10 Ugly Canine Breeds That You’ll Love


By Alicia Kort


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Magnificence is within the eye of the beholder, so we don’t imagine that any canine breed is really ugly — they’re all cute and endearing in their very own methods. However sure canine breeds can look a bit of … extra distinctive than others. They may be completely hairless, hairless in sure spots, have egg-shaped heads, have eyes that take up 50 p.c of their faces, or have jowls that go midway down their chests. There’s even an ugliest canine contest devoted to honoring essentially the most unique-looking pups on the market.

After all, appears to be like aren’t all the things, both. These “ugly” canine breeds all have their charms and abilities, together with monitoring down people who find themselves lacking by odor alone and serving as guard canines since Historical Rome. No matter appears to be like, all of the canine breeds on this checklist are affectionate and loving and would make nice additions to your loved ones. Listed below are ten of the ugliest canine breeds who’re positive to steal your coronary heart.

Ugly (however oh so cute) canine breeds

Chinese crested dog looking strange

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1. Chinese language Crested

The Chinese language Crested appears to be like like they need to be the lead singer in a punk rock band with their spiky, crested hairdo, feathery tail, furry socks, and in any other case hairless physique. The right way to Lose a Man in 10 Days followers would possibly recall {that a} Chinese language Crested starred because the protagonists’ new pet. Beneath this tiny canine’s matted look is a loving and dependable pup who simply needs to spend time with their household. Weighing solely as much as 12 kilos, the Chinese language Crested doesn’t want a lot train past a every day stroll and a few playtime. Simply needless to say they want sunscreen or a protecting coat in the event that they play outdoors as a result of they’ll get sunburns as people do.

adorably ugly xolo dog on grass with green collar

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2. Xoloitzcuintli

The Xoloitzcuintli, referred to as “Xolo” for brief, is an historical breed of canine who the Aztecs revered and thought of a companion to the gods. This candy, devoted pup is available in three totally different sizes — toy, miniature, and customary — and might be utterly hairless or have a really brief coat of hair. Xolos can weigh as little as 10 kilos and as a lot as 55 kilos. These canines make nice companions for households and know that the house is for stress-free, however they’re nonetheless lively canines and want lengthy walks and loads of playtime. Just like the Chinese language Crested, hairless Xolos additionally want sunscreen on sunny days.

Two grey Neapolitan Mastiffs sit on a lush lawn

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3. Neapolitan Mastiff

For those who had been to inform a joke to a Neapolitan Mastiff, you’d ask, “Why the lengthy face?” This majestic canine, who can weigh as much as 150 kilos, boasts many rolls of wrinkles, particularly round their face and neck, that give them a everlasting look of befuddlement. Mastiffs was guard canines and are closely constructed and highly effective, however now they like to put round the home with their household (and drool on them). They prefer to play, however Neapolitan Mastiffs shouldn’t flip rapidly or do loads of sharp begins and stops as a result of they’ll get injured. As for grooming, these giant pups want baths, and their ears and eyes ought to be worn out continuously.

Two ugly boxer dogs standing in front of leaves

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4. Boxer

The Boxer is a robust pup whose breed title matches their look; they weigh as much as 80 kilos and might stand as excessive as 25 inches on the shoulder. Their faces additionally don’t all the time look essentially the most inviting, however don’t let that idiot you — Boxers are nice with younger youngsters and extremely affectionate with their households. Energetic and typically a bit of goofy, Boxers want loads of time and house for enjoying and operating round. Though they may be larger upkeep in terms of train, they’re simple to groom: They simply want a once-over with a brush as soon as every week and a shower from time to time.

Volker Thimm / Pexels

5. Pug

The Pug’s flat face, bulbous eyes, and tendency to breathe closely could possibly be thought of ugly by some, though others argue these options are lovely. No matter what camp you land in, it’s exhausting to argue that Pugs don’t have cute personalities (and candy little curly tails). They’ve very human facial expressions, will argue with their folks, and might be tricksters. Pugs, who solely weigh as much as 18 kilos, are devoted canines who wish to spend their complete day with you. They want average quantities of train however can battle to breathe in sizzling climate, in order that they shouldn’t be overexerted. Pugs are liable to having eye well being points and are simple to groom, however they do shed.

