Even unattractive pets need affection! Volunteers at animal shelters frequently remark that not all animals deserve to be adopted, not just the “nice ones.” We also need to adopt the “ugly ones.”
The perception of beauty varies from person to person. Therefore, even if you believe one of these dog breeds is ugly, keep in mind that while a dog may be ugly to you, it might be the sweetest little puppy ever to someone else.
Keep reading about 50 ugly dog breeds that are actually adorable.
1. Chinese Crested Dog
The Chinese crested dog is a (largely) hairless breed of dog that comes in two variations: the Hairless, which is entirely bald, and the Powderpuff, which is generally hairless but has a few sparse hairs.
2. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher sometimes referred to as the Monkey Terrier, is a hypoallergenic puppy.
3. Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound is suitably called, and its name is sometimes abbreviated to just “Deerhound.” In the past, the Deerhound was developed expressly to hunt red deer.
4. Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff, also known as the Mastino Napoletano, is a wrinkled and droopy breed that originated in Italy.
5. Bedlington Terrier
When it comes to appearance, the Bedlington Terrier seems quite typical… That is until you focus on the unusually formed and densely-haired head of this unique species.
6. Griffon Brussels
Griffon Brussels, ah. This little breed, which has a naturally grumpy appearance, is pleasantly adored for its caring and cuddly demeanor.
7. Borzoi
The Borzoi is a Russian hunting dog with an oblong face and tall, long legs, also known as the Russian Hunting Sighthound.
8. Chihuahua
We are all aware that the Chihuahua is sometimes associated with a boisterous, yappy demeanor. These little terrier-like dogs have been known to be loving with their families as well, though.
9. Dogue de Bordeaux
Despite having a quite sophisticated name, the Dogue de Bordeaux is also known as a Bordeaux Mastiff, French Mastiff, or Bordeauxdog.
10. Pug
The Pug, one of the most adored “ugly” dogs ever, is known for its distinctive nose, curly-Q tail, and numerous cuddly wrinkles.
11. English Bull Terrier
The English Bull Terrier is distinguished by what is sometimes referred to as its “egghead” form. The EBT is muscular and friendly, but not advised for those with other dogs. It has pointy ears and tiny, nearly triangular eyes.
12. Mexican Hairless
The more common term for the dog known as the Xoloitzcuintle is the Mexican Hairless. The Mexican Hairless, one of the rare breeds of completely hairless dogs, is native to Mexico, has many obvious wrinkles, and is also distinguished by dental anomalies.
13. Puli
The Puli dog, which is sometimes compared to a mop, has had a significant effect on dog shows. The corded coat of this Hungarian herding and livestock dog breed, which is sometimes compared to dreadlocks, is without a doubt its most distinguishing feature.
14. Bulldog
The pushed-in snout and wrinkled face of the British or English Bulldog, as well as it’s muscular, hefty build, are its distinguishing features. These puppies frequently have a noticeable yet endearing overbite.
15. Bloodhound
In the past, the Bloodhound was bred for both people-tracking and hunting, particularly for deer and wild boar. In addition to having a superb sense of smell (even better than other canines, which is already advantageous), Bloodhounds are huge—like, 110 pounds of huge. This breed also has drooping, droopy ears, and a lot of wrinkles and loose skin.
16. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds have a distinctive appearance. Greyhounds may be found in a wide variety of color combinations, including extremely unusual ones like a blue fawn, blue and tan, and even red fawn. They are distinguished by their exceedingly slim bodies, short coats, and small legs.
17. Pekingese
The Pekingese is a lapdog with an amiable temperament and another toy dog breed. However, her outward look could be more brazen than her mindset. The Pekingese seldom weighs more than 14 pounds and has a long coat that is commonly referred to as “a lion’s mane” at the neck and shoulders.
18. Bergamasco Sheepdog
The Bergamasco Sheepdog has been around for a very long time and is another “ugly” dog with a special type of coat. This breed’s coat consists of three distinct textures that blend to form what is known as flocks. These flat layers of intertwined hair, or flocks, are essential to the Sheppdog’s survival because they offer insulation and protection from the cold.
19. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is adored for both its charming attitude and its unique look. It is kind and friendly with other pets. This toy dog breed, also known as the Japanese Spaniel, is distinguished by the strabismus in its eyes, as well as by a big head and thick snout.
20. Komondor
Due to its corded hair, the Komondor, another Hungarian herding dog, resembles the Puli dog in appearance. However, the Komondor is significantly bigger than the Puli and has the same eye-catching, dense, woolly coat.
21. Terriers
Terriers often come in a wide variety of sizes and forms, but they all share one trait in common: they may be “ugly,” but in a cute way.
22. Peruvian Inca Orchid
The Peruvian Inca Orchid is also known as the Naked Dog, Peruvian Viringo, and Peruvian Hairless Dog. This native to Peru breed has nearly little fur, but for a small Mohawk on top of their heads.
23. Rat Terrier
You can imagine what these canines must look like from their moniker, Rat Terrier. However, the name of this exterminator breed really refers to its involvement with pursuing and capturing rats and other pests. These terriers are little, have silky coats, and are very active and quick.
24. Shar-Pei
The Shar-Pei is a powerful guard dog that forms close relationships with the family but is inherently leery of strangers. Its physical characteristics include a snout like that of a hippopotamus, sunken eyes, and many skin folds.
25. Hairless Khala
The Hairless Khala is also known as the Bolivian Khala, Hairless Khala, Hairless Khala Medio, Hairless Khala Grande, Pila, and Khala.
