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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThere is no officially recognized “ugliest dog breed”: “ugly” is subjective, and breed standards describe breed characteristics rather than rank beauty. This curated list highlights 17 dogs with distinctive looks, from wrinkles and unusual head shapes to hairless or corded coats. If you are considering one, weigh health, temperament, activity, grooming, and household fit—not appearance alone.
Are these really the “ugliest” dog breeds?
Not objectively. “Ugly” is a playful description, not a canine classification or scientific score. Breed standards describe the ideal features of a recognized breed; they do not establish which breed is attractive or unattractive. The AKC’s breed-standard information illustrates how standards describe defining characteristics rather than ranking beauty.
The dogs below are better understood as unusual-looking or distinctive. Many are affectionate companions or accomplished working dogs. A memorable face does not make a dog an inferior pet, and appearance alone cannot tell you whether a particular dog will fit your home.
The 17 top unusual-looking dog breeds
1. Pug
Signature look: Protruding eyes, facial wrinkles, and a compact, expressive face.
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The Pug’s short muzzle and large eyes give it one of the most recognizable faces in the dog world. Its loose facial skin and expressive features are exactly what some people find charming and others find unconventional.
When considering a Pug, ask about health and exercise needs. Do not dismiss serious breathing or heat-related symptoms as a joke or simply part of the breed’s appearance; consult a veterinarian about an individual dog’s needs.
2. Chinese Crested
Signature look: A mostly hairless body with hair on the head, feet, and tail—or a fully coated Powderpuff appearance.
The Chinese Crested has Hairless and Powderpuff varieties. The Hairless variety has hair on the head, feet, and tail, while the Powderpuff has a full coat, as described in the FCI breed nomenclature and its breed standard.
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Hairlessness does not mean no care. The AKC recommends sun protection for hairless dogs exposed to direct sunlight. Powderpuffs need coat maintenance, too, so ask about the grooming or skin-care routine before bringing one home.
3. Bedlington Terrier
Signature look: A lamb-like outline, arched topline, tasseled ears, and curly coat.
The Bedlington Terrier looks more like a small, carefully sculpted lamb than a traditional terrier. Its distinctive head and coat make it one of the most visually unusual breeds on this list.
Coat care matters, and no dog should be promised to be allergen-free. People with allergies should spend time with the individual dog and consult their medical professional before committing.
4. Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog)
Signature look: A sleek hairless appearance, although coated individuals also occur.
The Xoloitzcuintli—often shortened to Xolo—is a recognized Mexican breed with a long history. Xolos occur in three sizes and in hairless and coated varieties, so confirm the variety and size when speaking with a responsible breeder or rescue organization.
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For a hairless Xolo, the AKC recommends sun protection during prolonged direct sun exposure and describes special skin-care needs for young hairless dogs. Ask a veterinarian about care for the individual dog.
5. Pekingese
Signature look: A broad, short-muzzled head, large eyes, and abundant coat.
The Pekingese combines a compact body with a broad face and long coat. It has a long history of association with the Chinese imperial court.
The AKC advises attention to open nostrils and protecting the breed’s exposed eyes. Its substantial coat also needs regular maintenance. Discuss health and care questions with a veterinarian or responsible breeder.
6. Bulldog
Signature look: Loose skin, an undershot jaw, short muzzle, and compact build.
The Bulldog’s wrinkled face, low-slung body, and prominent jaw give it a distinctive appearance. These features may appeal to admirers, but they should not obscure health and welfare considerations. Ask about the individual dog’s health and care needs rather than treating structural concerns as comic quirks.
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7. Bloodhound
Signature look: Long ears, loose facial skin, and pronounced jowls.
The Bloodhound’s drooping ears and deeply jowled expression reflect its familiar scent-hound look. Its working history as a scent-tracking dog is a more useful point of context than unsupported claims that its nose is categorically “the best.”
8. Japanese Chin
Signature look: A broad head, large eyes, feathered coat, and small build.
