A rescue pug from South Korea has turned an unconventional appearance into a winning moment after being crowned the World’s Ugliest Dog at the competition’s 50th anniversary event in California.
Jinny Lu, a six-year-old pug, claimed the title at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa and received a $5,000 prize. Her victory came after three previous attempts, including a runner-up finish in 2025.
But behind the unusual title is a story of survival, adoption and an unlikely transformation.
From a rescue in South Korea to the winner’s podium
Jinny Lu was rescued from the dog meat trade in South Korea and later found a home with Michelle Grady through Pug Rescue. According to her owner, the pug had been a very timid dog when she was rescued.
Life changed after her adoption.
Jinny Lu gradually became more outgoing and developed a personality that her family describes as playful and mischievous. Her prominent eyes and permanently protruding tongue give her a look that stands out from other pugs, making her a memorable participant in the competition.
Her backstory is particularly striking. She was reportedly discovered inside a wooden box during freezing conditions in the mountains of South Korea.
Today, the same dog enjoys spending time with people, soaking up the sun and getting attention from visitors. She is also known for sneaking onto kitchen chairs and sampling food from other people's bowls.
And when she gets excited, she apparently has a habit of screeching.
Fourth time proved lucky for Jinny Lu
Jinny Lu had already become a familiar face at the competition before finally winning the crown.
Her previous appearance in 2025 ended with a second-place finish. She returned for another shot at the title and eventually secured the top position during the 50th edition of the event.
The organisers have positioned the competition as a celebration of dogs with distinctive appearances rather than a contest designed simply to ridicule them.
For Jinny Lu, the platform has also provided an opportunity to represent rescue animals.
She has reportedly accompanied other rescue pugs on visits to schools, where they help introduce children to the importance of adopting pets. Her work has also included visits to hospice and memory-care facilities.
What happened to last year's winner?
Jinny Lu took over from Petunia, the dog popularly known as ‘Pinky’, who won the 2025 competition.
Petunia is a hairless Frenchie-English Bulldog who was rescued from a backyard breeder and hoarding situation by Luvable Dog Rescue.
Her unusual appearance was accompanied by a medical challenge. Petunia was born with an elongated palate, a condition that can contribute to breathing problems in bulldogs. Surgery later helped improve her breathing.
Her story, like Jinny Lu's, helped reinforce the message behind the event: rescued dogs with difficult beginnings can go on to live happy lives.
Why does the World’s Ugliest Dog contest exist?
The competition has been held as part of the Sonoma County Fair in California and has evolved into an event centred on rescue dogs, adoption and individuality.
The organisers say the dogs taking part are not being judged as lesser animals because of their appearance. Instead, the event draws attention to pets whose unusual features might make them less likely to be noticed by potential adopters.
That message is perhaps best reflected in Jinny Lu's own journey.
A dog once rescued from freezing conditions in the mountains of South Korea has now become the face of a 50-year-old California tradition — and walked away with the top prize.
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