Santa Rosa, California – Every dog gets its day, even the ugly ones. The World’s Ugliest Dog contest crowned its 50th winner at the 2026 event in California. Jinny Lu, a six-year-old pug, is the ugliest of them all in the best way possible.

The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest celebrated its 50th anniversary on Friday by crowning a pug the ugliest of them all at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, California.

Six-year-old Jinny Lu came out on top. Her owner, Michelle Grady, received about $5,000 in prize money furnished by MUG Root Beer, and Jinny Lu will have the opportunity to temporarily replace the soft drink's mascot on a special edition can.

The second‑ and third‑place winners didn't leave empty‑handed either, thanks to the beverage brand. Pinky, a Chihuahua/Pomeranian mix, who came in second, received $3000, and third-place Otto, a Chihuahua mix, got $2000, as per People Magazine.

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"Jinny Lu was adopted through Pug Rescue 4 years ago, and ever since, she has been a constant source of mischief and joy," said MUG. The title of Ugliest Dog wasn't easy for Jinny Lu to win. In fact, this is the pug's fourth year competing.

Her owner Michelle explained: "She absolutely loves competition, meeting everyone, and everything the event stands for."

What might at first glance appear to be a cruel joke isn't actually about mocking different-looking dogs.

"The World's Ugliest Dog Contest has never really been about finding the world’s ugliest dog," Mandy Clendenen, CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association, said in a statement.

"For 50 years, this event has celebrated the uniqueness of every dog while sharing an important message of compassion, rescue, and acceptance," she added.

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"It's incredible to see how a small local tradition has grown into an event that captures hearts around the world."

With her extra-long tongue and goofy look, it's easy to see why Jinny Lu won. Congrats to this year's Ugliest Dog, a pug so bizarre-looking she's both super ugly and super cute!