World’s Ugliest Dog Contest Crowns Jinny Lu at Sonoma County Fair
On August 14, the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, California, hosted the 50th annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest, showcasing nine unique canines. The judging panel included Gadi Schwartz from NBC News, radio personality Debbie Abrams, and California state senator Mike McGuire. Jinny Lu, a six-year-old rescue pug from Korea, claimed first place, earning her owner, Michelle Grady, a $5,000 reward along with a trip to New York City. Pinky, an albino Chihuahua-Pomeranian mix, secured second place and $3,000, while Otto, a Chihuahua mix, took home third place and $2,000. The event celebrated distinctive dog stories, with Senator McGuire describing it as a “true American tradition.”
Key facts
- The 50th annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest was held at the Sonoma County Fair on Friday, August 14.
- Jinny Lu, a rescue pug from Korea, won first place, receiving $5,000 and a trip to New York City to appear on the Today show.
- Second place and $3,000 went to Pinky, an albino Chihuahua-Pomeranian mix owned by Ronald Cheng and Laura Brown.
- Third place and $2,000 went to Otto, a Chihuahua mix with a double cleft lip and palate, owned by Melinda Barry.
- Judges were NBC News host Gadi Schwartz, radio host Debbie Abrams, and California state senator Mike McGuire.
- Contestants came from as far away as Poland and from various regions across the United States.
- The event is animal-rescue-centric, with some dogs serving as therapy dogs or visiting schools to promote adoption.
- Senator Mike McGuire called crowning the ugliest dog 'a true American tradition' and said 'the ugliest dog wears pearls.'
Entities
Artists
- Gadi Schwartz
- Debbie Abrams
- Mike McGuire
- Michelle Grady
- Ronald Cheng
- Laura Brown
- Melinda Barry
- Linda
- Marcelina
- Jamie Lee Taete
- Amanda
Institutions
- Sonoma County Fair
- NBC News
- Today show
- ALO
- Owala
- FedEx
Locations
- San Francisco
- United States
- Pacific Heights
- Noe Valley
- California
- Sonoma County
- Santa Rosa
- Los Angeles
- New York City
- Ukiah
- Poland
- Korea
- Rosie's Dog Beach