25 Adorably Ugly Dog Breeds (2023) That Will Melt Your Heart

Jiggly jowls, wrinkly scowls, and fluffy tufts of fur that seem to sprout up at random. These are just some of the peculiar features that make certain dog breeds stand out as the “ugliest” of the pack.

While some may turn their noses up at unattractive or weird dog breeds, others can’t resist their charm. In fact, June 20th is recognized as Ugliest Dog Day, a day to celebrate lovable canines who aren’t gifted in the looks department.

Read on to discover 25 dog ugly breeds – they may not fit the traditional beauty standards. Still, they’ll capture your heart with their big personalities and infectious energy.

25 Ugly Dog Breeds

So without any further ado, here are the top 25 dog breeds that might be considered “ugly.”

1. Pug

With their affectionate nature and goofy personalities, it’s hard not to be charmed by pugs. But let’s be honest; their flat faces, bulky frames, and bulging eyes are not exactly classified as traditionally attractive.

These adorable (in their own special way) pups have been beloved pets for centuries, with Chinese emperors even gifting them to outsiders. They may not have conventional looks, but they more than make up for it with their affectionate and entertaining personalities. You can always count on a pug to put a smile on your face with its silly antics.

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2. Borzoi

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The Borzoi, also known as the Russian Hunting Sighthound, is a curious canine with a long, pointed snout and lean legs. Originating in Russia during the 1600s, this tall dog breed was favored by the aristocracy for centuries.

While some may find their horse-like faces unattractive, there’s no denying these pups’ unique and distinguished appearance. With their narrow bodies, deep chests, tucked abdomens, and shaggy, disheveled coats, they truly stand out from the crowd.

3. Standard Schnauzer

Standard Schnauzers are a whimsically adorable dog breed that perfectly fits the “ugly yet cute description.” With their long eyebrows, billy goat beard, and mustache, they are instantly recognizable and definitely have a unique appearance.

But looks aside, Standard Schnauzers are beloved for their loyal, affectionate, and playful personalities. This intelligent breed loves nothing more than being included in their family’s activities. They make excellent companions for families who want a fun-loving and loyal dog with a little bit of quirkiness thrown in.

4. Chinese Shar-pei

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With their blue-black tongue, wrinkly faces, and sagging skin, Shar Peis are instantly recognizable. But it’s not just their appearance that sets them apart – these pups have a history of over 2,000 years, dating back to the Han Dynasty in China.

Some might say that the Shar Pei is one of the ugliest dog breeds out there, but to dog lovers, they’re just too cute to handle. Sure, their wrinkles and folds might look a little intimidating at first, but once you get to know them, you’ll see that these pups are fiercely loyal and loving to their families.

5. Scottish Deerhound

Picture a greyhound on stilts, and you’ve got the basic idea of what a Scottish Deerhound looks like. With long legs and a slender frame, they’re built for speed and agility. Their fur is wiry and scruffy, with a wild look that’s both endearing and a little bit intimidating.

Scottish Deerhounds are sweet-natured, affectionate dogs who love nothing more than curling up on the couch with their humans. They’re also loyal and protective of their families, so you can count on them to have your back no matter what.

6. Spanish Galgo

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The Spanish Galgo is often considered an “ugly” dog breed due to its slightly awkward gait and lanky build. However, their loyal and gentle nature more than makes up for any perceived shortcomings in the looks department.

The Galgo’s body is slender and graceful, with long legs built for speed. They have narrow heads with slightly arched muzzles and large, expressive eyes that seem to speak to their soulful nature. Their coats can be short or long and come in a variety of colors, including black, brindle, fawn, and white.

7. Affenpinscher

Affenpinschers are certainly not your typical beauty queens – their appearance is a unique mix of adorable and peculiar. They have compact, square-shaped bodies with short legs and dense, wiry fur, giving them a disheveled and worn appearance.

But their faces steal the show. With their bushy eyebrows, mustache, and beard, Affenpinschers look just like mischievous little monkeys.

This German terrier-like breed is small, weighing only 7 to 13 pounds and standing about 9 to 12 inches tall. Don’t let their small size fool you – Affenpinschers are a bundle of energy and love to play, and their antics are sure to make you laugh.

8. English Bulldog

Who can resist an English Bulldog’s squished face, jiggling jowls, stocky build, and signature wrinkles? These loyal, loving, and low-maintenance cuties might have a tough exterior, but they are not prone to aggression – in fact, they rarely even bark.