The Japanese Chin’s large eyes and broad head are framed by a feathered coat. It is a companion breed, but temperament and care vary by individual; the comparison sometimes made between its manner and a cat’s should not be taken literally.
9. Italian Greyhound
Signature look: A fine-boned, slim miniature sighthound outline.
The Italian Greyhound’s long lines and narrow body contrast with the stockier shapes on this list. Its appearance is distinctive, but prospective owners should consider the individual dog’s exercise needs rather than assume that a small size means little activity is needed.
10. Bull Terrier
Signature look: An egg-shaped head and triangular eyes.
The Bull Terrier’s curved, egg-shaped head and triangular eyes are defining breed characteristics, not deformities. Behind the unusual face is an active dog; prospective owners should consider its exercise, training, and engagement needs rather than choosing solely for novelty.
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11. Rat Terrier
Signature look: A lean, athletic outline and alert expression.
The Rat Terrier is a small-to-medium American farm breed developed for vermin hunting. Its practical, athletic appearance reflects that working background. Activity, training, and mental engagement are useful considerations for prospective owners.
12. Irish Wolfhound
Signature look: A very large frame, long limbs, and rough coat.
The Irish Wolfhound’s scale and rough coat can look imposing beside a typical companion dog. Its size affects everyday logistics, including food, transport, equipment, housing, and veterinary care. Consider the individual dog’s needs and your ability to manage a giant breed before adopting or buying one.
13. Affenpinscher
Signature look: A small, wiry-coated body with a beard and mustache.
The Affenpinscher’s name is associated with a monkey-like appearance, and its shaggy facial furnishings make the comparison easy to understand. Its compact size does not remove the need for coat care and appropriate handling.
14. Chihuahua
Signature look: An apple-shaped head, upright ears, and small body.
Chihuahuas are often recognized by their large, upright ears and apple-shaped heads. Early positive socialization can help an individual dog become more comfortable around people, dogs, handling, and new environments. Temperament varies; it is not fair to label every Chihuahua aggressive or antisocial.
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Signature look: A massive build, loose skin, deep wrinkles, and pendulous lips.
The Neapolitan Mastiff’s oversized head and folds give it an intensely distinctive expression. Its large size affects housing, transportation, food, equipment, handling, and veterinary budgeting. Wrinkle care should be discussed with a veterinarian, based on the individual dog rather than assumptions about every member of the breed.
16. Puli
Signature look: A naturally corded coat that can resemble a mop.
The Puli’s cords are among the most unmistakable coats in the dog world. The AKC notes that the coat needs substantial attention, so understand the grooming commitment before adopting one. The Puli is also an agile herding dog; activity and mental engagement matter alongside coat care.
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall17. Chinese Shar-Pei
Signature look: Wrinkles, a broad muzzle, and a curled tail.
The Chinese Shar-Pei is instantly recognizable for its folds and broad muzzle. Skin care should be based on the individual dog and discussed with a veterinarian; avoid assuming that every Shar-Pei will develop skin problems or needs the same routine.
The breed is recognized by the AKC. Its official AKC breed page provides additional breed information.
What these dogs need beyond their unusual looks
Ask about health and structure
Some visible traits can come with care considerations. The AKC describes the Pekingese as short-muzzled and advises attention to nostril openness and eye safety. Hairless Chinese Cresteds and Xolos may need sun protection, while Puli cords need substantial attention. Ask a veterinarian or responsible breeder about the health and care needs of the individual dog.
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Hairless does not mean carefree
Chinese Cresteds have Hairless and Powderpuff varieties, while Xolos have hairless and coated varieties in three sizes. The AKC recommends sun protection for hairless dogs exposed to direct sunlight and describes special skin-care needs for young hairless Xolos. Coat or skin needs vary, so get guidance for the individual dog.
Striking coats can demand substantial work
The Puli’s cords and the Bedlington Terrier’s curly coat call for different kinds of coat management. A distinctive or lower-shedding coat is not automatically easy to maintain. Ask how the coat is cared for and what ongoing grooming it requires.
