10 Ugly Dogs: Whom We Can’t Stop Loving

Bhoomi Kagra | Nov 10, 2025, 11:23 IST
Uniquely Adorable: Celebrating the Charm of Unusual Dogs
( Image credit : Freepik )

In this article we talk about 10 ugly looking dog, their unusual appearances and delightfully adorable personalities, for which they are loved beyond their looks. We covered breeds such as Shar-pei, Puli, Neapolitan mastiff, Bull terrier, Xoloitzcuintli (mexican hairless), Bedlington terrier, Chinese crested (hairless variety), Komondor, Griffon nivernais and Pont audemer spaniel.

“Ugly dog” a term used for dogs that are unusual in appearance, lack the normal criteria of being fluffy, cute and adoring. These dogs maybe different but for some people, are as adorable as others. Even a dedicated contest for “World’s Ugliest Dog” is held each year, appreciating the unusual looking dog breeds for their unique appearance and beauty. Well, here’s the list of 10 ugly dogs whom we love:

1) Shar-Pei:


More Wrinkles, More Love: The Shar-Pei Duo
( Image credit : Pixabay )
A dog with unusually huge skin folds and extra skin which almost looks wrinkly and saggy in appearance. It has a huge broad muzzle, a blackish tongue and harsh, bristly short coat as the dog’s name literally means ‘sandpaper skin’. This dog maybe considered ugly by many people but is still loved for their loyal, protective, independent, calm and loving nature.

2) Puli:


Dreads for Days: A Puli's Charm
( Image credit : Pixabay )
A hungarian herding dog with naturally occurring unusual looking corded coat, which almost looks like dreadlocks or a cleaning mop in disguise, this coat is formed with the intertwined undercoat and outer coat hair, which is also weather resistant. People love this breed due to their intelligent, energetic, loyal, protective and loving personality.


3) Neapolitan Mastiff:


The Majestic Neapolitan Mastiff
( Image credit : Pixabay )
The winner of world’s ugliest dog in 2017, this dog has abundant loose skin on the body which looks wrinkly just as the shar-pei breed. It also has droopy skin around the mouth which causes excess drooling and a huge head with massive robust body. Despite their looks this breed is loved for being loyal, affectionate, calm and gentle in nature.

4) Bull Terrier:


Best Friends Forever: A Boy and His Bull Terrier
( Image credit : Unsplash )
A hybrid of the bulldog and the terrier, this dog has an unusually long, egg shaped head which looks very different along with triangle ears and small eyes. Despite its odd looking head, this dog is loved for being loyal, affectionate, playful and energetic. They are also known as the “clown of the dog world” for their goofy nature.

5)Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless):


A Hairless Heart on the Run
( Image credit : Pixabay )
A very ancient dog breed with hairless sleek bodies, although they sometime have a few strands on head, toes or tails with pointed bat like ears and missing teeth. They also are prone to dry skin with wrinkles due to their genetic mutation. These dogs are adored for their playful, loyal, intelligent, calm, alert and loving nature.

6)Bedlington Terrier:


The Lamb of the Dog World: The Bedlington Terrier
( Image credit : Pixabay )
This dog has a pear shaped head with taft of hair on its head extending up to its long muzzle with hair tassels at the tip of the ears and a high arched back, making them look almost like a lamb. These dogs are adored for their affectionate, confident, headstrong, playful, active and loyal personality.


7)Chinese Crested (Hairless Variety):


Effortlessly Glamorous: Chinese Crested
( Image credit : Pixabay )
These dogs have almost hairless skin with crest of hair on its head, feet and tail, almost looking like if they were wearing a cap and socks, along with long ears and small, beading round eyes. This dog even won the ugliest dog contest in 2023. Their sensitive, intelligent, playful, protective, loyal and loving nature impresses people despite their looks.

8)Komondor:


The Magnificent Mop Dog: The Komondor
( Image credit : Pexels )
This dog too, has a corded coat which gives it a look of a mop or a sheep. It has a muscular body and long legs which gets all covered by rope like twisted strands of hair. The fur also covers the whole face which needs regular trimming. This dog breed is also loved for its protective, independent, calm, alert and loyal personality.

9)Griffon Nivernais:


Rugged Charm of the Griffon
( Image credit : Pexels )
This dog has a rough and messy coat with a moustache, beard and skinny tail, giving it a shaggy and unkempt appearance. The coat looks like it needs some tidying but its their natural texture. Apart from looks this dog is loved for being intelligent, independent, courageous, affectionate and loyal in nature.


10) Pont Audemer Spaniel:


The Woolly Wanderer: Pont-Audemer Spaniel
( Image credit : Google gemini ai pro )

This dog has a curly feather like coat which looks messy and untidy with a topknot of wavy and textured hair on its head almost looking like a wig. This dog also has whiter rings around the eye, which looks like vitiligo.
Despite these unusual looks, this dog is loved for being energetic yet gentle, loyal, intelligent and affectionate in nature. These dogs are even called “little clown of the marshes” for their fun loving personality.

So, this was the list, good looking and charming or not, these dogs are sure a delightful companion for pet owners and people who love dogs.

Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, Behavior Decoder, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):


  1. Who won the world's ugliest dog in 2025?Petunia, a 2 year old, rescued french-english bulldog mix from oregon won the world's ugliest dog contest held in california, 2025. The competition celebrates the unique beauty of unusual looking dogs and promotes adoption for all kinds of dog.
  2. Is the ugly dog in deadpool real?Yes, the dog in deadpool is a real dog named peggy, who won the title of 'Britain's ugliest dog' contest in 2023. She is a trained animal actor of pugese cross breed, she was chosen by the film makers for her unique looks.
Tags:
  • ugly dogs
  • shar-pei dog
  • puli dog
  • neapolitan mastiff
  • bull terrier dog
  • bedlington terrier dog
  • chinese crested dog
  • komondor dog
  • griffon nivernais dog
  • pont audemer spaniel dog