Bulldogs don’t need a lot of exercise, so they’re great for people who prefer a more laid-back lifestyle. Their kind and gentle temperament makes them a great emotional support dog breed who will happily snuggle up with you on the couch all day long.

9. Whippet

Whippets may not be the prettiest pups on the block, but their unique look is part of what makes them so endearing. With a slim, sleek style that seems more suited for a fashion runway than a dog park, these pups are known for their lean, oddly graceful appearance. Whippets have slender snouts, long legs, lanky frames, and pointy ears.

Despite their somewhat unconventional looks, whippets are incredibly agile and athletic, with a streamlined shape that helps them to run, jump, and play effortlessly. These dogs are built for speed and are capable of running up to 35 miles per hour.

10. Bergamasco Sheepdog

The Bergamasco Sheepdog is a unique-looking dog that some might describe as “ugly-cute”. Its most distinguishing feature is its shaggy coat, which is made up of long, matted strands of hair that resemble dreadlocks.

Underneath all that hair, the Bergamasco sheepdog has a sturdy and muscular body with a broad chest and strong legs. Its head is large and square-shaped, with a prominent brow and a long, broad muzzle.

11. Griffon Brussels

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The Griffon Brussels looks like a little streetwise rascal, with a wiry, scruffy coat that adds to their scrappy look. Their compact, sturdy build and squished-in nose make them look like they’ve been up to no good, and their big, expressive eyes give them a perpetually curious expression.

Despite their scruffy appearance, these little pups have a certain cute charm that’s hard to resist. They weigh in at just 8-10 pounds, but their big, playful personalities more than make up for their size. So, while they may not be the most conventionally attractive breed out there, the Griffon Brussels is definitely ugly-cute in the best way possible.

12. Peruvian Inca Orchid

While some might consider the Peruvian Inca Orchid an acquired taste, there’s no denying that this “ugly” breed is one of the most unique-looking hairless dogs out there. These pups may not have a lot of fur, but they make up for it in wrinkles. The creases and folds on their heads, necks, and legs give them a somewhat ancient, wise appearance. 

These hairless wonders sometimes have random tufts of fur on their heads, tails, and feet, making them look like they got a terrible haircut from a blindfolded groomer. And if that’s not enough to make you smile, some even sport natural mohawks!

13. Irish Wolfhound

If you’re looking for a furry friend who is both massive and mellow, look no further than the Irish wolfhound. These gentle giants can weigh well over 100 pounds and stand up to three feet tall. Their long, slender legs, narrow heads, floppy ears, and scruffy coats give them a disheveled look that is generally considered “ugly”.

Although they may seem intimidating at first glance, Irish wolfhounds are actually quite calm and delightful companions. They were once fierce hunters, able to easily take down a wolf. Nowadays, they’re more likely to leave a pawprint on your heart than to hunt down any game.

14. Japanese Chin

Picture this: a small, fluffy ball of fur with big, round, buggy eyes that almost seem to pop out of its head. Its tiny, button nose sits just above a protruding underbite, giving it a somewhat comical expression. This quirky face belongs to the ugly-but-elegant Japanese Chin.

Despite its somewhat unusual appearance, the Japanese Chin has a long history as a lapdog and companion, dating back to ancient times. And if you can look past its unique features, you’ll find a loyal, loving, and affectionate companion that will steal your heart.

15. Hairless Chinese Crested

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Chinese Crested dogs, with their hairless skin, randomly placed tufts of fur, and scruffy heads of hair, definitely don’t fit the conventional definition of beauty. These little guys regularly win “Ugliest Dog” contests, but their owners know their unconventional looks only add to their charm. 

Their low-shedding coat and manageable size make them an excellent choice for families with limited space or allergies. And despite their unconventional appearance, these dogs are friendly, social, and playful companions that will steal your heart in no time.

16. English Bull Terrier

With their signature pointy ears, piercing eyes, and egg-shaped heads, English Bull Terriers may not be conventionally attractive, but they are definitely a unique breed. Whether full-sized or miniature, Bull Terriers always have that signature oval-shaped head that creates a truly distinctive facial profile.

These quirky pups look like they were bred for mischief, and their playful personalities certainly live up to that reputation. They love to play pranks and make their owners laugh, earning themselves the title of class clown in the dog world.

17. Komondor

While the Komondor might not be the prettiest fluffy white dog breed, they sure are cute in their own way. Its coat is made up of long, thick, and corded white hair that forms into tight dreadlocks, giving it a unique and quirky appearance.

