Jiggly jowls, wrinkly scowls, and fluffy tufts of fur that seem to sprout up at random. These are just some of the peculiar features that make certain dog breeds stand out as the “ugliest” of the pack.
While some may turn their noses up at unattractive or weird dog breeds, others can’t resist their charm. In fact, June 20th is recognized as Ugliest Dog Day, a day to celebrate lovable canines who aren’t gifted in the looks department.
Read on to discover 25 dog ugly breeds – they may not fit the traditional beauty standards. Still, they’ll capture your heart with their big personalities and infectious energy.
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1. Pug
With their affectionate nature and goofy personalities, it’s hard not to be charmed by pugs. But let’s be honest; their flat faces, bulky frames, and bulging eyes are not exactly classified as traditionally attractive.
These adorable (in their own special way) pups have been beloved pets for centuries, with Chinese emperors even gifting them to outsiders. They may not have conventional looks, but they more than make up for it with their affectionate and entertaining personalities. You can always count on a pug to put a smile on your face with its silly antics.
2. Borzoi
The Borzoi, also known as the Russian Hunting Sighthound, is a curious canine with a long, pointed snout and lean legs. Originating in Russia during the 1600s, this tall dog breed was favored by the aristocracy for centuries.
While some may find their horse-like faces unattractive, there’s no denying these pups’ unique and distinguished appearance. With their narrow bodies, deep chests, tucked abdomens, and shaggy, disheveled coats, they truly stand out from the crowd.
3. Standard Schnauzer
Standard Schnauzers are a whimsically adorable dog breed that perfectly fits the “ugly yet cute description.” With their long eyebrows, billy goat beard, and mustache, they are instantly recognizable and definitely have a unique appearance.
But looks aside, Standard Schnauzers are beloved for their loyal, affectionate, and playful personalities. This intelligent breed loves nothing more than being included in their family’s activities. They make excellent companions for families who want a fun-loving and loyal dog with a little bit of quirkiness thrown in.
4. Chinese Shar-pei
With their blue-black tongue, wrinkly faces, and sagging skin, Shar Peis are instantly recognizable. But it’s not just their appearance that sets them apart – these pups have a history of over 2,000 years, dating back to the Han Dynasty in China.
Some might say that the Shar Pei is one of the ugliest dog breeds out there, but to dog lovers, they’re just too cute to handle. Sure, their wrinkles and folds might look a little intimidating at first, but once you get to know them, you’ll see that these pups are fiercely loyal and loving to their families.
5. Scottish Deerhound
Picture a greyhound on stilts, and you’ve got the basic idea of what a Scottish Deerhound looks like. With long legs and a slender frame, they’re built for speed and agility. Their fur is wiry and scruffy, with a wild look that’s both endearing and a little bit intimidating.
Scottish Deerhounds are sweet-natured, affectionate dogs who love nothing more than curling up on the couch with their humans. They’re also loyal and protective of their families, so you can count on them to have your back no matter what.
6. Spanish Galgo
The Spanish Galgo is often considered an “ugly” dog breed due to its slightly awkward gait and lanky build. However, their loyal and gentle nature more than makes up for any perceived shortcomings in the looks department.
The Galgo’s body is slender and graceful, with long legs built for speed. They have narrow heads with slightly arched muzzles and large, expressive eyes that seem to speak to their soulful nature. Their coats can be short or long and come in a variety of colors, including black, brindle, fawn, and white.
7. Affenpinscher
Affenpinschers are certainly not your typical beauty queens – their appearance is a unique mix of adorable and peculiar. They have compact, square-shaped bodies with short legs and dense, wiry fur, giving them a disheveled and worn appearance.
But their faces steal the show. With their bushy eyebrows, mustache, and beard, Affenpinschers look just like mischievous little monkeys.
This German terrier-like breed is small, weighing only 7 to 13 pounds and standing about 9 to 12 inches tall. Don’t let their small size fool you – Affenpinschers are a bundle of energy and love to play, and their antics are sure to make you laugh.