Choose for the whole individual dog
Breed traits can help you decide what questions to ask, but they do not guarantee an individual dog’s health or temperament. Consider activity, grooming, medical history, training, and how the dog will fit your household—not just a striking photo.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to choose among these unusual-looking breeds
- Start with health and care. Ask about the needs associated with visible traits, including short muzzles, exposed skin, or heavily maintained coats.
- Match activity to your routine. Consider the individual dog’s energy and working background, along with your time for exercise, training, and engagement.
- Budget for the whole dog. Consider grooming, skin care, transport, equipment, and veterinary care as well as food.
- Meet the individual dog. Temperament and health vary. Ask about the dog’s medical history, socialization, and behavior.
- Do not choose solely for novelty. An unusual head shape, hairless body, or corded coat may attract attention, but the daily responsibilities remain.
- Use responsible sources. Ask breeders or rescues about health records, grooming, and the dog’s behavior. Consult a veterinarian about individual care concerns.
Quick guide to the list
| Breed | Distinctive feature | Useful ownership question |
|---|---|---|
| Pug | Wrinkled, expressive short-muzzled face | What health and exercise needs should I discuss? |
| Chinese Crested | Hairless or Powderpuff variety | What skin or coat care is needed? |
| Bedlington Terrier | Lamb-like outline and curly coat | What coat maintenance is required? |
| Xoloitzcuintli | Hairless or coated varieties in three sizes | What sun and skin care is appropriate? |
| Pekingese | Broad short-muzzled head and abundant coat | How should I assess nostrils, eyes, and coat care? |
| Bulldog | Loose skin, undershot jaw, compact build | What health and welfare needs apply to this dog? |
| Bloodhound | Long ears and heavy jowls | What does its scent-hound background mean for my home? |
| Japanese Chin | Large eyes and feathered coat | What are this individual’s care and temperament needs? |
| Italian Greyhound | Fine-boned miniature sighthound shape | What activity suits this individual dog? |
| Bull Terrier | Egg-shaped head and triangular eyes | Can I meet its training and activity needs? |
| Rat Terrier | Lean, athletic farm-dog outline | Can I provide activity and mental engagement? |
| Irish Wolfhound | Very large frame and rough coat | Can I manage giant-dog logistics and care? |
| Affenpinscher | Monkey-like expression, beard, and mustache | What grooming and handling does it need? |
| Chihuahua | Apple-shaped head and upright ears | How will I support positive socialization? |
| Neapolitan Mastiff | Massive, heavily wrinkled body | Can I manage its size and individual care? |
| Puli | Naturally corded coat | Can I provide substantial coat care and herding-dog engagement? |
| Chinese Shar-Pei | Wrinkles and broad muzzle | What skin care is right for this individual? |
FAQ
What is the ugliest dog breed?
There is no objective answer or official “ugliest breed” classification. These 17 breeds have distinctive features such as wrinkles, unusual head shapes, hairlessness, jowls, or corded coats.
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No. Chinese Cresteds have Hairless and Powderpuff varieties. Hairless dogs have hair on the head, feet, and tail, while Powderpuffs have a full coat.
Are Xoloitzcuintli dogs all hairless?
No. Xolos have hairless and coated varieties, as well as three sizes. Ask a responsible breeder or rescue organization about the individual dog’s variety and care needs.
Do hairless dogs need special care?
They can. The AKC recommends sun protection for hairless dogs exposed to direct sunlight and describes special skin-care needs for young hairless Xolos. Ask a veterinarian about the individual dog.
Do Puli cords need grooming?
Yes. The AKC says the Puli’s corded coat needs substantial attention. Understand its coat-care and activity needs before adopting one.
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No. Breed traits can inform questions to ask, but they do not guarantee an individual dog’s behavior or health. Consider the dog’s history, needs, and fit with your household.
The Bottom Line
These 17 dogs are not objectively ugly; they are distinctive. Their unusual features may make them unforgettable, but a good match depends on the individual dog’s health, temperament, activity, grooming, and household fit. Appreciate the wrinkles, cords, jowls, and unusual faces—but choose the whole dog, not just the photograph.
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