Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but some dog breeds are universally considered to be less attractive than others. Whether it’s due to their hairless bodies, wrinkled faces, or disproportionate features, these dogs often get a bad rap for their appearance. However, ugliness is not a measure of a dog’s personality, intelligence, or loyalty. In fact, many of these breeds are very friendly, smart, and devoted to their owners. Here are the top 10 ugliest dog breeds in the world, along with some facts about their characteristics and origins.
1. The Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is one of the most recognizable ugly dog breeds, thanks to its bald body and tufts of hair on its head, tail, and feet. This breed comes in two varieties: the hairless and the powderpuff. The hairless has smooth skin that can be prone to sunburn, acne, and allergies, while the powderpuff has a soft coat of fur all over its body. The Chinese Crested is believed to have originated from Africa, where it was used to hunt rats and other vermin. This breed is very affectionate, playful, and sensitive, and prefers to be close to its owner at all times.
2. The Mexican Hairless
The Mexican Hairless, also known as the Xoloitzcuintli or Xolo, is another hairless breed that dates back to ancient times. The Xolo was revered by the Aztecs and other Mesoamerican cultures, who believed that it had healing powers and could guide the souls of the dead to the afterlife. The Xolo has a smooth, hairless skin that can range from black to gray to pink, and sometimes has spots or markings. The Xolo also comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. The Xolo is a loyal, intelligent, and alert breed that can be wary of strangers and other dogs, but is very devoted to its family.
3. Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a giant breed that can weigh up to 150 pounds and stand up to 30 inches at the shoulder. The Neapolitan Mastiff is known for its massive head, droopy lips, and wrinkled skin that hangs loosely from its body. The Neapolitan Mastiff was bred in Italy as a guard dog and a war dog, and has a powerful and protective temperament. The Neapolitan Mastiff is not very active and requires minimal grooming, but it does drool a lot and can be prone to health problems such as hip dysplasia, bloat, and eye infections.
4. The Komondor
The Komondor is a large breed that has a unique coat of white, corded hair that resembles dreadlocks or a mop. The Komondor’s coat can grow up to 11 inches long and can weigh up to 15 pounds. The Komondor’s coat serves as a camouflage and a protection from predators and harsh weather. The Komondor originated in Hungary, where it was used to guard sheep and cattle from wolves and other threats. The Komondor is a brave, loyal, and independent breed that can be very territorial and aggressive towards strangers and other animals, but is gentle and affectionate with its family.
5. The Puli
The Puli is a medium-sized breed that also has a corded coat, but unlike the Komondor, the Puli’s coat is black, gray, or white, and is much shorter and denser. The Puli’s coat can take up to four years to fully develop and requires regular bathing and drying to prevent matting and odor. The Puli is a native of Hungary, where it was bred to herd sheep and other livestock. The Puli is a lively, intelligent, and agile breed that can perform well in obedience, agility, and herding trials. The Puli is also very loyal and faithful to its owner, and can be wary of strangers and other dogs.
6. English Bull Terrier
The English Bull Terrier is a medium-sized breed that has a distinctive egg-shaped head, a long, pointed nose, and small, triangular eyes. The English Bull Terrier has a short, flat coat that can be white, black, brindle, or any combination of these colors. The English Bull Terrier was created in England in the 19th century by crossing bulldogs and terriers, and was used for dog fighting and ratting. The English Bull Terrier is a strong, energetic, and courageous breed that can be very stubborn and dominant, but also very clownish and affectionate with its family.
7. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest of all dog breeds, standing up to 34 inches at the shoulder and weighing up to 180 pounds. The Irish Wolfhound has a rough, wiry coat that can be gray, black, red, or fawn, and a long, slender head with a beard and eyebrows. The Irish Wolfhound was bred in Ireland as a hunting dog and a war dog, and was used to chase and kill wolves, deer, and even boars. The Irish Wolfhound is a gentle, noble, and calm breed that can be very friendly and sociable with people and other animals, but also needs a lot of space and exercise.
8. Caucasian Mountain Dog
The Caucasian Mountain Dog is a massive breed that can weigh up to 220 pounds and stand up to 30 inches at the shoulder. The Caucasian Mountain Dog has a thick, double coat that can be white, gray, tan, or brindle, and a large, bear-like head with a black nose and small, dark eyes. The Caucasian Mountain Dog was bred in the Caucasus Mountains as a guard dog and a livestock protector, and has a fearless and dominant temperament. The Caucasian Mountain Dog is not very suitable for urban living, as it can be very aggressive and territorial towards strangers and other dogs, and requires a lot of training and socialization.
9. Borzoi
The Borzoi is a large breed that has a long, narrow head, a curved nose, and a silky, wavy coat that can be white, black, tan, or any combination of these colors. The Borzoi was bred in Russia as a hunting dog and a companion for the nobility, and was used to chase and catch wolves, foxes, and hares. The Borzoi is a graceful, elegant, and aristocratic breed that can be very independent and aloof, but also very loyal and affectionate with its owner. The Borzoi needs a lot of exercise and grooming, and can be sensitive to cold weather.
10. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is a small breed that has a curly, woolly coat that can be blue, liver, or sandy, and a lamb-like appearance. The Bedlington Terrier has a narrow, wedge-shaped head, a pointed nose, and large, almond-shaped eyes. The Bedlington Terrier was developed in England as a hunting dog and a ratting dog, and was also used for dog racing and fighting. The Bedlington Terrier is a spirited, lively, and intelligent breed that can be very friendly and playful with its family, but also very courageous and tenacious when provoked.
