puka
Puka always has a big smile on her face.
Meatloaf
Meatloaf’s nicknames include Meaty, Meat Monster, Mystery Meat, and Beefsquatch.
Zsa Zsa
Zsa Zsa’s adorable face and swaying tongue won him first place in 2018’s World’s Ugliest Dog Competition. Many of these dogs were left on the streets or abandoned, but now they have a loving home. These before and after dog adoption photos will warm your heart.
Martha
The year before Zsa Zsa took home the blue ribbon, Martha, a Neopolitan Mastiff, won first in the 2017 competition.
Mrs. Kravitz
Those pointy ears and happy tongue would make anyone fall in love with this pup. For even more cuteness, don’t miss these dogs with blue eyes that are absolutely striking.
Daisy
Daisy’s favorite place to be is half asleep in her mom’s arms.
Moe
Moe the pug loves being showed off to the crowd at the 2017 World’s Ugliest Dog Contest.
Chase
Chase, a Chinese Crested Harke, came all the way from Wales to compete for the World’s Ugliest Dog. It was worth it because he placed third in the 2017 competition.
Precious
This chihuahua got a few bonus points for sporting this adorable polka-dot outfit.
Sweepee Rambo
Sweepee Rambo swept the competition and took home first place in the 2016 World’s Ugliest Dog Contest.
Smeagle
Smeagle sniffs out the competition.
Icky
There is nothing icky about this adorable dog with the cutest afro. If you’ve noticed that your own dog is acting a little weird, these are the reasons behind their strange behavior.
Mugly
On top of being known as one of the cutest ugly dogs around, Mugly is also a therapy dog.
Quasi Modo
This pit bull-Dutch shepherd mix was born with spinal problems, but that doesn’t stop him from being the happiest dog he can be.
Zoomer
Zommer blocked out the competition with his big hair.
Rue
Rue took home third place in the 2016 competition.
Reggie
Reggie has the sweetest eyes that get his owners to give him lots of treats.
Isaboo
This mutt competed in 2015.
Frodo
Frodo is sticking his tongue out in hopes of getting some food. See if you can guess the dog breed based off of its puppy picture.
Morris
Morris isn’t going to let anyone at the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest wipe the serious look off his face.
Cyndy Loo Whoo
Cyndy Loo Whoo would fit in great in a Dr. Seuss book.
Bubbers
With a name like Bubbers how could you ever get mad at this little guy?
Blanquito
Blanquito’s unique skin and crazy hair make him a perfect fit among all of these ugly dogs.
Angus
We can’t get enough of that smile.
Peanut
Peanut was the winner of the 2014 competition. His owner proudly shows her off to the crowd.
Sophie
Sophie is one of the many chihuahuas that competes in the ugly dog competition. They’re so tiny!
Mayzie Brown
Mayzie proudly walks across the stage at the 2013 competition. All of that fluff is sure to make her a top contender.
Walle
Walle is a Beagle Bassett Hound and Boxer Mix. He won the competition in 2013, it was probably because of that adorable smile.
Boolah
Boolah is a little shy and snuggles up to his mom on stage. If you want some laughs, check out these funny dog videos.
Eleanor
This pup is so happy to be out and about with her dad that she doesn’t even care about winning.
Elli Mae
Ellie Mae is a Chinese Crested and you will rarely see her with her tongue in her mouth.
Roo
Roo won the Pedigree Part of the 25th Anniversary World’s Ugliest Dog Contest.
Pabst
Pabst’s cute teeth won him first place in 2010. For more animal content, check out these hilarious cat and dog photos.
