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Rescue pug Jinny Lu, 6, has been crowned 2026s Worlds Ugliest Dog after wowing judges with bulging eyes and a permanently lolling tongue, landing a $5,000 (3,900) prize

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Andrea OldereideSenior Reporter

10:56, 17 AUG 2026
Updated11:27, 17 AUG 2026

Jinny Lu with her owner

(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

A six-year-old rescue pug called Jinny Lu has officially been crowned the winner of the 2026 Worlds 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 was held on Friday (August 14), at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, California, USA.

Jinny Lus owner, Michelle Grady, picked up the top prize package after the judges fell for the perfectly imperfect pup. By taking the crown, Jinny Lu bagged a $5,000 cash prize (3,900), a giant trophy, and a trip to New York for a live celebrity appearance on NBCs Today show.

Shes also getting her own limited-edition soda can, featuring her face in a special design by sponsor Mug Root Beer. Despite the eyebrow-raising name, the famous contest isnt meant to mock animals.

Instead, it promotes pet adoption and shines a spotlight on rescue dogs whove survived tough starts in life. In Jinny Lu's case, she was found abandoned in a wooden box in freezing weather in the mountains of South Korea, before being saved from the local dog meat trade by welfare activists.

Second place went to Pinky, a 10-year-old albino Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix with a bright rosy snout, who won $3,000 (2,300). Third place went to Otto, a two-year-old Chihuahua mix with a cleft lip and crooked grin, winning $2,000 (1,550).

Little Prince Wonder, a Chinese Crested dog

[Little Prince Wonder, a Chinese Crested dog]

Little Prince Wonder is a lovable nine-year-old Chinese Crested rescue dog known for his confident strut, a permanent tongue-out grin, and his career as a tiny magic show performer.

(Image: Getty Images)1 of 9

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Pinky, an albino Pomeranian Chihuahua, wins second place in the "World's Ugliest Dog Contest"

[Pinky, an albino Pomeranian Chihuahua, wins second place in the "World's Ugliest Dog Contest"]

Pinky is a 10-year-old albino Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix who won second place at the 2026 World's Ugliest Dog Contest. Her incredibly distinct, bright pink snout and pale features made her a massive crowd favourite on the red carpet.

(Image: Getty Images)2 of 9

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Dog named Scooter competes during the World's Ugliest Dog

[Dog named Scooter competes during the World's Ugliest Dog]

Scooter is a resilient hairless Chinese Crested dog who won the title of World's Ugliest Dog in 2023. He returned to the stage as a special guest and participant at the 50th-anniversary event in Santa Rosa, California.

(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)3 of 9