Jinny Lu, a six-year-old pug, has been crowned the world's ugliest dog at the 50th dog appearance contest in Santa Rosa, California.
The New York Times reported that Jinny Lu secured the title on her fourth attempt. The jury selected the dog not only for her physical appearance but also for her history, after rescuers found her inside a wooden box during freezing weather in the mountains of South Korea. South Korea is an East Asian nation where animal welfare groups frequently rescue abandoned pets.
The victory earned Jinny Lu's owners a cash prize of $5,000, equivalent to 423,000 Russian rubles, alongside an official trophy. The win also includes an all-expenses trip to New York City for a live appearance on NBC's Today show and her image featured on a limited edition series of dog food cans.
Organisers said the dog always keeps her tongue sticking out and enjoys dipping it into other people's food bowls. She is also known to climb onto kitchen chairs and bark at her own reflection in mirrors. Pugs are a small toy dog breed known for their wrinkled faces and curled tails.
Runners-Up and Previous Winners
Second place in the competition was awarded to Pinky, an albino Pomeranian and Chihuahua mix with a pink nose. Third place went to Otto, a Chihuahua crossbreed born with a cleft palate, a congenital condition affecting the roof of the mouth.
In 2025, the title of world's ugliest dog was awarded to a bulldog named Petunia. Prior to her victory, Petunia spent part of her life living in adverse conditions under an unorganised breeder in Las Vegas, Nevada.
History and Entry Rules of the Contest
The annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest has been held in the California city of Petaluma since 1971. Organisers established the competition to show that the true beauty of pets is determined not by physical standards, but by the love and joy they bring to their owners.
To register for the event, dog owners must complete an application form, submit a photograph of their pet, and provide a short story detailing the animal's background. Applicants must also attach verified records of their dog's vaccination history before a special jury selects the winners.
