It is generally accepted that dogs resemble their owners in appearance. However, looking at the photos of those included in our rating of the scariest dogs, I want to forget about such similarity, like a bad dream. These four-legged animals have too specific an appearance.
However, one should not judge too harshly, relying only on external evaluation criteria. Very often the ugliest dog is the sweetest and kindest creature. Is it so? We invite you to get to know those who represent scary dog breeds better.
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Bull Terriers
Among canines, bull terriers do not look very attractive and friendly. Some even call them freaks. Looking at the egg-shaped head, short hair, and small slanted rat eyes, it is difficult to believe in the friendliness of these creatures. Indeed, bull terriers are active participants in dog fighting. Their grip is considered “dead,” and hardly anyone would want to meet a bull terrier one-on-one in a dark alley. Representatives of this breed are considered one of the strongest among dogs.
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The ugliest dog in the world 2015
The winner of the competition in 2015 was the ten-year-old dog Kwazi Modo. This is a cross between a Dutch Shepherd and a Pitbull. Quasi Modo is an absolutely unprepossessing dog with a congenital spinal defect. Outwardly, he looks a little like a hyena. Because of his curved spine, he truly resembles the character of the same name from the famous novel by Victor Hugo.
The owner adopted Quasi Modo from an animal shelter and never regretted it. According to the owner, despite all his external ugliness, this is the most good-natured and affectionate dog in the world.
Bullets
Imagine an animal with thick fur that, if not taken care of, becomes dreadlocks. A kind of Chupacabra or Bigfoot. But, in fact, this is a very attentive animal, has a sharp mind, and is easy to train.
To prevent your pet from scaring you away with its scary appearance, you just need to regularly trim its fur, comb it and make sure it doesn’t get tangled.
8
Catahoula Leopard Dog
Quite a scary breed with a glassy, intimidating look and a coat color that adapts to its environment.
Breeders say: the Catahoula has a “sixth sense” and will warn in advance of danger.
It is distinguished by a pronounced hunting instinct - it does not get tired, has a keen sense of smell and an instant reaction. He will be a good guard and loyal protector for the family.
Bedlington Terrier
It is no coincidence that representatives of this breed were included in our ranking of the ugliest dogs. The fact is that their body is curved in an arc (this is such a “joke” of nature). The coat grows very unevenly, which leads to the fact that the animal looks ugly and unkempt.
However, these dogs are highly valued. The cost of a Bedlington Terrier puppy starts from $1.5 thousand. And since these are very capricious creatures in terms of care and health, only a wealthy person can afford to keep them.
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The ugliest dog in the world 2010
She became a Chihuahua dog named Princess Abby. She won the main prize for her very ugly appearance. Short and crooked front legs combined with long hind legs, a curved spine and a scary face with an almost closed eye.
Abby's owner found her at an animal shelter. Abby lay huddled in the corner of her cage. Her body was completely infested with parasites and fleas. It was a terrible sight. And when their eyes met, Abby’s owner simply couldn’t let this little dog continue to suffer, and took her in.
Brussels Griffon
One day a man decided to try to cross a shaggy pug with a representative of the Shih Tzu breed. Nature took this idea seriously, and so the Brussels Griffon puppies were born.
They look very cute even at a small age. They have bulging eyes and a strangely shaped muzzle. However, despite such a repulsive appearance, these creatures are very friendly and playful. As soon as you call the dog by name, it will respond with a loud bark. And the puppy will follow its owner as if tied.
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Pork (chihuahua)
A Chihuahua named Pork took part in the 2015 competition and attracted everyone's attention with her snow-white skin and love of blue manicure. At the time of participation in the championship, Pork was 13 years old, but her venerable age still did not add to her confidence: as her owner, Monica Huerta, noted, Pork was constantly shy, especially when the judges or other participants showed increased attention to her.
However, in everyday life, this Chihuahua is quite cheerful and active; it loves to run shopping with its owner and chew the legs of the kitchen table.
Did you know? Some dog breeds are capable of picking up a trail left four days ago and following it for a distance of 160 km.
