20 Best Ugly Dog Breeds (October 2024)

Rank	Breed	Origin	Group	Average Weight (lbs)	Average Height (inches)	Average Lifespan (years)
1	The Chinese Crested	China	Toy	10	12	13
2	The Pug	China	Toy	14	11	12
3	The Neapolitan Mastiff	Italy	Working	150	30	8
4	The Bulldog	England	Non-Sporting	50	15	10
5	Affenpinscher	Germany	Toy	10	10	12
6	Pekingese	China	Toy	14	10	14
7	Shih Tzu	China	Toy	12	10	15
8	Bloodhound	France	Hound	100	26	10
9	Bullmastiff	England	Working	120	27	9
10	Dogo Argentino	Argentina	Working	90	26	10
11	Borzoi	Russia	Hound	90	28	10
12	Mastiff	England	Working	160	30	10
13	Boerboel	South Africa	Working	150	27	10
14	Tosa	Japan	Working	200	30	10
15	Saint Bernard	Switzerland	Working	180	30	8
16	Great Dane	Germany	Working	150	34	7
17	Leonberger	Germany	Working	130	30	9
18	Newfoundland	Canada	Working	130	29	9
19	Anatolian Shepherd	Turkey	Working	115	29	11
20	Dogue de Bordeaux	France	Working	150	27	8

While many dog breeds are praised for their grace, elegance, and beauty, others become well-known for their distinctive, sometimes unusual appearances. Even though they might not meet the conventional criteria of dog beauty, these so-called “ugly dog breeds” have a unique charm, personality, and attraction.

In this article, we will examine the world’s top 20 ugly dog breeds, explaining their appearance, personality, and history. So, let’s dive right into our topic without further delay.

Top 20 Ugly Dog Breeds In The World

1. The Chinese Crested

• Appearance: The Chinese Crested is probably the most well-known of the “ugly” dog breeds. There are two variations of this breed: Powder Puff and Hairless. The hairless type has plumes on its tail, foot (socks), head (crest), and smooth, velvety skin. In contrast, the Powderpuff has a soft, silky coat that covers him entirely.
• Personality: Chinese Cockroaches are energetic, loving, and gregarious canines. They develop close relationships with their owners and are social beings at heart. Although they may seem dainty, they are actually incredibly strong and nimble.
• History: The Chinese Crested originated in Africa and was introduced to China by sailors who employed them to manage rodents on their vessels. They gained popularity as friends among the Chinese aristocracy throughout time.

2. The Pug

• Appearance: Pugs are little dogs with big, expressive eyes, short muzzles, and wrinkled cheeks. Due to their unusual appearance—a curled tail and a small, robust frame—they are frequently included in lists of “ugly” dog breeds.
• Personality: Pugs have unusual appearances but are lovable and amiable. They are renowned for their loving, caring, and lively personalities and their enjoyment of human company. Additionally, pugs are funny and entertaining.
• History: Chinese imperial families raised pugs as companion animals. Later, they made their way to Europe, where Queen Victoria and other European aristocracy grew to love them.

3. The Neapolitan Mastiff

• Appearance: Neapolitan Mastiffs are large dogs with wrinkly, loose skin that makes them intimidating. Thanks to their huge, muscular frame, deep-set eyes, and thick jowls, they stand out in any gathering.
• Personality: Neapolitan Mastiffs are renowned for being kind and protective despite their intimidating appearance. They are lovely family pets since they are devoted, loving, and fantastic with kids.
• History: This breed’s ancestors came from ancient Rome, where they served as battle and guard dogs. They developed into the devoted and watchful friends we know today over the ages.

4. The Bulldog

• Appearance: Bulldogs are stocky-built, medium-sized dogs with a characteristic pushed-in snout and wrinkled forehead. They have a distinctive and frequently humorous look due to their sagging skin and distinctive underbite.
• Personality: Bulldogs are renowned for being kind and amiable animals. They are lovely family pets and get along well with kids. Although they may have a rough appearance, they are loving and like lounging about the home.
• History: Bulldogs were first developed in England as bull-baiters but have grown to be cherished pets. Breeding has tempered their boldness and stubbornness, making them into the peaceful, loving dogs that we see today.

5. Affenpinscher

• Appearance: Affenpinschers are little dogs with wiry coats, bushy eyebrows, and face like monkeys.
• Personality: These dogs are playful, curious, and loving. They are also renowned for their playfulness and intellect.
• History: Affenpinschers were developed in Germany to hunt rodents in stables and residences.

6. Pekingese

• Appearance: Pekingese are known for their long, flowing coats, flat faces, and huge eyes. Their robust, little bodies contribute to their distinctive look.
• Personality: Pekingese are regal and loving, devoted to and protective of their families.
• History: They originated in China and were raised as companions for the imperial family there.

7. Shih Tzu

• Appearance: Shih Tzus are distinguished by their huge, wide eyes, long, flowing coats, and pushed-in faces.
• Personality: Shih Tzus are lovable, gregarious dogs who make excellent companions because of their lively, extroverted personalities.
• History: Chinese nobility kept Shih Tzus as companions once they were bred there.

