Jinny Lu wins World’s Ugliest Dog contest in California

Jinny Lu, a six-year-old pug, has been crowned the winner of the 50th annual World’s Ugliest Dog contest held at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, California. The pug, owned by Michelle Grady, earned a $5,000 prize and will appear on NBC’s “TODAY” show. Jinny Lu was rescued from the dog meat trade in South Korea four years ago and was adopted through Pug Rescue.

The competition, organized by the Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association, aims to promote pet adoption and celebrate the unique personalities of rescue animals rather than mocking their appearance. The runner-up was Pinky, an albino Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix, who received $3,000. Third place went to Otto, a Chihuahua mix with a cleft palate, who earned $2,000.

In addition to the cash prize, Jinny Lu’s likeness will be featured on limited-edition cans of Mug Root Beer. The event continues to serve as a platform to highlight the benefits of adopting shelter dogs and to showcase the resilience of animals with unconventional looks.