"Ginny Lu," a six-year-old pug rescued from a South Korean dog meat market, won first place at the 50th "World's Ugliest Dog" contest held in California, taking home a $5,000 prize. The organizer emphasized that the contest's key goal is to encourage people to adopt overlooked dogs and to communicate that external appearance should never be a reason to abandon an animal.
Ginny Lu, a six-year-old pug, won the 2026 "World's Ugliest Dog" contest held at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, California, USA, on 14 August. This was the 50th annual competition, featuring dogs from across the United States and abroad. Nine dogs competed in the final round before Ginny Lu claimed the championship.
Notable for her large round eyes and tongue that often hangs out, Ginny Lu was rescued from South Korea about four years ago before being adopted by Michelle Grady of Ukiah, California, through her pug rescue organization.
Grady revealed that Ginny Lu was saved from a dog meat market in South Korea, then brought to the United States to become part of her family. Ginny Lu had previously competed in this contest three times before returning for her fourth attempt and finally winning.
In addition to the title of "World's Ugliest Dog," Grady received a $5,000 prize, approximately 170,000 Thai baht, plus a special trip to New York City to appear on the "Today" television show. Ginny Lu will also feature on limited-edition cans of MUG Root Beer, the contest's sponsor for the third consecutive year.
The first runner-up was "Pinky," a mixed Pomeranian-Chihuahua from Redwood City, California, awarded $3,000. The third place went to "Otto," a two-year-old mixed Chihuahua from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who received $2,000.
Otto's owner disclosed that he was born with bilateral cleft lip and palate, a congenital defect that often prevents many dogs with similar conditions from having a chance at survival.
This year’s contest included an international competitor, Marcelina Kasprus from Poland, who brought "Clara," a 12-year-old Chinese Crested dog. Though they did not win, Kasprus said that the prize money was not their primary motivation for participating.
Kasprus stated that if their participation inspires even one person to adopt a dog, they consider it a success. She aims to advocate for shelter dogs throughout Poland and Europe, emphasizing that every dog deserves love.
The organizers clarified that the contest does not intend to mock dogs’ appearances but aims to celebrate those who might be overlooked and to convey that appearance should never be a reason for abandonment.
Mandy Klindienen, CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association, said the event focuses on overlooked dogs and uses the fun of competition to promote animal adoption and give every dog a chance for a permanent home.
Ginny Lu also serves as a "dog ambassador," visiting elementary schools, hospice patients, and senior care centers to spread the message that all pets deserve opportunities regardless of how different they look from typical dogs.
Data from Best Friends Animal Society show that in 2025, about 4.74 million dogs and cats entered animal shelters across the United States. Among them, approximately 209,000 dogs and 187,000 cats were euthanized. However, nearly 4 million animals found new homes through adoption, and euthanasia numbers decreased by about 34,000 compared to the previous year.
The "World's Ugliest Dog" contest aims not only to award dogs with unusual appearances but also to raise awareness about the problem of abandoned dogs and to emphasize that all dogs, regardless of looks or abnormalities, deserve love and a permanent home.
. . .TODAY.com / New York Post