These Pets Were Named “The World’s Ugliest Animals” – But We Think They’re Kind Of Cute
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that’s especially true for animals often dubbed “the ugliest in the world.” Though they may not match typical standards of cute or beautiful, each one has a unique charm—or at least something strangely captivating. Take a closer look and see if you can discover a bit of appeal in these unconventional creatures before making up your mind!
How Did Walle End Up Winning This Title?
Walle is quite the character—a mix of beagle, basset, and boxer—who surprisingly snagged the top spot at the World's Ugliest Dog Contest in 2013. Despite the quirky title, many, myself included, find him absolutely adorable!
His owner, Tammie Barbee, embraces Walle's unique traits. She told *People*, "His head has always been bigger than his body. Whenever people approach him, they often say, 'That dog is not right.’" But for Tammie, those curious looks don’t faze her at all. "He’s an amazing dog… I don’t feel like he’s any different." This kind of unconditional love perfectly shows that true charm goes far beyond appearances.
Voted Into The Ugly Club For All The Wrong Reasons
The Ugly Animal Preservation Society's yearly contest often highlights bats, and this vampire bat certainly fits the criteria with its squished nose and oversized ears—though honestly, it looks more like a quirky, fuzzy pixie than truly ugly.
Much of people’s dislike for bats comes from fear, but these creatures are actually night-time superheroes. They feast on countless insects and mosquitoes, helping control pests, and play a vital role in pollinating plants. Plus, their droppings make excellent natural fertilizer. So, after all that, do you really think this vampire bat deserves the "ugly" label?
A Turkey Vulture Is Always Ready For Halloween. That's Not A Bad Thing, Is It?
Turkey vultures might not win any beauty contests, but their unique appearance hides a crucial ecological role. With their bald red heads and bulky, feathered bodies—earning them a spot on Animal Planet's top ten ugliest animals list—they have an almost skeletal look.
That baldness isn’t just for show; it helps keep them clean while they feast on carrion, preventing harmful debris from clinging to their feathers. While it may seem a bit gross, this is a brilliant adaptation that keeps them healthy. Beyond their looks, turkey vultures serve as nature’s cleanup crew, helping prevent the spread of disease by efficiently disposing of dead animals. They’re a perfect example of how even the "ugliest" creatures play an essential role in the ecosystem.
‘Big, Ugly, Lazy And Gassy’
Martha, a Neapolitan Mastiff, rose to fame after winning the 2017 World's Ugliest Dog Contest. Weighing in at a hefty 125 pounds, she's a lovable giant with a face full of droopy jowls. During the competition, Martha often rested her head, letting her wrinkled features spread across the stage.
Her story is one of true resilience. When rescued a few years earlier, Martha was in poor condition. With the dedication of her loving owner and several surgeries, she made a remarkable recovery. While Martha likely isn’t bothered by the "world’s ugliest dog" title, her journey beautifully showcases the power of love, care, and transformation that comes from rescuing animals.
Little Peanut Won The Ugly Pageant
Peanut took home the crown at the 2014 World's Ugliest Dog Contest, but his story is much more moving than just amusing. Before gaining fame, Peanut endured an abusive home and suffered burns in a fire. His distinctive appearance comes from that trauma, yet it doesn't take away from his gentle nature.
His owner, Holly Chandler, told *Time*: "[Peanut] doesn't have lips anymore. His eyelids are also gone, so he can’t close his eyes, which means his eyes water constantly. The tears drain into his nose, creating little snot bubbles... that just adds to his character."
The most touching part? Peanut’s $1,500 prize was donated to help other animals in need. What a good boy, Peanut.
This Is What A Diet Of Slim Jims Does To You
Meet Zsa Zsa, an English Bulldog known far and wide for her famously oversized tongue and endless drooling—features that earned her the top prize at the 2018 World's Ugliest Dog Contest. Her owner even had to carry her onto the stage, adding to the lovable, awkward charm that won over the judges. According to *The New York Times*, "[Zsa Zsa] was eating part of a Slim Jim on the table and just sneezed all over them and was drooling on them," which might just have been her quirky version of a talent showcase!
Her unusually large tongue was beyond her control, and let's be honest—nobody looks their best with long, stringy drool hanging out. Though Zsa Zsa sadly passed away in July 2018, she certainly made the most of her time in the spotlight, leaving behind a memorable legacy full of heart and humor.
Who ‘Nose’ Why This Monkey Was Called Ugly
This quirky creature is the proboscis monkey, which in 2013 earned a spot among the world's top five ugliest animals—a title that’s easy to understand once you see its distinctive features. Known affectionately as "long-nosed monkeys," they’re famous for their enormous, pendulous noses that give them a truly unique profile.
Here’s the interesting part: these big noses aren’t just for show. Among proboscis monkeys, especially the males, the large nose plays a key role in attracting mates. Acting like natural echo chambers, their noses amplify calls, making them more audible to females nearby. Despite this fascinating adaptation, proboscis monkeys now face serious threats and are listed as endangered, making their survival a critical concern.