8. Bloodhound

• Appearance: Bloodhounds are big canines with loose, wrinkled skin, long ears, and a unique drooping face.
• Personality: Bloodhounds are famed for their fantastic sense of smell and tracking skills, yet they are also kind and loving dogs.
• History: Bloodhounds are a French breed used for hunting and tracking for generations.

9. Bullmastiff

• Appearance: Bullmastiffs are large and powerful, with a broad head, wrinkled face, and short noses.
• Personality: Bullmastiffs are devoted, protective, and kind to their families, but they also make excellent security dogs.
• History: Bullmastiffs are a mix of Bulldogs and Mastiffs bred in England to protect estates.

10. Dogo Argentino

• Appearance: The Dogo Argentino is a big, strong dog with a characteristic short white coat and robust frame.
• Personality: These dogs are brave and devoted. They are excellent guard dogs because they are protective. They are also renowned for their strength and intellect.
• History: They are a crossbreed, including the Cordoba Fighting Dog, developed in Argentina specifically for big-game hunting.

11. Borzoi

• Appearance: Borzoi are big dogs with long, narrow heads, thick chests, and silky, flowing coats. They stand out due to their sophisticated but unique look.
• Personality: Borzois are renowned for their calm and loving disposition and for being independent and kind.
• History: Borzois, originating in Russia, was developed to hunt wolves and other animals.

12. Mastiff

• Appearance: Mastiffs are huge, muscular canines with a wrinkly face and enormous heads. They are distinctive due to their intimidating look.
• Personality: Despite their large stature, mastiffs are renowned for having a calm, kind temperament. They are devoted to and protective of their family.
• History: Mastiffs, one of the oldest breeds, have historically been employed in combat and as guard dogs.

13. Boerboel

• Appearance: Boerboels are big, strong dogs with a broad head and robust physique. Their rugged look reflects their background as working dogs.
• Personality: Boerboels are devoted, self-assured, protective canines that make excellent guard dogs. They’re also renowned for their composed manner.
• History: Boerboels are a crossbreed of many breeds introduced by immigrants and were developed in South Africa to protect farms and homesteads.

14. Tosa

• Appearance: Tosas are enormous, strong dogs with a muscular physique and a unique, dignified countenance. Their frightening appearance is frequently perceived.
• Personality: Tosas are brave, fiercely protective, and devoted to their family, yet because of their strong personalities, they need to be handled carefully.
• History: Tosas, which originated in Japan, are a mix of Japanese and Western breeds bred for dog combat.

15. Saint Bernard

• Appearance: Saint Bernards are giant dogs with a muscular physique, a broad head, and expressive eyes. Their enormous stature and drooping jowls give them a distinctive appearance.
• Personality: Saint Bernards are renowned for being kind, amiable, peaceful, and patient. They are lovely family pets and get along well with kids.
• History: Saint Bernards were developed for mountain rescue operations and originated in the Swiss Alps.

16. Great Dane

• Appearance: Great Danes are massive canines with a tall, thin frame and regal demeanor. They are distinguished by their size and unique characteristics.
• Personality: Great Danes are renowned for being kind and amiable dogs despite their large stature. They get along well with families and are loving.
• History: One of the giant dog breeds worldwide, the Great Dane, was developed in Germany to hunt big animals.

17. Leonberger

• Appearance: Leonbergers are giant dogs with lion-like manes, a deep chest, and a muscular physique. They are distinct because of their regal but unusual look.
• Personality: Leonbergers are renowned for being kind and patient. They make excellent family companions.
• History: Leonbergers were bred in Germany by crossing various giant breeds to look like the lion on the Leonberg municipal crest.

18. Newfoundland

• Appearance: Newfoundlands are enormous dogs with a sturdy physique, a broad head, and a thick, water-resistant coat. Their enormous stature and drooping jowls give them a distinctive appearance.
• Personality: Newfoundlands are noted for their gentle, kind, and patient dispositions. They are lovely family pets and get along well with kids.
• History: These dogs have their roots in Newfoundland, Canada, and were developed to assist fishermen and do water rescues.

19. Anatolian Shepherd

• Appearance: Anatolian Shepherds are rough, muscular dogs with a unique, often terrifying appearance due to their size and protective attitude.
• Personality: They are suitable livestock protectors since they are dependable, loyal, and independent.
• History: They were developed in Turkey to protect flocks from raptors.

20. Dogue de Bordeaux

• Appearance: The Dogue de Bordeaux has a unique and sometimes frightening appearance because of its large, wrinkled head, broad chest, and muscular frame.
• Personality: They are great family guardians since they are loving, devoted, and protective.
• History: When they were first used in France, they were used for hunting, guarding, and even pulling carts.

Wrapping Up

While some breeds may not meet traditional beauty standards, their distinct features are part of what sets them apart. Every one of these “ugly” dog breeds has a devoted fan base, a unique personality, and a lengthy history.

Despite their unusual appearance, they frequently have charming qualities that make them cherished pets. By honoring these breeds, we acknowledge that each dog, no matter how it looks, has a unique charm and that beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder.