From Mr. Happy Face to Zsa Zsa: See the 17 Ugliest Dogs in the World Ever (2024)

Mr. Happy Face (2022)

Following a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the World's Ugliest Dog competition returned in 2022 and Mr. Happy Face was named the winner!

The annual competition is meant to inspire dog lovers to adopt and not shop while celebrating the pups who are less likely to be adopted based solely on how they look.

Scamp the Tramp (2019)

A former stray named Scamp the Tramp, with untamable hair, won the $1,500 prize during the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma along with his owner Yvonne Morones from Santa Rosa, Calif.

Zsa Zsa (2018)

Zsa Zsa's wide stance, teeth-exposing underbite and tongue that hangs almost to the ground helped her beat 13 other pups and win $1,500, a supersized trophy and a trip to New York City for media appearances during the 2018 Sonoma-Marin Fair. The Minnesota-based English bulldog was a rescue, plucked from a puppy mill and found by owner Megan Brainard on petfinder.com.

Two weeks after winning the competition, Zsa Zsa died in her sleep, leaving Brainard "in shock." The owner and her daughter held a special farewell ceremony for their beloved dog.

Martha (2017)

Gentle and "gassy" Neapolitan Mastiff Martha (who weighs 125 lbs.) took home the top prize in 2017, where she apparently won over the judges by flopping on the stage during her presentation. The large pup won $1,500, a trophy and a trip to New York City to meet fans.

Sweepee Rambo (2016)

After placing second in 2015, the 17-year-old Chinese crested — who, sadly, died in October 2016 — finally took the top prize with a milky right eye, big ears and that tongue. Sweepee Rambo escaped several dog pounds before being adopted by Jason Wurtz, who, after Sweepee's win, said previous girlfriends of his had been "jealous" of his furry companion.

Quasi Modo (2015)

The hunchback 10-year-old pit bull-Dutch shepherd mix was Ugly Dog perfection that year, beating out 26 other pups and landing a makeover by fashion guru Carson Kressley on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Quasi Modo's biography shares that while his "appearance can be a little unsettling to some," once you get to know him, "I win them over with my bubbly personality."

Peanut (2014)

The 2-year-old mutt's owner hoped the pup, a burn survivor, would bring awareness to an important cause with his win. "We're trying to use him as a poster child for what can happen to animals who are abused," Holly Chandler told the Associated Press. Chandler planned to use the $1,500 prize money to assist others with their vet bills.

Walle (2013)

Walle the Mutt, the 4-year-old with an unusually large head, humpback and duck-like waddle, won the top prize at the 25th annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest. "His head has always been bigger than his body," his owner, Tammie Barbee, told PEOPLE. "He's an amazing dog. ... He has a big personality. He wants to please people."

Mugly (2012)

What's in a name? For a dog called Mugly, it's a whole lot of ugly. The 8-year-old Chinese crested, already one of the U.K.'s ugliest dog honorees, won big in 2012. He and his owner, Bev Nicholson, showed their British pride with Union Jack-embellished accessories.

In 2016, Mugly won the 2016 Heroic Hounds award at the National Pet Show in London for his work as a therapy dog.

Yoda (2011)

The force was with this 14-year-old mutt when Yoda snagged the trophy at the 23rd annual contest. Sadly, her reign was short-lived: She died just eight months later.

After Yoda's win in 2011, her owner, Terry Schumacher, said that her friends had been asking her for years to enter the pooch into the contest, but it took some convincing: "She's not ugly — she's cute!"

Princess Abby (2010)

She may look like she's bowing before her public, but this one-eyed Chihuahua had a back deformity — most likely caused by inbreeding — that propelled her to the winner's circle.

Pabst (2009)

Things got downright unsightly when this 4-year-old boxer mix ran off with the 2009 title, beating out the favorite, the Chinese crested Rascal. Pabst's owner, Miles Egstad, claimed, "I don't think he's that ugly!" while adding that his dog's most compelling feature is Pabst's underbite.

Gus (2007)

He's not winking! The one-eyed Chinese crested from St. Petersburg, Fla., strutted his stuff (on just three legs!) and took home a $1,600 cash prize.

Sadly, Gus died from cancer on Nov. 10, 2008, in Gulfport, Fla. Gus was given a "final evening of joy" by his owner Jeanenne Teed. He was later buried in the backyard under a Butterfly bush.

Elwood (2007)

That's a Mohawk to remember! The 2-year-old Chinese crested's mane was immortalized in a children's book after his win.

Sadly, Elwood died in November 2013 when he was 8 years old.

Archie (2006)

Do you kiss your mother with that tongue? Yes, and she loves it! The toothless Chinese crested/Chihuahua mix was plucked from death row by doting owner Heather Peoples.

Sam (2003–2005)

Triple crown! It was three years and three wins for the Chinese crested pup who was blind that had been rescued from a shelter by his Santa Barbara, Calif., owner. His unforgettable mug landed him on Criss Angel's Mindfreak Halloween special.

Rascal (2002)

Bad looks run in the family! The Chinese crested's grandfather, Chi Chi, was celebrated by the Guinness Book of World Records for his eight Ugly Dog titles.

Continuing the family's legacy, Rascal triumphed at the 15th annual contest. His owner, actor Dane Andrew, said he was "pretty thrilled and surprised" by the dog's win.