The Top 10 Ugliest Dogs of All Time

The 2024 World's Ugliest Dog Contest took place on June 21st in Petaluma, California, crowning a new champion: an 8-year-old Pekingese named Wild Thang. After five years of persistent participation, Wild Thang finally snagged the top spot, delighting audiences with her unique appearance. This ice cream-loving, crowd-adoring pooch is relishing her newfound fame, garnering significant attention on her journey to New York, including some memorable moments at the airport.

The World's Ugliest Dog Contest isn't just about celebrating quirky canines with unconventional looks; it's about embracing individuality and uniqueness. This annual event shines a light on the beauty found in imperfection, promoting the message that every dog, regardless of their appearance, deserves love and care. By championing these often-overlooked pets, the contest also raises awareness for animal rescue and adoption, reminding us that beauty truly lies in the eye of the beholder.

Now, let's take a humorous stroll down memory lane and revisit some of the most memorable champions of the World's Ugliest Dog Contest.

Sam (2003-2005)

This Chinese Crested Hairless dog was a three-time champion, known for his hairless, wrinkled skin, and bug-eyed stare. Sam's peculiar appearance made him an instant internet sensation, proving that beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder.

Rascal Deux (2002)

Another Chinese Crested, Rascal Deux had a hairless body with tufts of wild hair on his head, a crooked tail, and a tongue that perpetually hung out. His charmingly grotesque looks won over the judges and the audience alike.

Do you know? His grandfather, Chi Chi, was honored by the Guinness Book of World Records for winning eight Ugly Dog titles. Bad looks seem to be a family trait!

Elwood (2007)

A mix between a Chinese Crested and a Chihuahua, Elwood was affectionately called "Yoda" or "ET" for his resemblance to the famous characters. With his bulging eyes and mohawk, Elwood was a fan favorite.

Quasi Modo (2015)

This Pit Bull-Dutch Shepherd mix had a spinal birth defect that gave her a hunched back and an unusual gait. Despite her physical challenges, Quasi Modo charmed everyone with her sweet personality and resilience, whether she was playing with other dogs, greeting strangers with a wag of her tail, or simply enjoying a sunny day in the park. Her resilience and gentle nature endeared her to everyone she met, making her the clear favorite at the 2015 World's Ugliest Dog Contest.

Sweepee Rambo (2016)

Sweepee Rambo, a Chinese Crested Chihuahua mix, was a tiny, toothless wonder. Her body was mostly hairless, adorned with sporadic tufts of wispy hair on her head and ears. Sweepee's skin had a wrinkled, almost leathery texture, with dark spots adding to her unique appearance.

One of her most distinctive features was her eyes; due to being blind, they often appeared cloudy and gave her an endearing, slightly bewildered expression.

Despite her unconventional appearance, Sweepee Rambo had a lively spirit and a gentle nature. She enjoyed being cuddled and pampered by her owner, who proudly showcased her at the contest. Sweepee's unique beauty and sweet disposition won her the 2016 title, making her a memorable champion in the annals of the World's Ugliest Dog Contest.

Martha (2017)

Martha, a Neapolitan Mastiff, was a heavyweight contender in the world of ugly dogs. Her face was a masterpiece of droopiness, with sagging jowls and excess skin that seemed to be in a perpetual state of melting off her skull.

Martha’s eyes, often hidden behind folds of skin, peeked out with a lazy, half-interested gaze that perfectly complemented her laid-back nature. She was a mountain of wrinkles and drool, often leaving a trail of slobber wherever she went. During the contest, Martha's drool-filled charm and unflappable attitude won over the judges and spectators alike, securing her the 2017 title and a place in ugly dog history.

Scamp the Tramp (2019)

Scamp the Tramp, a scruffy little mutt, was the epitome of endearing dishevelment. His wild, unkempt mane looked like he had just rolled out of bed after a long night of adventures. His fur stuck out in every direction, creating a look that was equal parts chaotic and adorable. Scamp's most memorable feature was his tongue, which seemed to have a mind of its own, perpetually hanging askew out of one side of his mouth.

Zsa Zsa (2018)

Zsa Zsa, an English Bulldog, was a drooling dynamo with a personality as big as her slobbery jowls. Her tongue, which seemed to have given up on fitting inside her mouth, lolled out in a perpetually endearing display.

Zsa Zsa’s face, with its multitude of wrinkles, looked as though she was perpetually pondering life’s great mysteries or perhaps just wondering when the next belly rub was coming. Her victory in 2018 was celebrated with much fanfare, love, and of course, plenty of belly rubs.

Walle (2013)

Walle, a Beagle, Basset, and Boxer mix, was a wonderfully peculiar blend of his lineage. His body was plump and his legs were short, giving him a comical, waddling walk that could bring a smile to anyone’s face. Walle’s face, an adorably squished masterpiece, looked like it had been designed by a child’s playful imagination.

Walle’s unique appearance was matched by his loveable nature. He had a way of looking at you with his soulful eyes that melted hearts instantly. His joyful waddles and enthusiastic personality made him an unforgettable champion in 2013.

Mr. Happy Face (2022)

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the World's Ugliest Dog Contest made a grand return in 2022, crowning Mr. Happy Face as its new champion. Mr. Happy Face was a delightful oddity, with a face that only a mother (or a very loving owner) could adore. His wild, wispy fur looked as though he’d just survived a windstorm, and his crooked smile added to his unique charm.

His victory in 2022 marked a triumphant return to the contest and a heartwarming reminder that every dog, no matter how quirky, deserves their moment in the spotlight.