Pug Jinny Lu wins World's Ugliest Dog Contest after four tries

A six-year-old white pug named Jinny Lu won the 50th annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, California, on August 14. The rescue dog, originally from South Korea, beat out competitors including Pinky, an albino Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix, and Otto, a Chihuahua mix with a double cleft lip. Source: latimes Source: euronewsen

The win

Jinny Lu, adopted four years ago from Pug Rescue of Korea, took first place after placing second last year. Her owner, Michelle Grady, received $5,000 and a trip to New York to appear on NBC's "Today" show. The dog will also be featured on limited-edition cans of Mug Root Beer, a contest sponsor. Source: latimes Source: euronewsen

The contest's purpose

Founded in 1976, the contest aims to promote adoption of all dogs, celebrating their unique appearances rather than mocking them. Mandy Clendenen, CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Assn., said the event "celebrates the uniqueness of every dog while sharing an important message of compassion, rescue, and acceptance." Source: latimes

Key details

• Jinny Lu has protuberant light brown eyes, small black ears, and a floppy tongue. Source: latimes
• She enjoys snuggling with foster siblings and sneaking food from their bowls. Source: latimes
• Last year's winner was Petunia, a hairless Frenchie and English bulldog mix. Source: latimes