A six-year-old rescue pug named Jinny Lu has been crowned the winner of the 2026 World's Ugliest Dog Contest, thanks to her trademark bulging eyes and a huge floppy tongue that permanently hangs out of her mouth. The 50th-anniversary event took place on Friday, August 14, at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, California.
Prize Package and Recognition
Jinny Lu's owner, Michelle Grady, accepted the top prize package after judges were charmed by the "perfectly imperfect" pup. The win includes a $5,000 cash prize (approximately £3,900), a giant trophy, and a trip to New York for a live appearance on NBC's Today show. Additionally, sponsor Mug Root Beer will feature Jinny Lu's face on a limited-edition soda can.
Promoting Adoption and Rescue
Despite its name, the contest is not intended to mock animals. Instead, it promotes pet adoption and highlights rescue dogs that have overcome difficult beginnings. Jinny Lu was found abandoned in a wooden box in freezing conditions in the mountains of South Korea, where she was saved from the local dog meat trade by welfare activists.
Other Winners and Contest History
Second place went to Pinky, a 10-year-old albino Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix with a bright rosy snout, who won $3,000 (about £2,300). Third place went to Otto, a two-year-old Chihuahua mix with a cleft lip and crooked grin, earning $2,000 (roughly £1,550). The contest, which began in the 1970s, draws tens of thousands of visitors and extensive global media coverage each year.
