The Ugliest Dog Breed? 10 Lovable Oddballs

There is no official ugliest dog breed, because looks are subjective. The breeds most often called ugly, including the Chinese Crested, Neapolitan Mastiff, Bulldog and Pug, are usually wrinkled, hairless or flat-faced, and many are famously affectionate. Judge a dog by its temperament and health, not its face.

Every year a handful of dogs win "world's ugliest dog" contests, and almost every winner is a rescue who ends up adored. This guide introduces ten breeds that regularly land on "ugly dog" lists, explains the genetics or history behind their look, and highlights what owners need to know, including the health care that comes with some of those features. If you are comparing breeds for your home, the breed selector can match them to your lifestyle.

Why some dogs look so unusual

Dog breeds were shaped for jobs, from guarding to hunting to companionship. Hairlessness, loose skin, short muzzles and unusual proportions are usually the result of selective breeding for a trait. Some of those traits are harmless quirks. Others, such as extremely short noses, can affect breathing and comfort, so look for breeders who prioritize health.

A few of the looks on this list come from single genes. Hairlessness in the Chinese Crested and Xoloitzcuintli comes from a dominant gene that also affects teeth, which is why hairless dogs often have missing or odd teeth. Wrinkles in the Shar-Pei are linked to overproduction of a skin substance called hyaluronan. Flat faces come from shortening the skull, which crowds the airway and eyes. Knowing the cause helps you understand the care a dog needs.

10 lovable oddballs

1. Chinese Crested

A small, slender dog with a hairless body and a flowing crest, tail plume and "socks." Weighs about 8-12 lb and lives about 13-18 years. Playful, affectionate and clingy. Needs sunscreen and moisturizer for exposed skin and protection from cold. A coated "powderpuff" variety is born in the same litters.

2. Neapolitan Mastiff

A giant guardian with heavy wrinkles and loose skin. Males often reach 130-150 lb. Calm and loyal, but drools, needs skin-fold cleaning and has a shorter lifespan, commonly around 7-9 years. Giant size also means large food bills and joint care.

3. Bulldog

Short, wide and wrinkled with a pushed-in face. Typically 40-50 lb. Gentle and laid-back, but prone to breathing difficulty in heat, skin fold infections and joint problems. Many need help staying cool and keeping lean.

4. Pug

A small, compact dog with a flat face and curled tail, about 14-18 lb. Charming and people-focused, but flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs can struggle to cool themselves and are prone to eye and breathing issues. Pugs gain weight easily.

5. Brussels Griffon

A small, expressive companion with a flat face and beard, around 8-10 lb. Sensitive and devoted to its person. Can have breathing and eye concerns.

6. Xoloitzcuintli

An ancient hairless breed from Mexico, available in toy, miniature and standard sizes. Calm, loyal and watchful. Needs skin care and warmth, and many are also coated.

7. Peruvian Inca Orchid

A slim hairless sighthound-type dog from Peru, usually 18-26 inches tall. Quiet, athletic and affectionate with family, and needs sun protection.

8. Bedlington Terrier

A dog with a lamb-like look and a curved back line. Typically 17-23 lb. Spirited and energetic. Be aware of copper storage disease in the breed, so reputable breeders test for it.

9. Affenpinscher

A small, scruffy terrier-like companion with an ape-like expression, about 7-10 lb. Bold and mischievous with a big personality.

10. Shar-Pei

Known for deep wrinkles and a blue-black tongue, usually 45-60 lb. Loyal and reserved, but prone to skin fold infections, eye problems and periodic fevers specific to the breed.

Quick comparison

Caring for unusual-looking breeds

• Skin: wrinkled and hairless dogs need regular cleaning, drying between folds and sun protection.
• Weather: flat-faced and hairless dogs overheat or chill easily. Avoid hard exercise in warm weather.
• Weight: extra weight worsens breathing and joint problems, so measure meals. A 10 kg adult neutered dog needs roughly 630 kcal a day (70 × 10^0.75 × 1.6), and small breeds like the Pug need far less, so use the dog calorie calculator.
• Vet care: ask about breed-specific conditions and screening.
• Dental care: hairless breeds and small flat-faced dogs often have crowded or missing teeth, so brush regularly.

Worked example: feeding a Pug

A 8 kg (17.6 lb) neutered adult Pug that is slightly overweight, with an ideal weight of 7 kg.

1. Resting energy at ideal weight: RER = 70 × 7^0.75 = 70 × 4.30 = about 301 kcal.
2. Weight-loss target at about 1.0 × RER: about 300 kcal per day.
3. If the food is 3,500 kcal per kg: 300 ÷ 3.5 = about 86 g per day, split into two meals.
4. Treat budget: about 30 kcal.
5. Weigh every 2-4 weeks and aim for about 1% of body weight lost per week.

Health tips for flat-faced and wrinkly breeds

• Keep them lean, since weight directly affects breathing.
• Use a harness instead of a collar to avoid pressure on the throat.
• Provide cool, shaded spaces and avoid midday exercise in warm weather.
• Clean skin folds with a vet-approved wipe, and dry them completely.
• Watch for snoring that gets worse, exercise intolerance or blue-tinged gums.
• Ask your vet about airway surgery if breathing is severely affected.

Adopt, don't judge

Many dogs with unusual looks end up in shelters. If you are open to a mixed breed or a rescue, you may find a wonderful companion that others overlooked. Visit the breed's rescue group and ask about health history. Contests like the annual World's Ugliest Dog event have helped many rescue dogs find homes.

When to call your vet

Contact your vet for noisy or labored breathing, skin redness or odor in folds, eye discharge, limping, collapse or reluctance to exercise. Breathing difficulty with blue-tinged gums is an emergency.

The bottom line

Ugly is in the eye of the beholder, and the breeds on this list have devoted fans. Choose based on temperament, health and the care you can provide. Use the breed selector to compare breeds for your home.