2025 World’s Ugliest Dog, Plus 10 Dog Breeds So Ugly That They’re Cute

At the 2025 World’s Ugliest Dog contest, held at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, a 2-year-old pup named Petunia was crowned champion. The hairless English-French bulldog mix was rescued from a backyard breeder and hoarder in Las Vegas. She was previously treated for serious medical conditions, including an elongated palate. Despite her struggles, Petunia’s owner describes her as a “gentle soul who adores other dogs, cats and people.” The sweet dog wins multiple prizes, including a $5000 prize, an appearance on the Today Show, and her picture on Mug Root Beer cans. Petunia beat out over ten other quirky competitors. The nearly 50‑year‑old “ugly” contest is really about honoring rescue animals and celebrating their unique imperfections.

Beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder. However, certain dog breeds are considered less attractive than others. While breeds like Siberian huskies bewitch us with their piercing blue eyes and lustrous coat, other breeds make us cringe slightly to ourselves and look the other way. From unkempt Affenpinscher to the bald sand terrier, we review 10 dog breeds considered ugly-cute.

This post was updated on August 12, 2025 to include news of the 2025 World’s Ugliest Dog winner.

1. 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

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 Xoloitzcuintli, pronounced show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee, was once the Aztec “dog of the gods.” This hairless dog breed nicknamed the Xolo is 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 Borsoi is a big dog with a tiny head. On average, this 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! 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 Hairless Khala, pronounced COW-la hair-lis, is also known as the 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 is the Jonangi, also known by other breed names, including the Jonangi Jagilam or Kolleti Jagilam This breed is often chosen because they make great duck herding dogs. They hail from India and are excellent guard dogs.

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 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

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

The Chinese Shar-Pei may just be the cutest of the ugly-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 ugly-cute pups