The Top 10 "Ugliest" Dog Breeds in the World

Author:
Miss Lil' Atlanta
Updated:
Nov 26, 2024 7:14 PM EST

Proceed with caution through this list of ugly dog breeds.
Samson Katt/Pexels

Which Dogs Are the Ugliest?

Not every dog can be a Bichon Frisé! There are a number of dog breeds out there with unique appearances that some might say qualify as "ugly," but one person's ugly is another person's adorable, after all.

So, among canine lovers of all stripes, which breeds are often considered the ugliest dogs ever? Here's a countdown of the top 10 ugliest dog breeds in the world!

But remember, no matter a dog's outward appearance, all of them are deserving of love and respect and have a lot to offer!

10. Bedlington Terrier

Believe it or not, the Bedlington Terrier's coat doesn't naturally grow in this unusual formation. This hairstyle grants the dog an interesting sharklike appearance that may contribute to the canine's perceived attractiveness deficit.

Other people, however, may love the dog's distinctive and commanding look!

Height: 15–17.5 inches
Weight: 17–23 pounds
Lifespan: 11–16 years

9. Borzoi

The Borzoi, a member of the sighthound family, is not only one of the tallest dog breeds in the world, but they are also considered one of the ugliest. Needless to say, the Borzoi's long and lanky appearance makes it a very unique breed indeed.

Borzoi dogs get their name from the Russian word for "swift," so if you like speedy animals, the svelte Borzoi could be for you!

Height: 26 inches+
Weight: 60–105 pounds
Lifespan: 9–14 years

8. Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are some of the largest—and some say ugliest—dogs out there. With girth like this, the Caucasian Shepherd could be the Chow Chow's oversized cousin. If you appreciate large, intimidating, bearlike breeds, however, the Caucasian does look like it would be fun to snuggle with.

7. Irish Wolfhound

Irish Wolfhounds are sighthounds, which are, on average, among the tallest breeds. They're also, depending on who you ask, among the ugliest. Similar to the Borzoi, these dogs have a large and lanky appearance that could make some do a double take.

Despite their unsettling size, Wolfhounds are patient, serene, and often good with kids, according to the American Kennel Club, which makes them excellent companions.

Height: 30 inches+
Weight: 105–120 pounds
Lifespan: 6–8 years

6. English Bull Terrier

English Bull Terriers are well-known for having somewhat egg-shaped heads and for being the mascot dog for Target stores. All dogs are cute in their own way, of course, including Bull Terriers, but looking at this picture, one might question whether this is a species of dog or alien!

Regardless of appearance, these strong canines are incredibly loyal, devoted, and affectionate with those who care for them.

Height: 21–22 inches
Weight: 50–70 pounds
Lifespan: 12–13 years

Related: 6 Most Loyal Dog Breeds

5. Puli

This Hungarian dog breed appears to be entirely made of dreadlocks. Like many people, I prefer my dogs to look like dogs! Despite the overwhelming dreads, however, you can still make out the dog underneath with its cute pink tongue and snout.

Height: 16–17 inches
Weight: 25–35 pounds
Lifespan: 10–15 years

4. Komondor

Just like the Puli, the Komondor is considered an ugly breed due to the heavy dreads that obscure its more recognizable doggy appearance underneath. Generally, though, Pulis are black, and Komondors are white. This is why Komondors are often lovingly referred to as "mop dogs."

Height: 25.5 inches+
Weight: 80 pounds+
Lifespan: 10–12 years

3. Neapolitan Mastiff

Neapolitan Mastiffs resemble a mixture of an English Mastiff, a Bloodhound, and a Shar Pei. Their loose skin and jowls are the obvious reason why they are included on this list of the top 10 ugliest dogs. On the other hand, many people love an adorably droopy dog, and these guys are certainly among the droopiest!

Height: 24–31 inches
Weight: 110–150 pounds
Lifespan: 7–9 years

2. Xoloitzcuintli, or Mexican Hairless

With its exposed, spotted skin and sparse patches of fur, the Xoloitzcuintli has a face only a dog mom could love. These unusual bald canines may not look like the typical "cute" dog, but they are known for being loving and vigilant nonetheless.

Despite the photo above, many people consider the Mexican Hairless to be only the second worst-looking dog. Which half-hairless dog breed ranks number one as the world's ugliest breed of dog?

Height: 10–14 inches (toy); 14–18 inches (miniature); 18–23 inches (standard)
Weight: 10–15 pounds (toy); 15–30 pounds (miniature); 30–55 pounds (standard)
Lifespan: 13–18 years

1. Chinese Crested Dog

Rated solely on physical appearance, the Chinese Crested Dog wins (or loses, depending on how you look at it). If any individual dog breed is famous for ugliness, it's this one.

A tiny toy breed with exposed skin topped off with long, wiglike hair and pompoms on the legs and tail ... is the Chinese Crested Dog so ugly it's cute, or just ugly alone? For many people, the answer is clear, perhaps, but irrelevant—because despite their odd looks (and they are quite odd), these playful dogs are simply happy to be around their people.

Height: 11–13 inches
Weight: 8–12 pounds
Lifespan: 13–18 years

Ugly Dogs Have a Place in Our Hearts

Some dogs may be cuter than others, but given these creatures' capacity for love, loyalty, and companionship, no dog can really be ugly. After all, isn't it the personality that makes the dog? One thing's for sure: Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder!

Resources and Further Reading

American Kennel Club. (n.d.). "Bedlington Terrier."
American Kennel Club. (n.d.). "Borzoi."
American Kennel Club. (n.d.). "Caucasian Shepherd Dog."
American Kennel Club. (n.d.). "Irish Wolfhound."
American Kennel Club. (n.d.). "Bull Terrier."
American Kennel Club. (n.d.). "Puli."
American Kennel Club. (n.d.). "Komondor."
American Kennel Club. (n.d.). "Neapolitan Mastiff."
American Kennel Club. (n.d.). "Xoloitzcuintli."
American Kennel Club. (n.d.). "Chinese Crested."

Comments

kirk gurl on September 05, 2020:

Like tstansly says all dogs ate cute in there own ways

Excepted Chinese crested i have seen 1 irl there UGLY 1st i thought it was a stunk then a koala

anonimoose on September 02, 2020:

Wow, I think that all these dogs are very cute and no dog is ugly. Don't state your opinion as fact though, that's a sin. (I'm joking about the sin but please don't state a opinion as a fact.)

frank on August 29, 2020:

WOW these dogs r ugly and wrinkly

Ethan on August 25, 2020:

“ I chose to write about dogs. They are magnificent and deserve a good home!”

....The irony of that being what your bio says is HILARIOUSLY ridiculous. The only thing ugly here is your childish nonsense.