26. Caucasian Mountain Dog
This mountain-friendly breed, also known as the Caucasian Shepherd Dog, is very serious about its job as a protector. There is only a little patch of fur on the top of this dog’s head.
27. Papillon
The Papillon, aw! These small dogs, known as Paps, make fantastic agility pets and are renowned for consistently earning top rankings in contests. But this breed is far more attractive than Dumbo. After all, their distinctive large, wing-like ears—which may have simply given them their name—Papillon, which is French for “butterfly,” are what set them apart.
28. Abyssinian Sand Terrier
The Abyssinian Sand Terrier, another hairless breed, is also known as the American Hairless Terrier. This breed, which is little yet formidable, may have eyebrows and whiskers in addition to a wedge-shaped head and upright ears.
29. Dachshund
In reality, the iconic hot dog (or wiener dog) is the Dachshund, a little, low-to-the-ground breed renowned for its appearance. Many people believe that this breed looks like a hot dog in a bun because of its short legs and long back!
30. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is the archetypal little, yappy dog and has developed quite a reputation for being an under-the-armpit or purse-riding pet rather than a lap dog per se. These little creatures are so small that you could probably grasp one in your palm, and their eyes are frequently large and nearly bursting.
31. Hairless Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a little lap dog, and just when you thought it couldn’t possibly be more—ahem—distinctive, it comes in a hairless variety. The Hairless Chihuahua, one of the oldest breeds in America, is a little dog that seldom weighs more than six pounds and has an unusual apple-shaped head and expressive wide eyes.
32. Argentine Pila Dog
Another breed of hairless dog, similar to the Chinese Crested Dog or Hairless Khala, is the Argentine Pila Dog. Because this breed is currently not recognized by any major kennel groups and can only be found in Argentina, it frequently resembles a hyena more than a dog.
33. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog sometimes referred to as “Frenchie,” is one of the breeds with the quirkiest appearances. In reality, this breed has a Lilo and Stitch-like alien-like appearance. Perhaps it’s the breed’s wrinkled face and smashed-in snout, or perhaps it’s its bat-like ears.
34. Whippet
The Whippet, which most closely resembles a Greyhound in appearance, is an exceptional athlete. He moves quite quickly. This breed has a slim, long neck and equally lean legs, and it may reach a height of 18 to 22 inches at the shoulder.
35. Ecuadorian Hairless Dog
Due to a DNA mutation, the Ecuadorian Hairless Dog has a hereditary predisposition for both hairlessness and hair loss.
36. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is a breed unlike any other and is excellent with both families and young children. The Doberman Pinscher is a sleek, compact dog with a wedge-shaped head and prominent ears that is whip-smart and ridiculously powerful.
37. American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier, most commonly referred to as a pit bull, has a robust, hefty build. This breed features prominent jawbones and wide-set eyes.
38. Jonangi
The Jonangi, also known as the Jonangi Jagilam or Kolleti Jagilam, is an Indian dog breed that is mostly found in the divided states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Bengal, and Tamil Nadu.
39. Rottweiler
Despite being a beloved and well-liked breed, we rate rottweilers as “ugly” mostly due to their… buttocks. The Rottweiler’s peculiar stance and movement are directly related to its well-muscled derrière, one of the most muscular read ends available.
40. Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer, sometimes known as a “Scottie,” is known for its wiry coat, arched eyebrows, and distinctive whiskers.
41. Havanese
Overall a glorified fluffball, the Havanese breed is distinguished by its long, silky coat and curled-over tail.
42. Great Dane
What a face, you say. These huge guys (and ladies) are wonderful friends; they love to snuggle so much that it sometimes looks as though they don’t realize they aren’t lapdogs. However, the Apollo of Dogs’ physical characteristics is what stands out the most: 32 inches at the shoulder, upright ears, and a lengthy countenance.
43. Boxer
Boxers, one of the most well-liked dog breeds in the United States, are devoted, sharp, and powerful. They often have dark eyes to go along with their wrinkled foreheads and stocky frames. This breed is strong and lively.
44. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles typically reach an average height of around 10 inches and are a miniature variant of Standard and Miniature Poodles. Aside from its little stature, the Toy Poodle is distinguished by a curly, occasionally poofy coat and owners frequently groom Poodles in amusing ways in accordance with their physique.
45. French Bulldog Crested Chinese Mix
There are many various mixed breeds that may be included on our list, but without a doubt, the French Bulldog and Crested Chinese Dog hybrid are our favorites. This unusual hybrid, which has a rat-like tail and a bulldog-like face, is one for the history books.
46. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, sometimes known as a Yorkie, is a breed that most people regard to be quite adorable. Of course, this little breed’s grooming is everything. The average Yorkie weighs only seven pounds, yet many of them have long, shiny hair and dirty faces.
47. English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is a playful canine that was once developed for bird hunting. These hunters are typically medium-sized and measure around 20 inches at the shoulder. Additionally, Springer Spaniels have extraordinarily large ears and a double coat that comes in a range of colors.
48. Bassett Hound
Which characteristic comes to mind first when you think of the Basset Hound? Is it their protruding, lengthy ears? or perhaps their large, obviously dejected eyes? Along with their small, stubby legs and strong noses, Bassett Hounds are known for both of these characteristics.
49. Portuguese Water Dog
The medium-sized Portuguese Water Dog, or Portie, has a curly, almost wiry coat that is perfect for swimming. Yes, this dog is most renowned for its swimming abilities and assistance to fishermen. However, these furballs are also capable of some very severe grooming techniques that make them popular.
50. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels have some rather identifiable characteristics that are difficult to miss. They are typically described as having long, wavy ears and dark, expressive ears. They were bred as hunting dogs.