A pug with a protruding tongue is the World's Ugliest Dog — fetching her a cool $5,000, a trophy and a trip to New York

Jinny Lu, a six-year-old pug with distinct physical features, took home the title of World's Ugliest Dog at the 50th annual contest. The 2026 competition, hosted in Santa Rosa, California, awarded Jinny $5,000, a trophy, and a trip to New York for an appearance on NBC's Today Show. Her journey to the crown was not without challenges; she had previously placed second in 2025 and was a fourth-time contestant.

Jinny's story began in South Korea, where she was rescued from a wooden box in freezing conditions in the mountains. Adopted by Michelle Grady in the U.S., the pug was entered into the contest to celebrate unconventional dogs and promote pet adoption. Mandy Clendenen, CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association, emphasized the event's purpose of highlighting dogs that might otherwise be overlooked.

Jinny's win also included a sponsored appearance on limited-edition Mug Root Beer cans. While the prize money might not be life-changing, it can still make a significant impact on a household's finances. Contestants for 2026 included Pinky, an albino Chihuahua-Pomeranian mix, and Otto, a Chihuahua mix with a double cleft lip and cleft palate.