Rescue pug who escaped South Korea’s dog meat trade crowned ‘World’s Ugliest Dog’ in California

A pug who escaped being someone’s meal in the South Korea is the winner of this year’s “World’s Ugliest Dog” competition held in Northern California.

The 6-year-old pug with her tongue hanging out of her mouth named Jinny Lu took home the crown at this year’s annual event at the Sonoma County fair in Santa Rosa on Aug. 14.

No stranger to the contest, Jinny Lu’s determination paid off after traveling from Ukiah to enter the contest four times before taking home first place this year.

The pup was rescued and adopted by Michelle Grady through her pug rescue organization four years ago from South Korea’s dog meat market.

“She absolutely loves competition, meeting everyone, and everything the event stands for,” Grady told the Press Democrat about her pooch.

“When she’s not entertaining her family, Jinny Lu is an ambassador for rescue dogs,” organizers said in a post about the winner.

“She visits elementary schools, hospice patients, and memory care facilities, helping spread an important message: every pet deserves a chance, no matter how different they may look.”

Beyond bragging rights as the pooch with the most unconventional looks, Jinny Lu also took home $5,000 and earned a trip to New York City for an appearance on the “Today” show.

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Jinny Lu will also appear on limited-edition MUG Root Beer cans as sponsors of the event for the third year in row.

The contest brought out pugs, chihuahuas, Chinese-Crested/Gremlin, mixed breeds of all shapes and sizes from across the country and around the world, including a 12-year-old Chinese Crested from Poland, all vying for this year’s coveted title. 

A total of nine pups entered the contest alongside their owners. In second place was Pinky, a Chihuahua-Pomeranian mix owned by Laura Brown of Redwood City. Pinky got to take home $3,000 in prize money.

The third place title went to Otto, a 2-year-old Chihuahua mix from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The dog’s owner Melinda Berry said Otto has a bilateral cleft lip and a cleft palette, noting dogs with the same birth defect don’t make it. Otto took home $2,000 prize money 

The event is hosted by the Sonoma-Marin Agriculture Association and promotes adoption and rescue of animals.

Organizers said the competition — which has been going on for more than 50 years — is less about celebrating the ugliest pooch and more about recognizing all dogs, no matter how they look, deserve a forever home.

“This event has always been about celebrating the dogs that might otherwise be overlooked,” Mandy Clendenen, CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association, said.

“We’re incredibly proud of what the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest has become and grateful to have partners like MUG Root Beer who understand the heart behind it.”

“Together, we’re able to have some fun while sharing a much bigger message about adoption and giving every dog a chance to be loved,” she added.