Top 10 Ugliest Dog Breeds and the Charm Behind Their Looks

Not every dog meets the conventional standard of beauty. However, what one person finds odd, another might find lovable. So-called ugly dogs have a unique appeal and deserve love, care, and a happy home.

In this article, we highlight what some term the ugliest dog breeds out there. We’ll also share the unique traits and qualities that make each of these dogs special and lovable.

What makes a dog breed “ugly”?

When people call a dog breed “ugly,” they usually mean it doesn’t fit conventional beauty standards. Traits like wrinkled, saggy skin, especially around the face, can look strange to some. Certain dog breeds also stand out for their lack of fur or uneven patches, while others have unusual body proportions, such as short legs and a large belly, or a tiny head on a thick neck. 

Barrel-bodied dogs that waddle when they walk, pop-eyed breeds that look like they might fall out any second, or bandy-legged ones with limbs that seem to twist in different directions also belong in this category.

However, “ugly” is subjective to each person’s opinion. On the bright side, many of these quirky dogs have great personalities. They’re sweet, loyal, silly, protective, and full of charm. As such, the people who own them fall in love with them because they look different, not despite it.

Top 10 ugliest dog breeds

These 10 dog breeds display certain traits that distinguish them from traditional dog looks more than others.

1. Chinese Crested Dog

The Chinese crested dog is a common name on any “ugly” dog list, thanks to its completely hairless body, soft pinkish skin, and odd patches of long, fluffy hair that sprout from the head, tail, and ankles. The contrast between the bald body and the human-style wig, plus tufts of fluffy fur that resemble pompoms, is dramatic. It weighs between 5 and 12 pounds and stands between 9 and 13 inches tall.

What it lacks in fur, it makes up for in heart and brains. Cresteds are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them excellent at obedience training. They're extremely loyal, affectionate, and comforting, and are used as therapy dogs.

2. Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless)

The Xoloitzcuintli is often compared to the Chinese crested dog for its bare skin and odd patches of hair. Most Xolos are completely hairless, but some have sparse tufts or short coats, usually centered on the head, giving the appearance of a thin, scruffy mohawk. Their skin is also rough and leathery, typically a solid black, gray, or bronze.

Despite their unusual appearance, Xolos are loving, calm, and vigilant companions. They form strong bonds, are loyal, and make excellent watchdogs. Xolos also boast impressive longevity, often living 15 to 18 years. They come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard, ranging from 10 to 55 pounds and 9 to 23 inches tall.

3. Neapolitan Mastiff

This massive dog is full of sagging skin. Its face has deep wrinkles and heavy dewlaps that hang from its jowls and neck, with a permanently creased forehead giving it a worried or sad expression. Neapolitans are typically 24 to 31 inches tall and weigh 110 to 150 pounds, with some males reaching 200 pounds. They drool, shed heavily, and need protection from heat. To top it off, they’re prone to health problems like hip dysplasia and typically live less than 10 years.

Despite their size, the Neapolitan is easy to train and excel as a guard, police, and service dog. They’re also calm, loyal, and deeply affectionate with their humans.

4. Puli

The Puli looks like a mop with legs. Its body is covered in dense, corded hair that forms long dreadlocks, often dragging near the ground. Its coat looks odd and messy, and the texture is rough. However, the corded hair serves as protection and insulation for the dog, so don’t think of cutting it.

Beneath those heavy locks is an incredibly energetic dog that is light on its feet, has a playful nature, and deep loyalty. Pulis weigh between 25 and 40 pounds, stand up to 17 inches tall, and live for around 10 to 15 years.

5. English Bull Terrier

The English bull terrier has a muscular build and a distinctive, egg-shaped head with small, slanted eyes. Its skull is rounded and smooth, with no stop between the forehead and nose, which gives the dog an alien-like look. 

Behind that quirky face is a playful, fiercely loyal companion. English bull terriers are also known for being a little stubborn and full of personality. They weigh between 50 and 70 pounds, stand approximately 20 to 22 inches tall, and have a lifespan of 10 to 13 years.

6. Pug

The Pug is a small dog with a big presence. It has a flat face covered in wrinkles, big round eyes that always look worried, and a tightly curled tail, giving it an almost cartoonish appearance. Its ears are thin and folded much like a bulldog’s, while its body is short, chunky, and low to the ground.

Despite their funny look, Pugs are sweet, calm, and full of love. They enjoy being around people and are happiest when they’re sitting close to someone they care about. They are also obedient, gentle, and friendly with kids and other pets. A Pug is between 10 and 11 inches tall, weighing 14 to 18 pounds, and can live up to 15 years.

7. Borzoi

The Borzoi is a tall, slender, and long-bodied dog, characterized by a narrow, pointed face and a long snout that makes its head appear relatively small in comparison to the rest of its body. Its deep chest, curved back, and long, skinny legs give it a bony, awkward appearance. 

Borzoi is part of the sighthound family, which means it was bred to hunt by using its sharp eyesight and speed. The name “Borzoi” comes from the Russian word for “swift,” and it fits, as the dog can run up to 40 miles per hour. Despite its unusual appearance, it’s calm, quiet, loyal, and affectionate. Borzois stand up to 28 inches tall, weigh between 60 and 105 pounds, and can live for 9 to 14 years.

8. Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds, typically weighing between 3 and 6 pounds. Its body is small and fragile, with a head that appears large in comparison. The head is shaped like an apple, with huge, round eyes that almost seem too big for its face. Their short coats and tall ears make their sharp features stand out.

Despite their size, Chihuahuas are bold and bossy, acting like big dogs in a little body. They’re very vocal and love to bark, but they’re also loyal, playful, and affectionate. If you teach them to be around different people and pets from a young age, they can learn to be more social. Chihuahuas live up to 17 years.

9. Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington is a small dog that resembles a lamb but possesses the bold, determined heart of a terrier. It was originally bred to hunt rats, rabbits, foxes, and badgers, using its sharp teeth to drive them from their hiding spots. 

One of its most unique features is its filbert ear. The ears are triangular with a little tassel at the tip, and they feel soft and velvety to the touch, almost like suede.

Bedlington stands at 15 to 18 inches tall and weighs between 17 and 23 pounds. They are energetic, friendly, and playful. They also don’t shed much, making them a good choice for people with allergies. With proper care, Bedlington Terriers live about 11 to 16 years.

10. Shar-Pei

The Chinese Shar-Pei is best known for its deep wrinkles, loose skin, and resemblance to a hippopotamus. This “hippo look” comes from the shape of its broad, padded muzzle, a feature you won’t see in any other breed. Its skin also has a prickly, sandpaper-like feel.

Dog owners love the Shar-Pei because it’s a calm, highly intelligent, and loyal companion. However, they need early socialization to avoid becoming overly wary of strangers. Shar-peis weigh between 40 and 60 pounds and live about 8 to 12 years.

Why do some dog breeds look “ugly”?

Selective breeding and genetics have influenced the appearance of certain dog breeds over time. In the past, people bred dogs to possess certain features that enhanced their working abilities, such as strength, speed, or alertness, even if those features did not align with traditional notions of beauty. 

This sometimes led to exaggerated features, such as wrinkled skin, short noses, or unusual body shapes. For example, guard dogs often have large heads and loose skin to protect them during fights, while lap dogs have flat faces and big eyes to appeal to humans or fit comfortably in laps.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

What one person sees as ugly dog breeds, another person finds charming or unique. Every dog, regardless of its appearance, can bring joy, love, and companionship to its owners. 

Choosing a dog should be about finding the right match for your lifestyle, not just about picking the prettiest face. Often, those dogs with the quirkiest appearances have the biggest hearts and make the most loyal canine friends.

So, when considering getting a dog, look beyond physical appearances and focus on the dog’s personality, energy levels, and needs instead.