What comes to mind when you think of ugly dogs?
Chihuahuas with their protruding eyes and perpetual frowns? Yapping Pomeranians that are just a little too cute for their own good? In fact, there are plenty of other dog breeds out there that are far more unsightly than anything you could ever imagine.
So, if you’re looking for a little bit of (ahem) character in your next pet, then take a look at our list of the 18 ugliest dog breeds in the world. You won’t be disappointed!
And sometimes, even the ugliest dogs have hearts of gold. In fact, there is an annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest in Petaluma, California, held to celebrate these dogs in all their unusual and often unsightly glory.
18. Mexican Hairless
To be quite frank, the only thing this dog breed has going against it, in terms of aesthetics, is the fact that it is completely bald. Unfortunately, not many dog lovers like the hairless aesthetic, which has the Mexican Hairless dog lose favor in the dog lovers’ community.
However, if you are willing to look past the whole hairless bit, these dogs are very beautiful with their proportional build and robust facial features.
17. Pug
The thing with pugs is that you will either absolutely love their smooshed faces or cannot stand the aesthetic. Wherever it is you lean, the majority consider Pugs ugly dogs with their flat faces and wrinkly skin.
Unfortunately for the Pug, aesthetics is not all they have to worry about with this look as the facial structure makes it difficult for them to breathe and regulate their body temperature in hot weather.
16. Borzoi
In sharp contrast with the Pug, it is the extra-long snout and super slender face that lands the Borzoi on this list. The difference is that this feature helps the Borzoi instead of causing it discomfort.
This is because these breeds were bred as hunting dogs. Their narrow faces and elongated snouts served the purpose of streamlining them, making them a lot faster and great at keeping up with fast prey.
15. Dachshund
When you look at a Doxie’s face alone, there is nothing unusual, let alone unpleasant, about their appearance. If anything, they are pretty cute. However, their body disproportion is their undoing with the long torso and short stubby legs combo.
Yes, there are people out there who appreciate this unique look of a Dachshund, including the former Queen Elizabeth of England. However, it is weird and unappealing to most other dog lovers out there.
14. Bergamasco Shepherd
The shaggy dog aesthetic can sometimes be appealing. However, Breeds like the Bergamasco Shepherds take it a little too far. Their fur naturally looks like a knotted mess all the time, and it is not a very flattering look.
The good thing about owning these dogs is that they are hypoallergenic. The fact that they do not shed and their fur is already tangled means you don’t even have to worry about brushing them frequently to detangle.
13. French Bulldog
Like the Pug, not everyone will agree about the French Bulldog’s appearance on our list of ugly dogs. However, their flat faces, wide-set eyes, and comically large ears are unfortunately not everyone’s idea of a cute dog.
Fortunately, Frenchies more than make up for their controversial aesthetic with their undeniably attractive personalities. They are friendly, mild-mannered, and very social. With all this and so much more to look forward to with their personalities, that funny face will inevitably grow on you.
12. Chihuahua
Apple-headed Chihuahuas, in particular, get the most flack for their unusual aesthetic. It also doesn’t help that they are sometimes the most difficult dogs to deal with in terms of personality. This is because of traits like their stubbornness, destructiveness, aggressive inclination, and vocal nature.
While they do have their moments of drama, Chihuahuas are just misunderstood. They just need early training, socialization, a lot of love, and even more patience, and you will have the sweetest and most loving pup.
11. Hungarian Puli
Hungarian Puli quite literally looks like dirty old mops. This might sound harsh, but a quick search of them, and you will see precisely why. This unique aesthetic is a result of their coat characteristics which include long, tightly curled fur that forms natural dreadlocks.
It is similar to the Bergamasco Shepherd but has a bit more of a uniform and neat appearance. Therefore, the Puli is a great compromise if you do not mind the shaggy aesthetic but don’t want to take it as far as the Bergamasco Shepherd.
10. Bloodhounds
Bloodhounds are some of the most impressive dogs there are. Their uncanny ability to track scents is unmatched and has earned them popularity, especially among law enforcement forces and hunters.
Their sheer awesomeness is definitely enough to make you forget just how weird-looking these dogs can get with their saggy skin and forehead wrinkles. It also doesn’t help that their ears are extremely long and floppy, adding to the unpopular saggy aesthetic.
