Rescued Pug Jinny Lu Wins World's Ugliest Dog Contest
Jinny Lu, a pug rescued from South Korea, takes top prize and $5,000 for her owner at the 50th annual contest in California
The 50th annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest in Santa Rosa, California, has crowned Jinny Lu, a rescued pug, as its 2026 winner. The contest, which took place at the Sonoma County Fair, aims to highlight the benefits of adopting rescue dogs.
Jinny Lu's owner, Michelle Grady, won a $5,000 prize for taking first place. Jinny Lu was rescued from the mountains of South Korea before being adopted and brought to California.
An albino Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix named Pinky came second in the contest, while Otto, a Chihuahua mix, finished third and won $2,000. Other contestants included Clara, a 12-year-old Chinese Crested who travelled from Poland with her owner, Marcelina Kasprusz.
Marcelina Kasprusz said the prize money was not the main motivation for taking part, and that if the contest encouraged even one person to adopt a shelter dog, they had already won.
## Why it matters The World's Ugliest Dog Contest is more than just a lighthearted competition - it serves as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of adopting rescue dogs. By showcasing dogs with unique appearances and backgrounds, the contest aims to promote the adoption of shelter dogs and provide them with loving homes.
The contest's message is particularly significant, given the large number of dogs in shelters waiting to be adopted. By participating in the contest, owners like Michelle Grady and Marcelina Kasprusz are helping to spread the word about the joys of adopting rescue dogs and providing them with a second chance at a happy life.