Despite its shaggy appearance, the Komondor is a fierce protector that takes its job seriously. Its thick coat helps it blend in with the livestock it’s guarding, making it difficult for predators to spot. And if any danger does arise, the Komondor will fearlessly step up to protect its flock and family.

18. Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog)

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The Xoloitzcuintli – also known as the Mexican hairless dog – is the ultimate “ugly-cute” canine. This bald dog breed may not be the prettiest pooch, but its charm and intelligence more than make up for its looks.

Many people find the Xoloitzcuintli’s unique look charming and endearing. Their loyal and calm nature makes them excellent companions and watchdogs. And while some may find their wrinkled foreheads and rectangular bodies a bit unsightly, they have a prided pedigree and are recognized as the national dog of Mexico.

19. Papillon

Calling the Papillon an “ugly” dog breed might be a bit of a stretch. These odd little furballs are actually quite cute and endearing with their fluffy, fringed ears and lively, expressive eyes. However, they do have a unique look that some might consider “quirky” or “unconventional.”

Papillons are a small breed, typically weighing in at just 5-10 pounds. Their most distinctive feature is their long, feathered ears, which resemble a butterfly’s wings (hence the breed’s name, which means “butterfly” in French). Papillons are hardy and athletic little dogs. They’re known for their playful and energetic personalities, as well as their intelligence and trainability.

20. Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a massive and intimidating dog with a rugged and wrinkly appearance. They have a stocky and muscular build, weighing in at over 100 pounds, droopy, loose skin, and heavy jowls. Their thick, dense coat is usually a solid gray, black, or mahogany color, and their ears hang down to frame their big, soulful eyes.

These big buddies have a powerful presence, with a broad chest and massive head that gives them an imposing look. Despite their tough exterior, they have a heart of gold and make devoted and affectionate companions.

21. Puli

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Meet the Puli – a quick, agile, shaggy sweetheart who loves to bond closely with its humans. Originating in Hungary, this black dog breed was primarily bred to guard herds of cattle.

Pulis are known for their tight, waterproof wool coats that resemble dreadlocks. Each Puli’s coat is unique, ranging from thinner, flat cords to thicker, round ones. These pups stand at around 17 inches tall and weigh in at 23-25 pounds. Despite their small to medium size, they can appear much larger due to their mop-like coats.

22. Hairless Khala

Hailing from the country of Bolivia, Khala dogs are a rare breed that resembles the Xoloitzcuintli. They have wrinkly skin, soulful eyes, and haphazard tufts of hair. While some may find their hairless bodies a bit unusual, others can’t help but find them irresistibly cute. 

Khala dogs are surprisingly affectionate and playful. They’re incredibly soft to the touch, making them the perfect cuddle buddies on chilly nights. Plus, their “nakedness” makes them great conversation starters at the dog park – who doesn’t love a little bit of quirkiness?

23. Bloodhound

From their comically droopy eyes to their sagging jowls and ears that seem to go on for miles, the Bloodhound has an unmistakable and endearing appearance. Their loose skin and wrinkles give them the perfect “ugly-cute” look.

Despite their often-droopy expression, these dogs are strong and muscular, with long legs that make them excellent trackers. With their incredible sense of smell, they can sniff out nearly everything, including a box of doggy biscuits hidden in the back of the pantry. These curious canines also have a friendly disposition and love spending time with other dogs and kids.

24. Bedlington Terrier

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The Bedlington terrier may not be conventionally cute, but it sure knows how to turn heads. This ugly oddball of the dog world will surely steal many hearts with its curly, wooly coat and lamb-like features.

Its head is long and narrow, with a distinctive topknot of hair, its ears are small and triangular, and its eyes are bright and expressive. The Bedlington terrier’s appearance is truly one-of-a-kind, and it’s hard not to be charmed by its quirky looks. And let’s be real, who wouldn’t want a dog that looks like a lamb with a mohawk?

25. Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is the ultimate small dog with a big personality. Some might call them ugly, but their owners prefer to think of them as adorably unique. These pint-sized pups are known for their large, erect ears and apple-shaped heads, which are almost comically out of proportion to their tiny bodies. Their fur can come in various colors, from creamy white to dark chocolate.

Despite their small size, these pooches are tough and will fiercely defend their owners against any threat. They’re also incredibly devoted and enjoy nothing more than cuddling up with their human for a warm, cozy snooze.

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