9. Hairless Khala
The Hairless Khala is not the easiest breed on the eyes with its hairless body and the weird, sparse tuft of hair on the top of its head. Their skin also has a leathery, dull hue to it that just makes it all worse.
However, their personalities redeem them and make them worth considering as pets if you don’t mind the aesthetic. This is because they are very friendly, affectionate, and particularly gentle with children.
8. Chinese Shar Pei
Shar-Pei dogs missed out on the genetic lottery with their unflatteringly wrinkly bodies. While most dogs with skin folds and wrinkles have them focused on the head, this dog breed is sometimes all folds from their head to their body and limbs.
The worst part is that their temperament is not that pretty either. They were historically kept as fighting dogs and have maintained aggressive and combative personalities to date.
7. Affenpinscher
Affenpinscher is a German term that loosely translates to “Money Terrier.” This is due to the dog’s monkey-like facial features and expressions that are also part of what landed this dog breed on our list of undesirables. They are particularly weird to look at when they have an underbite.
Fortunately for them, they have many other redeeming physical qualities, including their fluffy coats and compact build. They are also very playful and fun-loving, which is endearing.
6. Irish Wolfhound
Despite their weird proportions and scraggly appearance, Irish Wolfhounds have been very popular for centuries. They were initially primarily kept as hunting and guard dogs, for which they were built with their strong limbs, streamlined form, and sharp senses.
Today, you are more likely to find them in dog competitions, including races and agility competitions. It is here where their famous athleticism shines through. They are also kept as companions but very rarely.
5. Neapolitan Mastiff
As with the Shar-Pei and Bloodhound, it is all the wrinkles and excess skin that land the Neapolitan Mastiff on this list. These dogs are massive and have bold personalities to match.
The Shar-Pei is not the type of dog you want to get as a first-time dog owner or if you are not ready to deal with a bit of aggression here and there. Other than that, this dog breed is pretty intelligent and loyal.
4. Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terriers resemble little lambs with their thick, curly coats and oval-shaped skulls. You would think that this would make them super cute, but it is not an aesthetic that always works with the breed.
However, these dogs have quite the fan base around the world largely due to their unique look but also due to their personalities. They are also quite athletic and popular in dog sports, whether it is racing or agility.
3. Peruvian Inca Orchid
Peruvian Inca Orchids are hairless but have some fur on their foreheads. This fur is usually a sharp, blonde, or tan that is in unflattering contrast to the dog’s darker skin.
While these dogs may not be the most photogenic, they are the absolute best in terms of personality. They have been so popular in Peru that they can be traced back to native tribes where they are believed to have lived with humans and were revered as spiritual animals.
2. Bull Terrier
Bull Terriers stand out with their curved, egg-liked skull shape. This might not be everyone’s cup of tea, as most people would think that they have an other-worldly look.
On the other hand, their personalities can be difficult to get accustomed to, especially for first-time owners. This is because Bull Terriers are notoriously obstinate and difficult to control if training is not started early enough.
In spite of all that has been mentioned, Bull Terriers still deserve the love and attention from their owners and should not be left alone for long periods.
1. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is often categorized as a hairless dog. However, it has quite a lot of fur, especially on its head, lower end of all limbs, and on its tail.
It is this odd combination of hairless sections and sections full of fur that makes it such an odd-looking dog. Their narrow faces and disproportionately large and wide-set eyes also contribute.
This, however, has not stunted their demand. If anything, they are quite popular and subsequently very expensive due to their niche features.
Related Questions
What Is The Most Photogenic Dog?
The most photogenic dog breed has to be the Siberian Husky. Aesthetically, they have everything going for them, from their symmetrical faces and proportional build to their beautiful coat markings. Other adorable dog breeds that photograph well include:
- Pomeranians
- Golden Retrievers
- Bichon Frises
- Salukis
- Labradoodles
Do Dogs Think We’re Ugly?
There is no evidence that dogs recognize or appreciate human beauty or lack thereof. So no, they do not think we are ugly or beautiful. Instead, they respond to facial expressions and historical interactions as a way to determine whether or not you are worthy of a bond with them.
How Much Do Chinese Crested Hairless Dogs Cost?
A Chinese Crested Hairless dog can cost anywhere between $1,000 to $4,000. This may seem surprising given their weird aesthetic. However, it is this odd look that makes them so expensive as they are popular in circles that appreciate unusual dogs. You could also adopt one for as little as $300, but they are not very easy to come by in shelters.
