Pug Named Jinny Lu Wins World's Ugliest Dog Contest in California
The 6-year-old rescue pug won $5,000 and a trip to New York as the contest marked its 50th anniversary.
- On Friday, August 14, a 6-year-old rescue pug named Jinny Lu won the 2026 World's Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, California.
- Rescued four years ago from South Korea's dog meat trade, Jinny Lu resides at The Pug Hotel in Ukiah, California, marking her fourth contest appearance after placing second last year.
- Organizers awarded the pug and her owner, Michelle Grady, a $5,000 prize and trophy at the 50th anniversary event, while Mug Root Beer featured Jinny Lu on limited-edition cans.
- Following the win, Grady and Jinny Lu traveled to New York City on Monday to appear on NBC's "TODAY" show, where the pug gained national television exposure.
- Beyond the contest, Jinny Lu serves as a rescue ambassador, visiting elementary schools and memory care facilities to promote adoption by showcasing the dogs' "wonderful characters.
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20 Articles
The winner of the 2026 "World's Ugliest Dog Contest" held in the USA was Jinny Lu, a 6-year-old pug rescued after being abandoned in a box in freezing cold. Competing for the fourth time, Jinny Lu beat eight rivals to claim first place, once again highlighting the importance of pet ownership and the struggles of animal welfare.
Jinny Lu the pug won the California dog competition, which also included dogs with special appearances, difficult fates, and rescues.
America Has A New ‘Ugliest Dog.’ The Winner May Surprise You.
In this fierce competition, the more peculiar your dog looks, the better. At the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, California, dogs compete to be crowned the ugliest of them all. The annual contest “advocates for the adoration of all animals and the benefits of adoption” and celebrates “the imperfections that make all dogs special and unique,” according to its website. This year, Jinny Lu, a floppy-tongued, bea…
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