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Ugliest Dog Day

Sometimes the most unconventional pets become the most beloved. Who needs a perfect pooch when you can have a charmingly ugly one?

Animals Dogs Silly & Humorous42

Marketing angleinferred

Celebrate quirky pet ownership and drive engagement through humorous, inclusive pet-focused campaigns tied to the World's Ugliest Dog Contest and regional tourism.

Relevance 42medium intent

Pet product gift guides: toys, treats, beds for 'unconventionally beautiful' dogs
User-generated content: #UgliestDogDay photo contests featuring customer pets
Travel packages: Sonoma County wine country + contest attendance bundles
Tongue-in-cheek pet care tips for 'uniquely featured' dog breeds

History

Each year, in the city of Petaluma, California, a contest is held to determine exactly which dog of all of them is truly the ugliest.

This ‘honor’ has been an annual tradition in the local area since the 1970s when the contest got its start. Beginning as a way to generate some revenue for a group called the Old Adobe Association.

Starting out as a pet parade activity, the ugliest dog contest seemed to be a better fit for the event and became very popular – so much so that it became part of the Sonoma-Marin Fair by the late 1980s. And by 2009, the phrase “World’s Ugliest Dog” was trademarked by the folks who run the fair.

With the Ugliest Dog Contest typically taking place around the last week of June, Ugliest Dog Day can be celebrated in advance by people around the nation or even around the world!

How to celebrate

Attend the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest

Those who are super serious about Ugliest Dog Day can make plans in advance to head on over to Sonoma County, California to attend the Ugliest Dog Contest. And those who have an ugly dog of their own? Perhaps it would be fun to enter the contest too! While there, it would be a shame to miss out on the thing that Sonoma County is famous for all over the world – the wine. Visit a few vineyards, take a tour, enjoy a wine tasting. Perhaps even pop down to San Francisco for even more access to interesting travel activities and sites.

Show Some Appreciation to an Ugly Dog

Have an ugly dog yourself or know someone who does? Ugliest Dog Day is an ideal time to spoil that ugly dog with a little gift. Buy him a new toy or a little treat to chew on. Delight her with a new doggie bed or just pick up an extra box of her favorite biscuits. Or, even better, enjoy the nice summer weather and take that ugliest dog for a walk at the dog park to be social and play with some other ugly dogs!

Learn About the Ugliest Dog Breeds

One fun way to celebrate Ugliest Dog Day might be to learn a bit more about breeds of dogs that are considered to be ugly. Sure, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but there are certain breeds that tend to win the Ugliest Dog Contest each year. Chinese Crested Mexican Hairless Dog Chihuahua (often mixed with other breeds) Neapolitan Mastiff

FAQ

Are “ugly” dog breeds less healthy than other dogs?

Dogs that people describe as “ugly,” including some hairless or mixed-breed dogs, are not automatically less healthy than other dogs. Veterinarians note that overall health depends more on genetics, responsible breeding, preventive care, and environment than on how a dog looks. Some dogs with unusual appearances, such as certain hairless breeds, can have specific issues like dental or skin problems, but many live normal, healthy lives with appropriate veterinary care.

How does a dog’s appearance affect its chances of being adopted from a shelter?

Research on shelter dogs shows that appearance, including size, coat color, and perceived “cuteness,” can influence how quickly dogs are adopted. Puppies and small, conventionally attractive dogs are often chosen faster, while larger, older, or visually unusual dogs may stay longer or be at greater risk for euthanasia, even when their behavior is good. Studies also indicate that good photographs and descriptions that highlight a dog’s personality and compatibility can help counteract appearance-based bias.

Why do people find some dogs cute and others “ugly”?

Psychological studies suggest that people tend to prefer a “baby schema,” which includes features like large eyes, a rounded face, and a relatively big head, because these traits resemble human infants and trigger caregiving responses. Dogs that match this pattern or behave in playful, puppy-like ways are more likely to be labeled cute, whereas dogs with unusual proportions, asymmetry, or visible medical issues may be called “ugly.” Researchers emphasize that these judgments are highly subjective and shaped by culture, past experiences, and individual preferences.

Do dogs know or care that people call them “ugly”?

Available evidence does not suggest that dogs understand human concepts such as “ugly” or “beautiful,” but they are very sensitive to tone of voice, body language, and how they are treated. Studies of dog cognition and welfare show that dogs respond strongly to positive, consistent interactions and can become stressed or fearful when exposed to harsh handling, angry voices, or social isolation. From a welfare standpoint, what matters most is that dogs receive kind treatment, proper care, and a stable environment, regardless of how people talk about their looks.

Are dog contests that highlight unusual or “ugly” appearances considered ethical?

Animal welfare principles from veterinary organizations state that any event involving animals should minimize stress, prevent pain or injury, and avoid encouraging breeding for extreme or unhealthy traits. Applied to contests that highlight unusual or “ugly” appearances, this means participating dogs should be healthy enough to attend, handled gently, and not displayed in ways that cause fear or discomfort. The American Veterinary Medical Association’s animal welfare principles and similar guidelines provide benchmarks for assessing whether such events protect the animals’ well-being.

What extra care do hairless or visibly unusual dogs often need?

Hairless dogs and dogs with noticeable physical differences often need tailored care, but many can live comfortably with informed management. Veterinary resources recommend regular skin care and sun protection for hairless dogs, along with monitoring for irritation or injury. Dogs whose unusual looks are linked to dental, eye, or mobility problems may need dental cleanings, eye medication, or modified exercise plans, which veterinarians can help owners design so these dogs remain as healthy and comfortable as possible.

Can learning about appearance bias in dogs change how people think about adoption?

Studies and shelter experience suggest that when people become aware of how strongly appearance influences adoption decisions, they may think more carefully about choosing a pet based on behavior and lifestyle fit instead of looks alone. Research on shelter dogs shows that information about temperament, trainability, and compatibility can improve attitudes toward animals that are older, mixed-breed, or less conventionally attractive. Educational efforts that stress these factors can help reduce appearance-based bias and support better adoption outcomes.