Dogs are always adorable, with their floppy ears, perky noses, and wagging tails. Except when they aren’t. There are breeds of dogs so ugly that their cuteness cannot be denied by one who is willing to see it. Instead of being appalled by these little monsters, embrace them for what they are: cute little hulking balls of fluff. Some of these breeds can make for loving and adorable companions, like the Pug and the Shar Pei. These small breeds are perfect for families with small children or those who live in apartments. Others, like the Chinese Crested, can make excellent watchdogs.
Here are some ugly small dog breeds we love:
1. The Wrinkly but Cuddly Pug
The Pug is a small and wrinkly dog with short legs, a square face, and an adorable black button nose. They have the kind of faces one could only love to smooch, but their flat faces can cause breathing problems so they are not recommended for families with children. Their coats come in three colors: fawn, black, and silver.
The Pug is a small breed with an average weight of 20 pounds for males and 17 pounds for females. They have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years but can suffer from medical conditions such as heart disease, respiratory problems, and problems with their eyes. The Pug is an active breed with a playful personality and sometimes may try to eat just about anything that catches their eye. They are intelligent but can be headstrong if not trained properly. Pugs do well in apartments as long as they get enough exercise, and will usually adapt to the owner’s lifestyle.
The wrinkly pug, or the pug/chihuahua mix, is a popular designer dog. They are spunky little dogs with big personalities. Their coat comes in black, silver, fawn, brindle, apricot, and white. These mixes are lively but can be somewhat yappy. The pug has a reputation for being a bit stubborn and this tendency will show up in the designer mix. They have a strong bond with their owners but have been known to nip at strangers or other animals because of how friendly they are with their own family members.
2. Chinese Crested, Bald but Cute
The Chinese Crested is a small dog with no undercoat, which means they do not shed. They can come in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff (with fur). Hairless dogs are completely bald but have tufts of hair on their feet, chest, and tip of their tails; for this reason, they are sometimes called the Chinese naked dog. Powder puffs have a soft, light coat of fur all over the body. While the hairless dogs do not shed, powder puffs need to be brushed several times weekly or they will become matted.
Chinese Crested are playful and affectionate but they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time; they can suffer from separation anxiety. They can be skittish around people they are not used to meeting, but once a first bond is made they form a strong friendship. If they do not receive enough stimulus from their owners or other people in the household, they will become bored and try to entertain themselves. This usually results in chewing on things that should not be chewed on. They are very intelligent and easy to train, but they can suffer from alopecia if not taken care of properly.
3. Shar Pei, Seriously Wrinkly
This ancient breed is known for its distinctive blue-black tongue, wrinkled forehead and cheeks, and hairless portion of its muzzle. The hair on their back and tail is coarse and thick, while the hair on their forehead is thin. Shar Pei’s are small to medium-sized with a weight of 45 pounds for males and 35 pounds for females. They have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years but like most smaller breeds, they can suffer from medical issues such as eye and breathing problems.
The Shar Pei is calm and gentle, but because of his prickly nature, he is not recommended for families with small children. He is loyal to his owners and will try to keep strangers away from them. He is an independent dog that likes things to be consistent in his life, so repetitive training can work well on him. The Shar Pei needs a firm hand to be guided correctly; otherwise, they will become stubborn and aggressive.
See also: Best Small Dogs for Seniors
And: Some of the Best Small Therapy Dogs
4. Ugly but Cute, the Mexican Hairless Xolo
The hairless Xolo (Xoloitzcuintli) is a fully hairless breed that comes in three different sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. The breed will range in size from around 5 to 22 kgs, and a range of height from 9 to 26 inches.
They are loving, intelligent, playful, and protective. They are also wary of strangers and will defend their families if necessary. These dogs do not drool and they only need to be bathed when it is necessary, not on a regular basis. A hairless Xolo does not overheat in the sun, but his owner should still monitor him so he doesn’t get too hot. The breed is considered to be a good family pet, especially for people who live in warm climates and/or spend lots of time outdoors. The Xolo is also hypoallergenic because he does not shed. However, many people are still allergic to the breed because of his dander. These small breeds might look funny or peculiar, but their warm nature and unusual appearance make them appealing to many dog owners. They look different but they all share a love for their owners and a strong desire to be a part of the family. The hairless Xolo is also considered to be hypoallergenic, which makes them great for people who cannot own dog breeds with fur. If you’re thinking of getting a new pet, consider adding one of these ugly small dogs to your family.
Featured image: Mexican Hairless Xolo
