10 Dogs Uglier Than Peanut (The Proclaimed Ugliest Dog in the World)

Beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder. In 2014, Time Magazine did a story on “Peanut,” the winner of that year’s ugliest dog contest. The ugliest dog contest began in 1970. The contest began as a unique way to raise money for the Old Adobe Association, which is located in Petaluma, California.

Peanut was a 2-year-old Chihuahua-Shih Tzu mix with several deformities who suffered abuse. Time magazine revealed that Peanut was not born ugly but was injured by fire. As a result, he does not have eyelids to close his eyes or lips. Peanut was rescued from the abuse by Holly Chandler of Greenville, N.C. He now has a loving home, and the prize money, $1,500, helped his new owner pay for some of the dog’s veterinary care expenses.

While Peanut was left with ugly deformities caused by abuse, several dog breeds are ugly or uglier. All dog breeds have endearing characteristics, but let’s look at a few breeds that might be harder to call beautiful.

1. The Chinese Crested

Like the Chinese-Crested, dogs without hair are among the top picks for the ugliest dog breeds. The Chinese-crested dogs can be either hairless or have hair. This small dog breed grows to be between 11 and 13 inches at the shoulder.

This breed was once used on Chinese ships to hunt rats on the ship. The American Burlesque star, “Gypsy Rose Lee,” was a Chinese-Crested owner and breeder and was why the breed became popular in the United States.

2. Affenpinscher

The second dog we found to be uglier than Peanut is the Affenpinscher breed. Affenpinschers are called monkey terriers. Families considering one of these animals will be pleased to know they are loving and affectionate. They get along with other animals and with children.

They are fuzzy and shed a great deal, but you can take care of the shedding by brushing them frequently. The brushing removes the loose hairs and leaves the fuzzy little dogs softer.

3. Xoloitzcuintli 

The third choice for dog breeds uglier than poor Peanut is the Xoloitzcuintli, pronounced show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee; they were the Aztec “dog of the gods.” Another hairless dog breed is the Xolo, a high-energy animal that does not bark often. The serious look on their faces hides the fact that they are playful and affectionate.

If your lifestyle is active, then this is a breed that can keep up with you. They do not like to lay around doing anything; they prefer to be on the go. During training, you must be consistent and firm.

4. Borzoi

The Borzoi took fourth place in our list of uglier dogs than “Peanut.” On average, the Borsoi breed lives for more than ten years. They can reach heights of up to 28″ at the shoulder and weigh up to 105 pounds.

This is a Russian breed of dog, and they have amazing, long, silky coats. Training the Borzoi is very easy, but those long, silky coats require dedication to weekly brushing. Owners can expect their animals to be calm and friendly with family but standoffish and aloof when they meet strangers.

5. Komondor

A Komondor dog has natural dreadlocks and resembles an unruly mop! Their hair gained fifth place in the list of dogs uglier than “Peanut.” Do not be fooled by the big mop’s appearance. This Hungarian breed is so protective that during WWII when soldiers tried to take over a home that had one of them, they had to kill the dog. These dogs are fierce protectors.

Typically, the Komondor breed is a livestock or herd dog. They get along great with animals, and they take their responsibilities seriously. Do not consider this breed if you want a small dog because the average male weighs close to 130 pounds when they are mature.

6. Hairless Khala

The sixth dog breed uglier than “Peanut” is the Hairless Khala, pronounced COW-la hair-lis, or Bolivian Hairless Dog. Most dogs in a breed reach the same height when they are grown. The unique thing about the hairless khala is that there is a version with short legs and a version with longer legs.

Typically, they are docile animals and socialize easily with humans and other animals. When they get the opportunity, they tend to develop a pack mentality, and owners must take a firm stance to maintain discipline.

7. Jonangi

Number seven on the list of dog breeds uglier than “Peanut” is the Jonangi. The Jonangi, also known by other breed names, including the Jonangi Jagilam or Kolleti Jagilam, are often chosen because they make great duck herding dogs. This breed hails from India and is an excellent hunting and guard dog.

The dogs come in several different colors and color combinations. They are vigilant and active, which makes them great at protecting their flocks. High-energy dog breeds like this require owners to be firm when training, diligent, and consistent with rules.

8. American Hairless Terrier

The American hairless terrier is number eight on our list of dogs uglier than “Peanut,” who was named the 2014 winner of the world’s ugliest dog contest. This canine breed reaches a top weight of about 28 pounds, standing between 10 and 16 inches at the shoulder.

People choose them for pets because they are easy to groom and care for and are loving, affectionate animals that get along well with other animals and children. Their life expectancy of 14 to 16 years makes them long-term members of your family.

9. Abyssinian Sand Terrier

This hairless breed is number nine on the list of dog breeds that are uglier than Peanut. The Abyssian Sand Terriers are from Africa. They are called African hairless dogs. The strangest thing about this dog breed is not their lack of hair but their inability to bark until they are taught how to. To teach the dogs to bark, they are placed in a kennel with another dog that barks.

These dogs are loyal and make excellent pets for families with children. This breed is great at protecting their homes and families, including their human family.

10. Shar-Pei

Number ten on the list of dogs uglier than Peanut is the wrinkly Shar-Pei. The Chinese Shar-Pei may just be so ugly that it is cute. This breed is famous for its wrinkles. The wrinkles give the canine an odd appearance but serve a good purpose. The wrinkles on the Shar-Pei protected them as they stood guard over their owners. When attacked, the other animal could not hurt them as severely.

You may not know that the tongue of the Shar-Pei is not pink like most canines; it is blue-black. Short-haired animals like these often shed a lot of hair. Diligence in their grooming will prevent excessive shedding.

Summary of Dogs Uglier Than “Peanut”

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/slowmotiongli