California Hosts 50th Ugliest Dog Competition

Jinny Lu, a 6-year-old rescue pug from Ukiah, won the 50th World’s Ugliest Dog Competition in Santa Rosa, earning $5,000 and a trip to New York for a Today Show appearance. The event, which promotes pet adoption and celebrates dogs’ imperfections, highlighted Jinny Lu’s rescue origin from South Korea and her long-running participation, including a win on her fourth attempt. Her owner, Michelle Grady, adopted her four years ago after a rescue, and Jinny Lu lives at The Pug Hotel, a sanctuary for senior and special-needs pugs. The competition’s appeal lies in heartwarming backstories and advocacy for adoption, with judges noting remarkable journeys behind winners from previous years as well. Media coverage describes Jinny Lu’s playful quirks, such as screaming at her reflection, and the coverage spans local outlets to NBC’s Today and CBS News.