Jinny Lu just went from runner-up to champion.
The 6-year-old pug was crowned winner of the 2026 World's Ugliest Dog Contest on Aug. 14 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, California, taking home a $5,000 prize in her fourth appearance at the 50-year-old event. Organizers say the contest isn't really about finding the ugliest dog at all, it's meant to promote pet adoption and celebrate the imperfections that make rescue dogs unique. Jinny Lu's own story fits that mission: she was rescued from the dog meat trade in South Korea before being adopted four years ago by owner Michelle Grady.
Since winning, Jinny Lu has been flown to New York City for an appearance on "TODAY," gotten recognized on the street, and even caught a Broadway show, proving ugly and famous aren't mutually exclusive.
