Pug crowned world's ugliest dog

A pug with a love of competition and a face only a mother could love has been crowned the world’s ugliest dog.

Jinny Lu, a six-year-old pug, took the top prize at the 50th Annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest in Santa Rosa, California, on August 14, beating a parade of uniquely scruffy contenders.

Her owner, Michelle Grady, will receive $5,000 furnished by MUG Root Beer, while Jinny Lu will also get the chance to replace the brand’s mascot, Dog, on a custom limited-edition can.

Pinky, a Chihuahua-Pomeranian cross, came second and won $3,000, while third place went to Otto, a Chihuahua mix, who received $2,000.

Jinny Lu was adopted through Pug Rescue four years ago and this was Grady’s fourth attempt at taking the unusual title.

MUG said: “Jinny Lu was adopted through Pug Rescue four years ago, and ever since, she has been a constant source of mischief and joy.”

Michelle added: “She absolutely loves competition, meeting everyone, and everything the event stands for.”

Despite losing his place on the root beer can, MUG mascot Dog appeared to take the result in good spirits and was present to help crown the winner.

Jinny Lu takes the title from Petunia the bulldog, who won last year after being rescued from a backyard breeder in Las Vegas.

While the contest's name may sound harsh, organisers insist the event is not about mocking dogs for their appearance. Instead, it aims to celebrate their quirks while promoting rescue and adoption.

Mandy Clendenen, CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association, said: “The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest has never really been about finding the world’s ugliest dog.”

She added: “For 50 years, this event has celebrated the uniqueness of every dog while sharing an important message of compassion, rescue, and acceptance. It’s incredible to see how a small local tradition has grown into an event that captures hearts around the world.”

And after half a century of bizarre faces, lovable misfits and questionable haircuts, Jinny Lu has proved that beauty really is in the eye of the beholder.