Rescued Pug from South Korea Crowned World’s Ugliest Dog
A rescued pug named Jinny Lu, originally from South Korea, has won the World's Ugliest Dog Contest held in Santa Rosa, California. The contest, in its 50th year, aims to celebrate individuality, promote rescue dogs, and highlight their resilience.

Denver, CO, August 15, 2026 —
A pug named Jinny Lu, rescued from South Korea, has been awarded the title of the World’s Ugliest Dog at a competition held in Santa Rosa, California. This year marked the 50th anniversary of the event.
The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest is an annual event that celebrates dogs often overlooked due to their unconventional appearances. Beyond crowning a winner, the contest aims to promote the adoption of rescue dogs, highlighting their unique characteristics and the resilience they often demonstrate.
Jinny Lu’s journey to the winner’s circle began with her rescue in South Korea. Her victory in Santa Rosa underscores the competition’s focus on celebrating individuality and the special bond between humans and their canine companions, regardless of traditional aesthetic standards.
The event in Santa Rosa serves as a platform to advocate for animal rescue and adoption, encouraging people to consider giving homes to dogs that may not fit conventional beauty standards but possess immense love and character. The 50-year history of the contest reflects a growing appreciation for the diversity within the canine world and the importance of second chances for animals.
Story summarized from the original created by Justin Boggs on www.denver7.com, see more information here.