A 6-year-old pug from Ukiah, California, has been crowned the 2026 World’s Ugliest Dog at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, defeating eight other contestants in the annual event that celebrates unconventional canine appearances. Jinny Lu, owned by Michelle Grady, claimed the title on August 14, 2026, and will travel to New York City to appear on NBC’s “TODAY” show.
Jinny Lu’s Victory and Background
Jinny Lu, a rescue dog originally found in a shack in the mountains of South Korea, previously placed second in the 2025 contest. According to Grady, the pug has transformed from a “shy girl” into a playful and outgoing companion who flips, twirls, and screeches
while playing with toys before settling into cuddles. Grady described Jinny Lu as a constant source of mischief and joy,
noting her role in visiting schools and hospice facilities to promote pet adoption.
The win earned Grady $5,000 in prize money, with Jinny Lu also set to appear on limited-edition Mug Root Beer cans. The pug’s victory continues a tradition organized by the Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association, which has hosted the event for over half a century.
Contest Details and Competitors
The competition featured a diverse lineup of dogs, including Pinky, an albino Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix that won second place and earned $3,000. Chihuahua mix Otto secured third place, while Clara, a 12-year-old Chinese Crested from Poland, competed as one of the international entrants. Other participants included Scooter, a dog owned by Linda Elmquist, and Poppy, a 7-year-old Chinese Crested.
Judges included NBC News correspondent Gadi Schwartz, California state senator Mike McGuire, and veteran broadcaster Debbie Abrams. The event, held at the Sonoma County Fair, drew attention for its celebration of perfectly imperfect
canines, many of whom were rescued from shelters or puppy mills.
The Contest’s Mission and Impact
The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest aims to highlight the value of adopting rescue animals, with organizers emphasizing that all pups deserve love regardless of their appearance.
According to the Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association, the event aligns with broader efforts to reduce euthanasia rates in shelters. Data from Best Friends Animal Society shows that 4 million dogs and cats found homes in U.S. shelters in 2025, with 34,000 fewer animals euthanized compared to the previous year.
Jinny Lu’s win follows in the footsteps of 2025 champion Petunia, a hairless Frenchie-English Bulldog mix rescued from a backyard breeder. Petunia, who underwent surgery for a breathing condition, now serves as a symbol of the contest’s focus on rehabilitation and advocacy.
Future Appearances and Legacy
Jinny Lu will join the “TODAY” show on August 17, marking her second appearance on the program after a previous visit in 2025. Grady expressed pride in her dog’s journey, stating, She absolutely loves competition, meeting everyone, and everything the event stands for.
The pug’s success underscores the event’s role in fostering public engagement with animal welfare. As the 2026 contest concluded, organizers reiterated their commitment to celebrating the dogs that might otherwise be overlooked,
ensuring that even the most unconventional canines receive the spotlight.
