A 6-year-old rescue pug from California has claimed the title of 'World's Ugliest Dog' at the annual competition, which celebrates adopted dogs and promotes animal rescue awareness.
Jinny Lu, a pug from Ukiah, California, has been crowned the winner of the 2024 'World's Ugliest Dog' contest on August 14th. The competition, held annually by the Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association, brought together nine contestants judged by a panel including NBC News correspondent Gadi Schwartz, California state senator Mike McGuire, and broadcaster Debbie Abrams. Jinny Lu's victory marks her fourth attempt at securing the title.
The winning pug comes with a compelling backstory. Originally discovered in a shack in the mountains of South Korea, Jinny Lu was adopted four years ago by owner Michelle Grady. According to the contest organisers, her rescuers initially described her as shy, but she has since undergone a remarkable transformation into what they characterise as a "constant source of mischief and joy." The pug's first place prize includes $5,000, a trophy, and the honour of appearing on limited-edition Mug Root Beer cans.
Beyond her unconventional title, Jinny Lu has become an ambassador for animal adoption. She participates in school visits with other rescue pugs to educate children about the importance of adoption, and also visits hospice and memory care facilities. The contest itself, which has been held for over five decades, aims to highlight rescue dogs and challenge traditional notions of beauty in animals. Organisers emphasise that the event celebrates "perfectly imperfect" dogs, many of which have been rescued from shelters and puppy mills.
Jinny Lu succeeds 2025 winner Petunia, a hairless French Bulldog and English Bulldog mix rescued from a backyard breeder. According to the Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association, the contest is organised in partnership with Mug Root Beer to promote awareness of adoption benefits and demonstrate that all dogs deserve love regardless of appearance.