Ugly boodhound dog on leash

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6. Bloodhound

Bloodhoods, it doesn’t matter what age, boast a sensible, wrinkled face that appears to have solutions to questions that we’ve been trying to find. This may be as a result of they’ve an unimaginable sleuthing skill; though this pup is usually easy-going and relaxed, they are going to comply with a scent to the ends of the earth once they decide one up. They are often cussed on this regard and may all the time be stored on a leash or in a fenced space when exploring. Bloodhounds even have a knack for digging, so the fence ought to go pretty deep underground. This “ugly” breed can weigh as much as 110 kilos and is thought to drool, so it’s advisable to maintain a fabric close to their water bowls to mop it up.

Black Schnauzer running on path

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7. Schnauzer

The Schnauzer might be both standard-sized or miniature, however regardless of how large, they boast a Gandalf-esque bushy beard and matching bushy eyebrows, which make them look like previous males trapped in canines’ our bodies. As clever as their eyebrows are large, Schnauzers like to partake in mentally stimulating actions and might turn out to be bored if not engaged. Schnauzers have the endurance for lengthy walks and might thrive in households with younger youngsters, although it would take them a while to heat as much as different animals. These double-coated canines don’t are likely to shed so much, however they nonetheless must be brushed a number of occasions weekly. They need to be groomed each month or in order effectively. Their little beard can get a bit of soiled, and their eyebrow hair can cowl their eyes if allowed to develop out an excessive amount of.

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8. Bull Terrier

Bull Terriers are one of many goofier-looking canines on this checklist. With their iconic egg-shaped heads, very small eyes, and muscular our bodies, they’re a singular mixture of contrasting options. They’ll weigh as much as 70 kilos and attain as much as 22 inches at shoulder peak. These pups are independent-minded and want agency coaching early on and socialization with different canines. They’re lively and require loads of train and a focus from their dad and mom. Bull Terriers’ coats are brief but delicate, so they simply want a once-over from time to time to loosen dust and fur.

American Hairless dog climbing on stone

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9. American Hairless Terrier

The American Hairless Terrier won’t have any fur to talk of, however they do have an abundance of affection to offer their household. Hailing from Louisiana, this American canine is hypoallergenic, because of the shortage of fur, although there are additionally coated types of this breed. The hairless selection must be correctly attired within the winter and put on sunscreen on sizzling days. This petite pup reaches as much as 16 inches at shoulder peak and weighs as much as 16 kilos. They’re good round different pets and younger youngsters, although children ought to be supervised with these pups. This terrier wants a average quantity of train, consisting of each play and walks. Additionally they take pleasure in loads of time napping and stress-free subsequent to their household.

Kerry blue terrier lying on grass

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10. Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry Blue Terrier appears to be like a bit of otherworldly, because of their very furry legs, tiny head, and disproportionately lengthy beard. This “ugly” breed, which originated in Eire and was initially a farm canine, weighs as much as 40 kilos and stands as much as 19.5 inches at shoulder peak. They’re well-known for his or her blue fur, which might fluctuate in shade, and requires weekly brushing and frequent journeys to the groomer. This breed wants loads of train and enjoys swimming, jogging, and taking part in canine sports activities. That mentioned, once they aren’t enjoying, they wish to relaxation beside their households.

Avoiding well being points

It’s price noting that poor breeding or inbreeding can result in an abundance of well being points and abnormalities in canines which will give them an “ugly” look. Dangerous breeding usually happens at pet mills or yard breeders, however inbreeding may occur amongst registered breeders who have interaction in overbreeding.

As a result of it’s exhausting to inform what sort of breeder is accountable, it’s all the time higher to undertake animals and never assist unhealthy practices. A stunning quantity of canines of fashionable breeds find yourself in shelters or breed-specific rescue teams, so it’s nonetheless doable to get a Pug or a Bull Terrier from a shelter. You don’t need to go to a breeder to get the kind of canine you need.


Alicia Kort is a author and editor dwelling in Brooklyn. She’s at present the senior commerce editor at Condo Remedy. She’s been revealed in StyleCasterElectrical LiteratureNewsweekInterviewBrooklyn journal and extra. In her free time, she runs, reads, and spends time together with her dog-nieces, Maya and Woman, and her cat-niece, Pepper.



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