3 articles · Updated · The Santa Rosa Press Democrat · Aug 15
Summary
Jinny Lu, a 6-year-old pug from Ukiah, beat eight other dogs Friday at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa to win the 2026 World’s Ugliest Dog title on her fourth try.
Michelle Grady received $5,000, and the winner will travel to New York for a Monday appearance on NBC’s “TODAY” show and be featured on limited-edition MUG Root Beer cans.
South Korea’s dog meat industry was where Jinny Lu was rescued before Grady adopted her through a pug rescue group four years ago; she now visits schools, hospice patients and memory care residents.
The nearly five-decade contest awarded a $10,000 purse overall and framed its mission around animal rescue and adoption, with Pinky finishing second for $3,000 and Otto third for $2,000.