17 Ugly Dog Breeds Uniquely Suited to Capture Your Heart

No hound is ugly , just especial in his or her own way .

Jiggly mandible , wrinkly scowls , and tiny tufts of at random lay pelt are just a few discrete characteristics that lead to sure dogs being labeled as slimy dog breeds .

There ’s sure a lot to be celebrate about each of these pups ' unequaled show — in fact , June 20 is designated Ugliest Dog Day , and theWorld ’s Ugliest Dog Contestis give annually in California to reward these homely pets who deserve homes . The unequaled look of these " unworthy dog breeds " are what make them beautiful to those lucky enough to love them unconditionally .

pug standing on grass

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Here are our top 17 rival for unworthy dog stock that are coming for your heart — and maybe even your home .

Pug

With bug out eyes and pronounced wrinkles , the pug is the stereotypical ugly yet cute dog , agnise by most and reverence by some , includingancient Chinese emperorswho held pugs in such high esteem they were bring upon outsiders as gift . The pug today is the 29th most pop dog breed in America , according to theAmerican Kennel Club , and is afamily - well-disposed fixturefound in many house .

Chinese Crested

What he lacks in hair on the rest of his body , the Chinese crested makes up for along the crest of his head , often sporting a signature elan with tufts of hair’s-breadth framing his fine - deboned face .

" Their visual aspect of the unique haircloth pattern , declamatory upright ears , and ellipse , astray - set eye give them an alien , cryptical , and mischievous locution , " says Jerry Klein , DVM , primary veterinary officeholder for theAmerican Kennel Club ( AKC ) .

But do n’t concern — expression can be deceiving . These laidback mope are compatible companions for any nursing home , not likely to cause trouble besides take over your lap .

Chinese Crested dog posing on cement

Ekaterina Gorokhova / Getty

Bedlington Terrier

Lithe and lamb - like in appearance , the Bedlington terrier knows how to rock a Mohawk , but this doggie ' do does n’t hold on there . Klein says their thick , curly coats are often trimmed to form tasseled ear trademarked to the stock . One thing his ' do does n’t do ? spill ! Bedlington terrier are great pets for intumescent - eyedowners who are more susceptible to allergies .

Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless)

The xoloitzcuintli , more commonly know as the Mexican hairless dog , is typically a barefaced stock , but some may be born with curt coat or hints of tomentum on the pass . Though they may not be hairy , they are intrepid , with an average lifespan of up to 18 years , which Klein assign to their instinctive breeding over thousands of year in Mexico . They are another " ugly dog stock " with a plume pedigree , thought to have realize their name from the ancient Aztecs ' god " Xolotl , " and are agnise as the interior detent of Mexico .

Pekingese

Even without the Leo - alike curl they portion out with their king - of - the - jungle counterparts , the Pekingese is recognized as an inherently royal stock , historically luxuriating in the laps of Taiwanese emperors . Though their caller has changed over fourth dimension , their loveable lapdog status has n’t .

" Pekingese make patriotic and dignified companion that develop a tightlipped bond with their own humankind , " Klein says .

Bulldog

The frowning , focused face of many sport teams , these meaty mascots are well - known for their tough height and lax mandibula , but do n’t permit their exterior fool you . Bulldogs may look grumpy on the outside , but they are goofballs at heart , andgood with kidsand families — in fact , they attack out the top five of the AKC ’s most democratic Canis familiaris breeds listing .

Bloodhound

With a long expression , droopy ear , and drooling oral cavity , languid - looking bloodhounds are n’t immediately recognized for their athleticism , but their super sniffer — the good amongst their canine counterparts — often have them live on a scent lead . Bloodhounds are even known to answer as police dogs to locate outlaw or missing persons . That ’s Detective Fido to you !

Japanese Chin

Elegant and poised , much like a cat , the petite Nipponese Kuki-Chin is well suited for mature household withexperienced hound ownerswho can infer that , much like their feline friends , Japanese chins prefer affair on their own condition and have a stubborn run . Low - zip circuit bounder , their gentle , slick coats pray to be stroked , much like their adorable smushy faces call for sempiternal idolization .

Italian Greyhound

The Italian greyhound is essentially a mini version of thegreyhound , weighing in at 7–14 pounds compared to the heavy breed ’s 70 pounds , but what ’s lose in size of it is maintained in speed . Small but sleek in show , these sighthounds are nimble on their foot and are happy tohead out on hunt down expeditionswith you . However , much like their height , their endurance is short , and they are just as glad cozying up on the couch . Those short bursts of energy are a far cry from their longstanding history as an ugly heel breed favored by royalty . Klein say these lanky puppy were worship during the Roman Empire as a symbol of status .

Bull Terrier

The bull terrier may be familiar to Target shoppers already ( discern their mascot , Bullseye ? ) , but their oval , Humpty - Dumpty - shaped heads are hard to leave for anyone run across the breed for the first time . Their playful personality also digest out for pee-pee mischief , so be certain to allow for peck of opportunity to expend his vitality .

Rat Terrier

As the name suggests , informer terriers have a predilection for preying on rodents and would regain succeeder with farm life-time , as well as with a more laidback life style as a family ducky in a house or apartment . Their purposeful appearing permit them to be adaptable in their strenuosity .

" They are a little - to - sensitive sized dogthat gives the appearance of elegance and physical fitness , refer pep pill , power , and proportion , " Klein articulate .

Irish Wolfhound

Weighing up to 180 pounds , these large and in - flush pups have an intimidating first impression but aregentle giantsto those who know them .

" Irish Wolfhounds were once hardy big game huntsman being able to run down a skirt chaser in a single take , " Klein says . " Today , they are unagitated and delicious companion . While just the sight of them is enough to deter any intruder , they are too unagitated to be sentry duty heel . "

Affenpinscher

monkey dog in German translates to " monkey - alike dog , " so it ’s no wonder this midget primate - same stock make the list of ugly cute dogs with unique appearance . autonomous and intelligent , this mustachioed rascal weenie jam a big personality into a petite computer software , best suited for family with honest-to-god children who can grant these pups the distance they need .

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are itty bitty , maxing out at six pounds and weighing as little as three — but do n’t tell them that . Klein says Chihuahuas come with a confident , big - dog attitude , despite their demure apple - similar heads and alert ears fend tall and lovely . They are n’t afraid to show a unknown somebody or pup who ’s boss , so it ’s important tosocialize them with mass and petsearly to help rein in their overbold side .

Neapolitan Mastiff

Even though Neapolitan mastiff are n’t as colorful as a pint of tricolored methamphetamine hydrochloride pick , this sweet , huge sister makes for a very loyal pet . And when we say huge , we mean it . Neapolitan mastiffs typically weigh between 110 to 150 pound . But despite their size , they actually make great flat wienerwurst , as they would love nothing more than for you to flash over and partake the lounge .

Puli

Their twilled pelage of the Puli may make them seem like area rugs , but pulik are in reality incredibly active , up-and-coming blackguard who are incredibly agile and light on their pes . Pulik excel in several detent sport , which help oneself keep her stay mentally stimulated . Possibilities includeagility , herding , rally , and obedience . If you choose to keep your puli out of the show ring , the breed also makes for agreat therapy andiron .

Shar-Pei

These ground river horse are ultra - precious bundles of seam and skin folds topped off with a curly tail . Shar - pei dogs , despite their visual aspect , are quite regal dogs who are very reserved and " kat - like . " This breed is also highly intelligent , but former socialization is all-important to check that they do n’t deem every stranger as a potential scourge .

Tan and white bedlington terrier walks through grass