8. English Bulldog
Who can resist an English Bulldog’s squished face, jiggling jowls, stocky build, and signature wrinkles? These loyal, loving, and low-maintenance cuties might have a tough exterior, but they are not prone to aggression – in fact, they rarely even bark.
Bulldogs don’t need a lot of exercise, so they’re great for people who prefer a more laid-back lifestyle. Their kind and gentle temperament makes them a great emotional support dog breed who will happily snuggle up with you on the couch all day long.
9. Whippet
Whippets may not be the prettiest pups on the block, but their unique look is part of what makes them so endearing. With a slim, sleek style that seems more suited for a fashion runway than a dog park, these pups are known for their lean, oddly graceful appearance. Whippets have slender snouts, long legs, lanky frames, and pointy ears.
Despite their somewhat unconventional looks, whippets are incredibly agile and athletic, with a streamlined shape that helps them to run, jump, and play effortlessly. These dogs are built for speed and are capable of running up to 35 miles per hour.
10. Bergamasco Sheepdog
The Bergamasco Sheepdog is a unique-looking dog that some might describe as “ugly-cute”. Its most distinguishing feature is its shaggy coat, which is made up of long, matted strands of hair that resemble dreadlocks.
Underneath all that hair, the Bergamasco sheepdog has a sturdy and muscular body with a broad chest and strong legs. Its head is large and square-shaped, with a prominent brow and a long, broad muzzle.
11. Griffon Brussels
The Griffon Brussels looks like a little streetwise rascal, with a wiry, scruffy coat that adds to their scrappy look. Their compact, sturdy build and squished-in nose make them look like they’ve been up to no good, and their big, expressive eyes give them a perpetually curious expression.
Despite their scruffy appearance, these little pups have a certain cute charm that’s hard to resist. They weigh in at just 8-10 pounds, but their big, playful personalities more than make up for their size. So, while they may not be the most conventionally attractive breed out there, the Griffon Brussels is definitely ugly-cute in the best way possible.
12. Peruvian Inca Orchid
While some might consider the Peruvian Inca Orchid an acquired taste, there’s no denying that this “ugly” breed is one of the most unique-looking hairless dogs out there. These pups may not have a lot of fur, but they make up for it in wrinkles. The creases and folds on their heads, necks, and legs give them a somewhat ancient, wise appearance.
These hairless wonders sometimes have random tufts of fur on their heads, tails, and feet, making them look like they got a terrible haircut from a blindfolded groomer. And if that’s not enough to make you smile, some even sport natural mohawks!
13. Irish Wolfhound
If you’re looking for a furry friend who is both massive and mellow, look no further than the Irish wolfhound. These gentle giants can weigh well over 100 pounds and stand up to three feet tall. Their long, slender legs, narrow heads, floppy ears, and scruffy coats give them a disheveled look that is generally considered “ugly”.
Although they may seem intimidating at first glance, Irish wolfhounds are actually quite calm and delightful companions. They were once fierce hunters, able to easily take down a wolf. Nowadays, they’re more likely to leave a pawprint on your heart than to hunt down any game.
14. Japanese Chin
Picture this: a small, fluffy ball of fur with big, round, buggy eyes that almost seem to pop out of its head. Its tiny, button nose sits just above a protruding underbite, giving it a somewhat comical expression. This quirky face belongs to the ugly-but-elegant Japanese Chin.
Despite its somewhat unusual appearance, the Japanese Chin has a long history as a lapdog and companion, dating back to ancient times. And if you can look past its unique features, you’ll find a loyal, loving, and affectionate companion that will steal your heart.
15. Hairless Chinese Crested
Chinese Crested dogs, with their hairless skin, randomly placed tufts of fur, and scruffy heads of hair, definitely don’t fit the conventional definition of beauty. These little guys regularly win “Ugliest Dog” contests, but their owners know their unconventional looks only add to their charm.
Their low-shedding coat and manageable size make them an excellent choice for families with limited space or allergies. And despite their unconventional appearance, these dogs are friendly, social, and playful companions that will steal your heart in no time.
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Amanda created and owns The Discerning Cat. A lifelong cat lover she is the proud parent of two Siberian cats, Alexei and Vladimir. She is passionate about understanding cats and different cat breeds.