American Staghound
Many people confuse representatives of this breed with domesticated hyenas, because staghounds are very similar to them. There is very little in the appearance of such dogs that is attractive. The body is humpbacked, covered with hair of uneven structure and length. However, at heart these dogs are not hyenas at all. These are very sensitive, sweet and loyal animals. And if someone sees their soul behind their appearance, he will definitely be satisfied, as he will find true friends in their face (read face).
5
Mexican hairless dog
Another name for the breed is Xoloitzcuintle. Already from this it becomes clear that this is an unusual animal. The main difference between the representatives of the breed is the absence of hair. Otherwise, they are calm and peaceful animals, which are sometimes even used for therapeutic purposes. These are quiet dogs that do an excellent job as a companion.
It's surprising, but scientists suggest that this dog came from furry breeds
Affenpinscher
To get an Affenpinscher puppy, you need to be a true fan of this breed. Otherwise, how can you explain the fact that you can calmly watch an animal running around in your house, whose appearance indicates that the day before it passed a powerful electric charge through its body? However, these dogs are distinguished by loyalty and devotion, which can be envied. They choose a master and serve him faithfully.
4
Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a very plump, sad dachshund with an unusual coloring. Perhaps this description fits best. The phlegmatic appearance is combined with huge folds of skin, which can sometimes interfere with walking. The image is complemented by long ears that almost touch the floor. It's hard to believe, but the Basset Hound is a hunting breed, and such ears help to track down prey faster. They trap air along with odors, which makes searching easier.
The Basset Hound is also the dog with the longest ears.
Peruvian Inca Orchid
Looking at the appearance of these dogs, you can’t help but wonder if they were included in our list of freaks by mistake? But many experts believe that there is nothing endearing about the spotted body, the skin color of which is similar to the color of iodine, the short fur, and the tuft of long blond hair growing on the head. However, having gotten to know them better, you realize that this is exactly the case when appearances are deceiving.
The Inca orchid makes excellent guides and hunters. The main thing is just to see their beauty and intelligence. However, many who have encountered this breed in person say that after communicating with such little “energizers”, after only 15 minutes you forget about their shortcomings, short hair, and funny crest. You no longer see this, but the dog’s soul, which is light and radiant.
3
Viringo
Viringo is another hairless dog with no fur. In appearance, it most closely resembles the Mexican Hairless Dog, but the latter looks more powerful and majestic. Viringo can easily be confused with a mongrel due to its skinny build and sparse hair on its head. It is often compared to the gray hair of an old man. Interestingly, the personality of these dogs varies greatly depending on size and gender. Owners claim that the less fur a pet has, the more wayward it is. Large representatives of the breed prefer to act independently, but small ones are more dependent on the owner.
Another name for the breed is the Peruvian Inca Orchid.
An overly exotic appearance is not a death sentence. Most dogs with an unusual appearance have a good-natured character. However, it is important to understand that appearance features are almost always associated with anatomical abnormalities, and this can increase the risk of developing diseases.
Xoloitzcuintle
The body of these dogs is rarely covered with hair, but a small tuft grows on the muzzle, giving the Xoloitzcuintle a strange appearance. But this is where the ugliness of dogs ends.
They have a friendly and kind disposition, get along well with children, and can be made like four-legged friends. Just be prepared for the fact that while walking with your Xoloitzcuintle, people around you will shower your dog not with compliments, but with epithets like “What a horror!”, “What an ugliness!” If this doesn’t scare you, feel free to go look for a puppy of this breed. He also deserves your love and attention.
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The ugliest dog in the world 2013
Four-year-old dog Willie won the competition in 2013. This is a cross between a boxer, beagle and basset hound. This cute dog does not have such obvious deformities as the winners of previous competitions had. But, as one of the judges noted, his body is so disproportionate, as if its individual parts were taken from different dogs and compiled in Photoshop.
Neapolitan Mastiff
The huge dog carcass, whose weight reaches up to 60 kilograms, looks quite menacing. A depressive expression on the face makes you forget about friendly intentions towards such a pet. However, if you do step over yourself and get to know a representative of this breed better, you will definitely be satisfied. Moreover, experts say that Neapolitan Mastiffs are better suited for the role of a family dog than others. In addition, they have a phenomenal sense of smell and are distinguished by loyalty and devotion. With such qualities, you can forget about their physical shortcomings and flaws in appearance.
