Imperfections make every dog special: This is the message that the 2026 World’s Ugliest Contest wants to spread to the world as it marks its 50th anniversary.
The contest stated that its purpose is not to make fun of dogs but to celebrate their unique personalities, reminding the world that every dog has its own special kind of beauty.
The contest also promotes dog adoption, reminding the public that all dogs deserve to be loved, no matter what they look like.
Not your typical ‘beauty’ contest
Many of the pooch participants who have participated in the contest across the years were rescued from puppy mills and shelters.
The contest was held at the Sonoma County Fair in California in partnership with Mug Root Beer.
“This event has always been about celebrating the dogs that might otherwise be overlooked,” Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association chief executive officer Mandy Clendenen said in a press release.
This year, there were nine canine contestants and Jinny Lu, a six-year-old pug, won the title.
The winner
Jinny Lu was rescued from the dog meat trade in South Korea. Adopted through Pug Rescue four years ago, the pug now lives in Ukiah, California.
Jinny Lu became known for “arguing” with her own reflection.
Jinny Lu’s owner, Michelle Grady, stated that the pug “loves competition, meeting everyone, and everything the event stands for.”
Jinny Lu also visits elementary schools to teach children about pet adoption and its importance, as well as in memory care facilities to bring joy to patients there.
This year marks the pug’s fourth time joining the contest. She won $5,000 and will be featured on limited-edition Mug Root Beer cans.
Pinky, an albino Chihuahua-Pomeranian mix won second place, while Otto, another Chihuahua mix, won third place.
Jinny Lu succeeds Petunia, nicknamed “Pinky,” a two-year old hairless Frenchie-English Bulldog mix who won the contest in 2025, where Jinny Lu also won second place and the Spirit Award.
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