Key takeaways<\/h3>- So-called “ugly” dog breeds stand out because of exaggerated or unusual features — wrinkles, odd coats or distinctive faces — but those same traits are exactly what make them lovable. Their charm comes from personality as much as appearance, proving that unconventional looks often go hand in hand with big affection.<\/li>
- Many of these breeds, from the wrinkly mastiff to the quirky Chinese crested, defy stereotypes by being gentle, loyal and great companions. Despite their odd looks, they’re typically well-suited for families and bring plenty of warmth and playfulness.<\/li>
- The popularity of “ugly” dogs — even celebrated in contests — shows that beauty standards don’t apply when it comes to pets. What might seem unattractive at first glance often becomes endearing, reinforcing that uniqueness is a big part of why people fall in love with their dogs.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
10 ugly dog breeds that are impossible not to love<\/h2>1. Papillon<\/h2>![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2015\/10\/GettyImages-1271804368-1024x767.jpg\")
<\/figure>Described as athletic and agile by the American Kennel Club<\/a> (AKC), the papillon is a toy dog known for its flap-away butterfly ears. Yes, this breed’s petite features are high on the cuteness scale. But, those Dumbo-esque ears also offer a bit of adorable oddity.<\/p>2. Bulldog<\/h2>![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2015\/10\/GettyImages-664652375-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>With that trademark squished face, jiggling jowls and wrinkles, the bulldog is a drooling mess of sweetness. The Bulldog Club of America<\/a> notes that this breed’s temperament veers from courageous to dignified. Contrary to how they look, they’re not at all aggressive. <\/p>3. Chinese Crested<\/h2>![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2015\/10\/GettyImages-1247809581-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>You can call him interesting or call him different. But any way you look at the Chinese crested, he’s just kind of ugly. That bare skin and spotted look, the hair (oh, the hair!) and those “socks” made of fur make this little lady an almost-alien oddball. That said, these aren’t fierce space invaders. The AKC<\/a> notes these ugly breed dogs are still playful companions and gentle with kids.<\/p>4. Komondor<\/h2>![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2015\/10\/GettyImages-1250679406-1024x857.jpg\")
<\/figure>Rug tassels on a dog? Yes! This Hungarian livestock guard dog looks more like a mop head than a mutt. What they lack in hairstyle, they make up for by being loyal and loving. Calm and watchful, this breed is extremely protective of loved ones.<\/p>
5. Bull Terrier<\/h2>![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2015\/10\/GettyImages-478625251-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>You can’t get much more distinctive than this ugly dog breed (especially if you’ve ever watched a Target commercial). With its egg-shaped head and uber-long snout, this pup has character coming out of its pointy, cat-like ears! Fun-loving and friendly, bull terriers make playful pets. <\/p>
Read more:<\/strong><\/p>
- So-called “ugly” dog breeds stand out because of exaggerated or unusual features — wrinkles, odd coats or distinctive faces — but those same traits are exactly what make them lovable. Their charm comes from personality as much as appearance, proving that unconventional looks often go hand in hand with big affection.<\/li>
- Many of these breeds, from the wrinkly mastiff to the quirky Chinese crested, defy stereotypes by being gentle, loyal and great companions. Despite their odd looks, they’re typically well-suited for families and bring plenty of warmth and playfulness.<\/li>
- The popularity of “ugly” dogs — even celebrated in contests — shows that beauty standards don’t apply when it comes to pets. What might seem unattractive at first glance often becomes endearing, reinforcing that uniqueness is a big part of why people fall in love with their dogs.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
10 ugly dog breeds that are impossible not to love<\/h2>
1. Papillon<\/h2>
<\/figure>Described as athletic and agile by the American Kennel Club<\/a> (AKC), the papillon is a toy dog known for its flap-away butterfly ears. Yes, this breed’s petite features are high on the cuteness scale. But, those Dumbo-esque ears also offer a bit of adorable oddity.<\/p>
2. Bulldog<\/h2>
<\/figure>With that trademark squished face, jiggling jowls and wrinkles, the bulldog is a drooling mess of sweetness. The Bulldog Club of America<\/a> notes that this breed’s temperament veers from courageous to dignified. Contrary to how they look, they’re not at all aggressive. <\/p>
3. Chinese Crested<\/h2>
<\/figure>You can call him interesting or call him different. But any way you look at the Chinese crested, he’s just kind of ugly. That bare skin and spotted look, the hair (oh, the hair!) and those “socks” made of fur make this little lady an almost-alien oddball. That said, these aren’t fierce space invaders. The AKC<\/a> notes these ugly breed dogs are still playful companions and gentle with kids.<\/p>
4. Komondor<\/h2>
<\/figure>Rug tassels on a dog? Yes! This Hungarian livestock guard dog looks more like a mop head than a mutt. What they lack in hairstyle, they make up for by being loyal and loving. Calm and watchful, this breed is extremely protective of loved ones.<\/p>
5. Bull Terrier<\/h2>
<\/figure>You can’t get much more distinctive than this ugly dog breed (especially if you’ve ever watched a Target commercial). With its egg-shaped head and uber-long snout, this pup has character coming out of its pointy, cat-like ears! Fun-loving and friendly, bull terriers make playful pets. <\/p>
Read more:<\/strong><\/p>