Jinny Lu has gone from runner-up to champion.
The 6-year-old pug was crowned the winner of the 2026 World’s Ugliest Dog Contest Friday night at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, California. Jinny Lu’s victory came on the heels of her second-place finish last year and in her fourth contest appearance overall.
The quirky event, which celebrated its 50th anniversary, isn’t actually about finding the world’s ugliest dog. It’s true purpose, organizers say, is to promote pet adoptions while celebrating the uniqueness and imperfections of dogs from across the country.
“For 50 years, this event has celebrated the uniqueness of every dog while sharing an important message of compassion, rescue, and acceptance,” said Mandy Clendenen, CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association, in a release.
The nine contestants in the field were judged by a three-person panel, which included NBC News correspondent Gadi Schwartz.
Jinny Lu, along with her owner Michelle Grady, went home with a trophy and a first-place prize of $5,000. MUG Root Beer, a contest sponsor, will make limited-edition soda cans with Jinny Lu’s face gracing the cover, as well.
This year’s runner-up — Pinky, an albino Chihuahua and Pomeranian mix — went home with a $3,000 prize, while the third-place finisher — Otto, a Chihuahua mix — received a $2,000 prize.
Jinny Lu was also introduced to a national audience Monday, as she and Grady were flown out to New York City to appear on the “TODAY” show.
Grady said on “TODAY” that Jinny Lu was recognized by some people while walking the streets of New York. She said their trip to the Big Apple has even included attending a Broadway show.
Jinny Lu’s story traces back to the mountains of South Korea, where she was rescued from the dog meat trade, the Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association said in a Facebook post. A pair of California rescues — Pug Rescue of Korea in Long Beach and Pug Hotel, Senior Pug Sanctuary in Rohnert Park — combined to help give her a second chance at life.
Jinny Lu resides in Ukiah, California, after being adopted four years ago. She’s now a rescue dog ambassador, making visits to places like elementary schools and memory care facilities, the Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association said.
