Ugliest dogs of all time: Canines so homely, they're cute

People love dogs for a variety of reasons: They’re loyal, playful and usually very cute. But man’s best friend isn’t always the best-looking animal. There are many dogs that lack the fluffy fur and adorable faces of the more popular breeds.

While these odd-looking dogs may have a hard time racking up likes and shares on social media, they are still worthy of recognition. Each year, the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, holds the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest, which celebrates less conventionally cute companions. Dog owners from around the world bring their unattractive pets to compete.

Though many types of dogs have tried to claim the title of Ugliest Dog, there's one breed that stands alone in producing the most unsightly canines: the Chinese crested. Since the beginning of the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest in the 1970s, the winner has been either a purebred or part Chinese crested at least 22 times. The breed is small, mostly hairless, and prone to buggy eyes – not a recipe for cuteness. Still, they're a beloved breed, described by the American Kennel Club as a “frolicsome, ultra-affectionate companion dog.”

Related:Zsa Zsa, the World's Ugliest Dog, dies at age 9

More:Cute alert! Most popular tiny dog breeds in America

To determine the ugliest dogs in the world, 24/7 Wall Street reviewed photos, selecting canines who competed in the contest without winning but were considered ugly enough for our list. Dogs that won were prioritized for inclusion. Our list is rendered in alphabetical order and is not ranked.

1. Archie

Breed: Chinese crested and chihuahua
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2006 winner

2. Brutus

Breed: Mutt
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2017 contestant

3. Chase

Breed: Chinese crested
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2017 third place

4. Ellie Mae

Breed: Chinese crested
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2013 contestant

5. Elwood

Breed: Chinese crested
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2007 winner

6. Gus

Breed: Chinese crested
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2008 winner

7. Himisaboo

Breed: Dachshund and Chinese crested
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2016 third place

8. Icky

Breed: Mutt
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2017 contestant

9. Josie

Breed: Chinese crested
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2018 third place

10. Martha

Breed: Neapolitan mastiff
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2017 winner

11. Moe

Breed: Brussel Griffon pug
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2017 second place

12. Mugly

Breed: Chinese crested
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2012 winner

13. Pabst

Breed: Boxer
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2009 winner

14. Peanut

Breed: Shih Tzu and chihuahua
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2014 winner

15. Pee Wee Martini

Breed: Japanese Chin / Chinese crested
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2006 ugliest mutt

16. Penny

Breed: Pug
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2013 contestant

17. Princess Abby

Breed: Chihuahua
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2010 winner

18. Quasi Modo

Breed: Pitbull and Dutch shepherd
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2015 winner

19. Rascal Deux

Breed: Chinese crested
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2016 contestant

20. Reggie

Breed: Peruvian mix
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2013 contestant

21. Rue

Breed: Chinese crested
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2016 contestant

22. Scamp

Breed: Terrier
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2018 second place

23. Sweepee Rambo

Breed: Chinese crested
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2016 winner

24. Walle

Breed: Beagle, boxer and basset hound
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2013 winner

25. Yoda

Breed: Chinese crested and chihuahua
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2011 winner

26. Zsa Zsa

Breed: English bulldog
Ugliest Dog contest results: 2018 winner

24/7 Wall Street is a USA TODAY content partner offering financial news and commentary. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.