Some dogs capture hearts not because they fit the traditional idea of beauty, but because of their quirky, unusual looks.
Wrinkles, bulging eyes, underbites, or scruffy coats might make them look “ugly” at first glance, yet those same traits often make them irresistibly endearing.
These breeds prove that charm isn’t always about perfection. It’s about personality shining through in every lopsided grin and funny little face.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on personal opinion. Behaviour, appearance, and temperament can vary between individual dogs, and what one might consider cute does not always match another person’s taste.
1. Chinese Crested
Sporting a mohawk-like crest and fluffy ‘socks,’ these mostly hairless pooches look like punk rockers of the dog world. Their exposed skin often features spotted pigmentation, adding to their distinctive appearance.
Despite their unusual looks, Chinese Cresteds are incredibly affectionate lap dogs who form intense bonds with their humans. They’re known for their cheerful dancing on hind legs when excited.
Fun fact: The ‘powderpuff’ variety has a full coat of silky hair, looking entirely different from their hairless siblings!
2. Pug
With a face that looks perpetually smashed against an invisible window, pugs charm everyone with their googly eyes and snorting symphony. Their wrinkled foreheads create expressions that seem to question your life choices.
These stocky little comedians are born entertainers who live to make their humans laugh. Their curly tails wiggle with excitement at the slightest attention.
Originally bred as companions for Chinese royalty, these squishy-faced charmers have been melting hearts for over 2,000 years with their clownish antics.
3. Bulldog
Resembling grumpy old men trapped in canine bodies, Bulldogs waddle through life with underbites that would make orthodontists faint. Their squashed faces and excessive skin folds need regular cleaning to prevent funk from developing.
Behind that tough-guy exterior beats the heart of a gentle couch potato. These sturdy companions prefer snoring beside you rather than long walks.
Historically bred for bull-baiting (hence the name), modern Bulldogs have traded their fighting spirit for a laid-back attitude and comical stubbornness.
4. Brussels Griffon
Imagine a dog with the face of a disgruntled old man who’s just found kids on his lawn. That’s the Brussels Griffon. Their prominent chin, mustache, and beard give them an almost human-like grumpy expression.
These pint-sized companions have enormous personalities packed into 8-pound bodies. Their expressive eyebrows seem to judge your every move with a mix of concern and disapproval.
Star Wars fans might recognize these fuzzy faces: they inspired the look of Ewoks in Return of the Jedi!
5. Mexican Hairless (Xoloitzcuintli)
Ancient and mysterious, the Xolo (pronounced ‘show-low’) looks like it walked straight out of an archaeological dig. Their completely hairless bodies showcase wrinkled skin in colors ranging from black to bronze, often sporting random tufts of hair on their heads.
Aztecs considered these dogs sacred guides to the underworld. Their warm, smooth skin feels like touching a hot water bottle. They were used as living heating pads for people with arthritis.
Despite their alien appearance, Xolos are incredibly loyal and intuitive companions with a history dating back over 3,000 years.
6. Neapolitan Mastiff
Walking skin folds with paws, Neapolitan Mastiffs appear to be wearing suits several sizes too big. Their massive heads droop with cascading wrinkles that often hide their eyes completely.
These gentle giants move with surprising grace despite weighing up to 150 pounds. Their excessive drool production means owners always carry ‘drool rags’ and regularly wipe the ceiling after vigorous head shakes.
Originally bred to guard Roman estates, these imposing dogs are living security systems with hearts of gold: intimidating to strangers but marshmallow-soft with family.
7. Bedlington Terrier
Lamb or dog? The Bedlington’s distinctive pear-shaped head and curly coat create an identity crisis for everyone who meets them. Their arched backs and tasseled ears complete the sheep-in-dog’s-clothing illusion.
Don’t be fooled by their dainty appearance – these pooches were originally coal mine ratters with lightning-quick reflexes. The contrast between their refined looks and scrappy terrier spirit makes them delightfully unpredictable companions.
Their wool-like coat doesn’t shed but requires professional grooming to maintain their signature silhouette, a small price for such a conversation-starting appearance!
8. French Bulldog
With bat ears that could pick up satellite signals and smooshed faces that make breathing an Olympic sport, Frenchies are adorably disproportionate. Their compact bodies carry massive heads that seem too big for their frame.
These snorting little gremlins have mastered the art of expressive side-eye and dramatic sighs when not getting their way. Their inability to swim (they sink like stones) is matched only by their determination to jump into water anyway.
Originally bred as companions for lace workers in England before becoming fashion accessories in France, these little clowns now rule Instagram with their peculiar charm.
9. Shih Tzu
Beneath that flowing princess hair lies a squashed face that looks permanently surprised about everything. Their underbites often reveal tiny teeth in an unintentional snarl that contradicts their sweet temperament.
The name ‘Shih Tzu’ literally means ‘little lion,’ though they’re more likely to lick an intruder than scare them away. Without regular grooming, these little mops quickly transform from regal to ragamuffin.
Imperial Chinese courts treasured these odd-looking companions, believing Buddha himself traveled with a shape-shifting Shih Tzu that could transform into a fierce lion when needed!
10. Affenpinscher
Nicknamed ‘monkey face,’ these tiny terriers sport wild beards and eyebrows that would make any hipster jealous. Their pushed-in faces and permanent bed-head give them the appearance of having just survived an electrical shock.
Affenpinschers approach life with the confidence of dogs ten times their size. Their curious expressions seem to constantly ask, ‘What mischief can I get into next?’
Despite weighing under 10 pounds, these little gremlins were originally bred as ratters in German stables, bringing serious attitude to pest control before becoming beloved companions.
11. Bull Terrier
With an egg-shaped head that looks like it was designed by an alien architect, Bull Terriers are instantly recognizable. Their tiny, triangular eyes and downward-sloping nose create a profile unlike any other dog breed.
These muscular goofballs combine the body of an athlete with the soul of a class clown. They’re known for ‘spinning’ when excited, literally chasing their tails in circles until they collapse from dizziness.
Made famous as the Target mascot and Spuds MacKenzie, these quirky pups have a stubborn streak matched only by their devotion to making their humans laugh.
12. Japanese Chin
Sporting a face that appears permanently startled, Japanese Chins combine huge eyes with a pushed-in nose and an expression of perpetual astonishment. Their asymmetrical facial markings often make them look like tiny confused pandas.
These aristocratic little dogs have distinctly cat-like behaviors. They climb furniture, wash their faces with their paws, and prefer high perches. Despite their dainty appearance, they’re surprisingly athletic and can perform spinning jumps.
Treasured by Japanese nobility for centuries, legend says they were originally gifts from Korean royalty, bred specifically to have faces that resemble human babies!
13. Shar Pei
Resembling a canine version of origami gone wrong, Shar Peis are essentially walking wrinkles with tiny eyes peering out from folds of skin. As puppies, they appear to be wearing suits several sizes too large that they’ll eventually grow into (but never quite do).
Their blue-black tongues and hippopotamus-like muzzles add to their unusual appearance. These independent dogs approach life with a dignified aloofness that makes earning their affection feel like winning a prestigious award.
Originally bred as Chinese fighting dogs, their wrinkled skin served as protection, allowing them to twist away when grabbed by an opponent!
