ugly dog : Why 8 Oddballs Make Great Pets

Ever wondered why some of the world’s most unusual-looking dogs make the most loyal, loving companions?

While social media fills our feeds with picture-perfect Golden Retrievers and adorable French Bulldogs, there’s a whole world of so-called “ugly dog breeds” that deserve your attention. These unique pups might not win any beauty contests, but they’ll steal your heart with their incredible personalities and unwavering devotion.

In this guide, you’ll discover why these eight oddball breeds make exceptional pets and learn what makes each one special. Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder, and once you meet these remarkable dogs, you’ll understand that love comes in all shapes and sizes.

Table of Contents

1. What Makes a Dog Breed “Ugly”?
2. The 8 Most Lovable “Ugly” Dog Breeds
3. Why These Breeds Make Exceptional Pets
4. Caring for Your Unique Companion
5. Finding Your Perfect Oddball Match
6. Key Takeaways
7. Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes a Dog Breed “Ugly”?

Before we dive into our list of amazing breeds, let’s address the elephant in the room. When people talk about ugly dog breeds, they’re usually referring to dogs with unconventional features like:

• Wrinkled or droopy skin
• Unusual body proportions
• Sparse or patchy hair
• Protruding eyes or teeth
• Flat or pushed-in faces

These traits often result from centuries of selective breeding for specific purposes. Many of these breeds were developed for working roles where function mattered more than form. The Chinese Crested, for example, was bred to be a companion dog on ships, where their lack of fur was an advantage in hot climates.

It’s important to remember that beauty standards for dogs, just like humans, are subjective and constantly changing. What one person finds unappealing, another finds charming.

The 8 Most Lovable “Ugly” Dog Breeds

1. Chinese Crested Dog

The Chinese Crested is perhaps the poster child for breeds ugly dogs discussions. With their hairless bodies, tufts of hair on their heads and feet, and exposed pink skin, they’re certainly distinctive.

Why they’re amazing pets:

• Extremely affectionate and bond closely with their families
• Hypoallergenic due to minimal shedding
• Great for apartment living
• Live 13-18 years on average
• Surprisingly good watchdogs despite their small size

“The Chinese Crested may look unusual, but they have hearts of gold and personalities that shine brighter than any perfectly groomed show dog,” says veterinarian Dr. Sarah Mitchell from the American Veterinary Medical Association.

2. Neapolitan Mastiff

This ancient Italian breed weighs up to 150 pounds and has so many wrinkles you could lose your keys in them. Their droopy jowls and saggy skin make them look perpetually sad, but don’t let appearances fool you.

What makes them special:

• Incredibly gentle with children
• Natural guard dogs with an intimidating presence
• Calm, steady temperament
• Surprisingly low exercise needs
• Form unbreakable bonds with their families

3. Bull Terrier

With their distinctive egg-shaped heads and small triangular eyes, Bull Terriers look like cartoon characters come to life. These ugly small dog breeds (in the medium size category) are instantly recognizable.

Their best qualities:

• Playful and mischievous personality
• Excellent with children when properly socialized
• Relatively easy to groom
• Strong, athletic build
• Fierce loyalty to their human pack

4. Pug

Pugs divide opinion with their flat faces, bulging eyes, and constant snoring. Some people find them adorable, while others place them firmly in the ugly dog category.

Why Pug lovers are devoted:

• Incredible comedic timing and personality
• Adaptable to various living situations
• Generally good with other pets
• Moderate exercise requirements
• Life-of-the-party attitude

5. Shar Pei

Originally bred in China for fighting and guarding, the Shar Pei’s wrinkled appearance and blue-black tongue make them unmistakable. Their name means “sand skin.”

What makes them wonderful companions:

• Independent but deeply loyal
• Natural clean habits
• Good with respectful children
• Moderate grooming needs despite appearances
• Excellent apartment dogs

6. Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog)

This ancient Aztec breed comes in three sizes and is completely hairless. Their dark, warm skin and alert expression give them an otherworldly appearance.

Their remarkable traits:

• Calm, tranquil personality
• Perfect for allergy sufferers
• Natural body warmth makes them living heating pads
• Low-maintenance grooming
• Rich cultural history spanning thousands of years

7. Bedlington Terrier

Looking like a cross between a sheep and a dog, Bedlington Terriers have pear-shaped heads and curly, woolly coats that many find unusual.

Why they’re fantastic pets:

• Gentle, lamb-like appearance with lion-like courage
• Excellent with children
• Minimal shedding
• Good apartment dogs
• Natural athletes, despite their appearance

8. Afghan Hound

While some consider Afghan Hounds elegant, others find their long, narrow faces and aloof expressions off-putting. Their high-maintenance coats can look unkempt without constant care.

Their positive attributes:

• Regal, dignified bearing
• Independent thinkers
• Low aggression levels
• Good with gentle children
• Stunning when properly groomed

Why These Breeds Make Exceptional Pets

Unique Personalities Shine Through

Ugly dog breeds often develop remarkable personalities that compensate for their unconventional looks. Without the pressure of maintaining perfect appearances, these dogs focus on what matters: forming deep, meaningful relationships with their humans.

