Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Jinny Lu Wins 2026 World’s Ugliest Dog Contest

8/16/2026

50 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Jinny Lu, a pug rescued from South Korea by Michelle Grady, won first place at the 2026 World’s Ugliest Dog Contest on Aug. 14, 2026, earning Grady $5,000 and a TODAY show trip to New York City.
MUG Root Beer sponsored the event for its third year, providing the $10,000 prize purse and enabling the winner to visit schools, hospice and memory-care facilities to promote rescue and adoption.
Clendenen said the contest highlights rescue.

History

Historical Context

The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest began in 1976 when Ross Smith of the Old Adobe Association launched it in Petaluma, later joining the Sonoma-Marin Fair in 1988. Animal Planet’s 2006 sponsorship and a 2009 trademark boosted its profile, drawing 20,000–30,000 fans and promoting shelter adoptions—a purpose reflected in the 2026 contest with rescued Jinny Lu and MUG Root Beer backing.

1 of 2

Story summary

Jinny Lu, a pug rescued from South Korea by Michelle Grady, won first place at the 2026 World’s Ugliest Dog Contest on Aug. 14, 2026, earning Grady $5,000 and a TODAY show trip to New York City.
MUG Root Beer sponsored the event for its third year, providing the $10,000 prize purse and enabling the winner to visit schools, hospice and memory-care facilities to promote rescue and adoption.
Clendenen said the contest highlights rescue.

1 / 2