{"id":434103,"date":"2026-08-15T22:46:17","date_gmt":"2026-08-15T22:46:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/434103\/"},"modified":"2026-08-15T22:46:17","modified_gmt":"2026-08-15T22:46:17","slug":"rescue-pug-who-escaped-south-koreas-dog-meat-trade-crowned-worlds-ugliest-dog-in-california","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/434103\/","title":{"rendered":"Rescue pug who escaped South Korea\u2019s dog meat trade crowned \u2018World\u2019s Ugliest Dog\u2019 in California"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

The 6-year-old pug with her tongue hanging out of her mouth named Jinny Lu took home the crown at this year’s\u00a0annual event<\/a> at the Sonoma County fair in Santa Rosa on Aug. 14.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A pug who escaped being someone’s meal in the South Korea dog meat market is the winner of this year’s “World’s Ugliest Dog” competition held in Northern California. Anadolu via Getty Images<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The pup was rescued and adopted by Michelle Grady through her pug rescue organization four years ago from South Korea’s dog meat market<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“She absolutely loves competition, meeting everyone, and everything the event stands for,” Grady told the Press Democrat<\/a> about her pooch.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The pug was rescued and adopted by Michelle Grady through her pug rescue organization four years ago. AP Photo\/Noah Berger<\/p>\n

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

“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.”<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\"In<\/p>\n

In addition to the trip to the Big Apple, Jinny Lu will appear on limited-edition MUG Root Beer cans as sponsors of the event for the third year in row. AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n

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

The contest brought out pugs, chihuahuas, Chinese-Crested\/Gremlin, mixed breeds of all shapes and sizes<\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The contest brought out breeds of all shapes and sizes from across the country and around the world AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"In<\/p>\n

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. AP Photo\/Noah Berger<\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The third place title went to Otto, a 2-year-old Chihuahua mix from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Getty Images<\/p>\n

The event is hosted by the Sonoma-Marin Agriculture Association and promotes adoption and rescue of animals.<\/p>\n

Organizers said the competition \u2014 which has been going on for more than 50 years \u2014 is less about celebrating the ugliest pooch<\/a> and more about recognizing all dogs, no matter how they look, deserve a forever home.<\/p>\n

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

\"Organizers<\/p>\n

Organizers said the competition is about recognizing that all dogs deserve a forever home. AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n