Less Competition Means Better Availability

While everyone’s fighting over the latest designer dog or trending breed, you’ll find plenty of these amazing companions available for adoption. Many end up in shelters simply because people judge them by their appearance rather than their character.

They’re Conversation Starters

Walking a Chinese Crested or Neapolitan Mastiff guarantees interesting conversations with fellow dog lovers. These breeds help you connect with people who appreciate uniqueness over conformity.

Often Healthier Than Popular Breeds

Many of these breeds haven’t been subjected to the extreme breeding practices that plague popular dogs. While they may have breed-specific health concerns, they often avoid the respiratory issues, joint problems, and other ailments common in over-bred popular breeds.

Caring for Your Unique Companion

General Care Tips for “Ugly” Breeds

Skin Care: Many hairless or wrinkled breeds need special attention to their skin. Use gentle, dog-specific products and protect exposed skin from sun damage.

Temperature Control: Hairless breeds get cold easily and may need sweaters in winter. Conversely, they can overheat quickly in summer.

Regular Vet Checkups: Some of these breeds have specific health predispositions. Regular veterinary care helps catch issues early. The American Kennel Club provides excellent breed-specific health information to help you understand your dog’s needs.

Proper Nutrition: Feed high-quality food appropriate for your dog’s age, size, and activity level. Some breeds are prone to weight gain, while others need help maintaining weight.

Finding Your Perfect Oddball Match

Consider Your Lifestyle

Before choosing any dog, honestly assess your living situation:

• Space: Large breeds like Neapolitan Mastiffs need room to move
• Time: High-maintenance coats require daily grooming
• Activity Level: Match your dog’s energy to your own
• Experience: Some breeds need experienced handlers

Research Breed-Specific Rescues

Many ugly dog breeds have dedicated rescue organizations. These groups understand the breeds intimately and can help match you with the perfect companion.

Ask the Right Questions

When considering adoption, inquire about:

• Health history and genetic testing
• Temperament and socialization
• Training needs and behavioral quirks
• Long-term care requirements

Prepare Your Home

Different breeds have different needs:

• Hairless breeds need temperature-controlled environments
• Wrinkled breeds require humidity control to prevent skin issues
• Large breeds need appropriate bedding and feeding stations

Key Takeaways

• Beauty is subjective: What some call ugly, others find uniquely beautiful
• Personality trumps appearance: These breeds often have exceptional temperaments
• Less competition: More availability in shelters and rescues
• Special care needs: Research breed-specific requirements before adopting
• Rewarding companionship: These dogs often form incredibly strong bonds with their families
• Conversation starters: Unique breeds help you connect with fellow dog enthusiasts
• Health considerations: Many have fewer issues than overbred popular breeds
• Perfect matches exist: There’s an oddball breed for almost every lifestyle

Remember, the top 10 ugly dog breeds lists found online are subjective opinions. Every dog deserves love, regardless of appearance. The most important factor is finding a companion whose needs match your lifestyle and whose personality complements yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the name of the ugly dog breed that wins contests? A: The Chinese Crested Dog frequently wins the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest, but they’re beloved by their owners for their sweet personalities and devotion.

Q: Are ugly dog breeds harder to train? A: Not at all! Training success depends more on the individual dog’s temperament and your consistency than on appearance. Many of these breeds are highly intelligent and eager to please.

Q: Do ugly dog breeds make good family pets? A: Absolutely! Many breeds on ugly dog lists, like Pugs and Bull Terriers, are excellent with children. Always research specific breed temperaments and supervise interactions with young children.

Q: What is the top 10 rarest dog breed that’s considered ugly? A: The Xoloitzcuintli is both rare and often considered unusual-looking. This ancient Mexican breed is quite elegant and makes an excellent companion.

Q: Are ugly small dog breeds easier to care for? A: Size doesn’t always correlate with care requirements. Chinese Cresteds are small and relatively low-maintenance, while Bedlington Terriers require extensive grooming despite their size.

Q: Where can I find ugly dog breeds for sale? A: Check breed-specific rescues first, as many of these dogs end up in shelters. Reputable breeders are another option, but always research thoroughly and avoid puppy mills.

Q: Do ugly dog breeds have more health problems? A: Not necessarily. While some have breed-specific concerns, many have fewer health issues than overbred popular breeds. Regular veterinary care is important for all dogs.

Q: What’s the difference between ugly dog breeds and just poorly groomed dogs? A: True breed characteristics are genetic and permanent, while poor grooming is temporary. A well-cared-for Chinese Crested will still be hairless, but they’ll have healthy, clean skin.

Conclusion

The world of dogs is wonderfully diverse, and these eight “oddball” breeds prove that beauty comes in many forms. Whether you’re drawn to the wrinkled charm of a Shar Pei or the elegant oddness of an Afghan Hound, remember that the best dog for you is one whose personality and needs align with your lifestyle. These remarkable breeds may not fit conventional beauty standards, but they offer something far more valuable: unconditional love, unwavering loyalty, and companionship that will enrich your life in ways you never imagined.

Don’t let appearances fool you – sometimes the most unusual packages contain the greatest treasures.