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The ugliest dog in the world 2021
The winner of the competition in 2021 was a 56-kilogram Neapolitan Mastiff dog named Martha. The jury immediately paid attention to Martha. Red eyes, baggy skin, uncontrollable salivation. Throughout the competition, she remained the clear favorite.
Martha's owner says that with age the dog has become almost completely blind. But, thanks to the “magic” hands of veterinary specialists, after several operations they were able to restore her vision.
Chinese Crested
Representatives of this dog breed not only made it onto our list of hairless dog breeds, but also found themselves in the list of freaks. They are often called ugly. However, their hairlessness has some charm. In addition, these are very smart animals. The main thing is not to look at the appearance, but to look deeper into the eyes and see the soul there.
The ugliest dog in the world
At the annual competition for the scariest dogs for several years in a row, the winner of the main prize is a Peruvian terrible dog named Sam. Anyone who has seen his photo immediately becomes clear how this Peruvian manages to retain such a title for many years. Other participants in the ugly dog competition, which is held annually in California, are inferior to the permanent winner in their ugliness.
Scariest dog competitions
In the Californian city of Petaluma, a competition for the title of the most terrible dog has been held annually for more than twenty years, the winners of which often end up in the Guinness Book of Records. Its participants are mostly animals taken from shelters or picked up on the street. Most often, the winners of the competition are representatives of such breeds as Chinese Crested, Chihuahua and their crosses.
The jury selects the winner based on unique features and appearance, as well as audience reaction and their own first impressions. The winner receives $1,500, prizes from sponsors and participation in the filming of an American show. The main goal of the competition is to help people who are unsure whether to adopt a pet from a shelter make an affirmative decision. Indeed, despite numerous physical abnormalities, these animals can also show love for their owner and need care and attention.
Competition record holder
Peruvian hairless dog Sam is considered a kind of record holder and the king of the most terrible dogs, since he became the winner of the competition several times in a row. His appearance has suffered due to numerous health problems. It was a bald dog with warty, wrinkled skin and sparse tufts of gray hair. Complementing the terrifying appearance were white eyes without pupils and several remaining teeth sticking out in different directions. Despite his repulsive appearance, Sam gained worldwide popularity, but he had to be euthanized back in 2005 at the age of 15 due to a critical deterioration in his health.
Magli
In 2012, a dog not from the USA managed to win the main title. The competition was won by eight-year-old Magli, whom his owner brought from the UK. The only unusual feature of his appearance was numerous white hairs located all over his naked body with dark skin, so compared to the sick and blind participants, Magli looked almost handsome.
Let's sum it up
However, in most cases, a bright canine soul hides behind the repulsive appearance. And if you look at it, you will stop seeing the freak in the animal. The most faithful and devoted friend will be next to you.
Which breeds are undeservedly included in this list? Which ones would you add here? Write your answers in the comments.
Author of the article: Olga Shevtsova
The ugliest dog in the world 2006
The winner was a Chinese Crested dog named Archie. Archie's appearance is very unique. The body is completely covered with growths and warts, a gray tuft of sparse hair on the head, four protruding crooked teeth and a tongue hanging out of the mouth.
The poor dog was picked up on the street and was forced to live in an animal shelter for a long time. Because of his terrible appearance, no one wanted to take Archie. And when they were about to put him to sleep, the worker of this shelter took pity on the poor dog and took Archie to her place for a while. But the family loved him so much that they did not want to part with him. After winning the competition, Archie lived for two years.
3Bull Terrier
Bull Terriers give the impression of being angry and aggressive dogs. They don't have the most welcoming appearance. An elongated muzzle and small eyes, as well as a powerful build, are the main characteristics of the breed. Inexperienced people should not own Bull Terriers; only a professional can cope with the difficult character of the dog. After all, the breed was originally bred as a fighting dog. Therefore, genes often make themselves felt if the dog is raised incorrectly. But, despite its formidable appearance, in experienced hands the dog grows up to be a devoted and loving friend with a relatively calm character.