Ugly Dog Breeds: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and this couldn’t be truer when it comes to dog breeds. While some breeds are regularly recognized for their striking good looks, others may not fit traditional beauty standards. These “ugly” dogs often have peculiar features that make them stand out from the pack, but they capture the hearts of many for their big personalities and infectious energy.
As people around the world prepare to celebrate Ugliest Dog Day on June 20th, let’s take a look at 25 dog breeds that might be considered “ugly” by some. But to their owners, they’re simply lovable, charming, and unforgettably unique.
1. Pug
Known for their affectionate nature and goofy personalities, pugs have captured hearts for centuries. But let’s be honest; their flat faces, bulky frames, and bulging eyes are not exactly classified as traditionally attractive. However, their unique appearance more than makes up for it with their affectionate and entertaining personalities. These pups are sure to put a smile on your face with their silly antics.
2. Borzoi
Originating in Russia during the 1600s, the Borzoi, also known as the Russian Hunting Sighthound, is a curious canine with a long, pointed snout and lean legs. 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
The Standard Schnauzer is 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. 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
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 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
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
With compact, square-shaped bodies, short legs, and dense, wiry fur, Affenpinschers have 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. But their big, playful personalities more than make up for their small size.
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
With a slim, sleek style that seems more suited for a fashion runway than a dog park, Whippets are known for their lean, oddly graceful appearance. Their slender snouts, long legs, lanky frames, and pointy ears give them an unconventional look that not everyone may appreciate. But these pups 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
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.
12. Peruvian Inca Orchid
These hairless wonders 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. At times, they even 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 affectionate dogs who love nothing more than spending time with their families.
14. Brussels Griffon
Don’t let their small size fool you – Brussels Griffons are a bundle of energy and love to play, and their antics are sure to make you laugh. With their expressive eyes and scruffy coats, these little pups might not fit traditional beauty standards, but they’re certainly adorable in their own unique way. And as loyal companions, they’ll never let you down.
15. Bloodhound
Known for their incredible sense of smell and droopy faces, Bloodhounds are often labeled as “ugly” due to their wrinkles and folds. But these lovable hounds have hearts of gold and are fiercely loyal to their families. They might not win any beauty contests, but they make up for it with their charming personalities.
16. Brussels Griffon Rough Hair
This breed takes the cake for having the quietest bark of any dog in the world, which is just one of the things that makes them such great pets. They may have wiry, scraggly hair that gives them the appearance of a scruffy old man, but their personalities are playful, fun-loving, and affectionate.
17. Chinese Crested
One of the most unique-looking dogs in the world, the Chinese Crested is a hairless pooch with tufts of furry hair on its head, tail, and feet. These pups are happy-go-lucky animals with a playful personality that will make you smile. They may not fit traditional beauty standards, but they’ll steal your heart from the moment you meet them.
18. Bulldog
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 Bulldog to put a smile on your face with its silly antics.
19. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier has a unique appearance that makes it stand out from other terrier breeds. With their lamb-like appearance, curly fur, and long, narrow muzzle, some might consider them an acquired taste. But these pups are loyal, affectionate, and playful, making them great companions for families.
20. Italian Greyhound
With a long, slender build, elegant legs, and a distinctive narrow snout, Italian Greyhounds have a unique appearance that some may consider “ugly.” But these pups are sensitive, affectionate, and playful, making
