Sweepee Rambo, pedigree winner 2014, World’s Ugliest Dog contest
So ugly they’re cute, just plain ol’ cute, or ugly but adorable?
Does your heart melt at the sight of a critter in need of a little extra TLC?
We’ve collected some of the most…unique-looking examples of the dog world for a closer look.
From the hairless to the wrinkle-prone, these cute-yet-ugly dogs truly stand out in a crowd.
Take our breed survey and enjoy learning a little more about these special dogs.
These uniquely beautiful creatures have won more ugliest dog contests than any other breed. Named for their majestic crested hairdo, these toy breed family dogs are wonderful companions that’ll really get you noticed!
Xoloitzcuintli or Mexican hairless dog
The holy dog of the Aztecs is one of the oldest and rarest breeds. The Xolo (prounounced Show-low) is recognized in three sizes like a poodle: toy, miniature, and standard. About one in five puppies are born with a coat.
Shar pei
This wrinkly black-tongued dogs are related to the chow chow. Bred for fighting and guard work, these rough coated dogs benefit from early training and socialization. There are distinct differences between the Western breed standard and the traditionally bred Chinese “bone mouth” dogs.
Puli
A Hungarian herding dog famous for the long corded or dreadlocked style of its coat (which is also shared by the komondor and is achievable with a poodle, should one be inclined), this is a highly active breed that needs a lot of focused exercise if kept indoors in the city lifestyle.
Neapolitan mastiff
This giant, fearless protector is a natural guardian of his family, with the intelligence and independence to sneak up on intruders! An Italian offshoot of the ancient molosser family of dogs, the Neapolitan is most closely related to the English mastiff, but distantly related to St. Bernards, bulldogs, pit bulls, and Bernese mountain dogs.
Brussels griffon
Known for their lovely bushy beard, this Belgian toy terrier was originally bred for rat catching. Early crossings with pugs and Cavalier King Charles spaniels give the brussels griffon its adorably squished face.
English bull terrier
The dog world’s biggest “egg head,” the bull terrier is famous for its unique profile and triangular-shaped eyes. These tough little “bull and terriers” were originally bred for both fighting and vermin control.
Japanese chin
These tiny aristocrats are known for their luxurious silky coat and enormous, lion-like heads. Remains of chin-like dogs date back to the 8th millennium BC throughout Asia, with close relatives being the Tibetan spaniel, pekingese, and papillon.