Jinny Lu the pug takes 1st place in 2026 'World's Ugliest Dog Contest' at Sonoma County Fair
SONOMA COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) -- Dogs traveled far and wide to compete in the World's Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma County Fair on Friday.
And this year's winner has been selected.
With big eyes and her tongue hanging low, Jinny Lu was crowned 2026's ugliest dog in the world.
Jinny Lu is a 6-year-old pug from Ukiah. She and her owner took home $5,000 for the win.
"She absolutely loves competition, meeting everyone, and everything the event stands for," said Jinny Lu's owner, Michelle Grady, in a statement.
According to her owner, Jinny Lu was adopted through Pug Rescue four years ago.
"Jinny Lu has been going into elementary schools with some of her other rescue pug friends to teach kids about the importance of adopting pets. She has also brought joy to hospice patients and people in memory care facilities," read a press release from MUG Root Beer, the official sponsor of the event.
MORE: Top dogs ride waves at 10th annual World Dog Surfing Championships in Pacifica
An albino Chihuahua/Pomerania mix named Pinky came in second place, and another Chihuahua mix named Otto placed third.
This year's contest featured nine competitors. Dogs and their owners came from as far away as Poland to compete.
The World's Ugliest Dog Contest is a 50-year tradition that celebrates the unique imperfections that make every dog special. The event also shines a spotlight on rescue and adoption and reminds audiences around the world that every dog deserves the opportunity to be loved -- no matter what they look like.
