In the canine world, there are dogs that are so big and, well, a little ugly—but in the most lovable way. These oversized, wrinkly, droopy-faced giants may not win beauty contests, but they sure steal hearts. Their rugged looks, massive heads, and sometimes downright goofy expressions make them unforgettable. But let’s be real—there’s something irresistibly charming about a dog that looks like it’s seen things and has stories to tell!
Big, ugly dogs aren’t just about appearances; they’re loyal, protective, and packed with personality. Whether it’s their oversized jowls, scruffy coats, or intimidating size, they bring a unique charm that’s impossible to ignore. And if you think their tough looks mean they’re aggressive, think again—most of these gentle giants are big softies at heart.
So, if you’re into dogs that stand out from the pack and make people do a double-take, these rugged giants might just be your perfect match!
Big Ugly Dog Breeds
1. Borzoi
The Borzoi is like a walking contradiction—graceful yet gangly, elegant yet oddly awkward. With its ultra-long snout, slender frame, and slightly bewildered expression, this breed isn’t exactly conventionally cute. But that’s the magic of the Borzoi! It has that “so-ugly-it’s-charming” appeal that makes people take a second look.
That long, narrow head gives the Borzoi an almost snobbish look, but in reality, they’re surprisingly goofy and large-sized, says AKC. They tend to have a mind of their own, often pretending not to hear commands unless there’s something in it for them. Training a Borzoi? Let’s just say it requires patience—and a lot of bribery.
Their coat is another wild feature—long, silky, and sometimes just a little unkempt. While they look like they belong in a painting, their fur can get tangled if not regularly brushed. And shedding? Oh, they do that in style. You’ll find their wispy hairs floating around like tiny ghosts of their presence. Hope you don’t mind a little extra vacuuming!
Exercise-wise, they’re sprinters, not endurance runners. A few mad dashes around the yard, and they’re done for the day. But without proper exercise, they can get a little mischievous. Ever seen a Borzoi steal food from the counter with its ridiculously long snout? It’s both impressive and infuriating.
Oh, and let’s talk about their noses. That impossibly long snoot isn’t just for show—it’s a built-in radar. Borzois can sniff out snacks from across the room and have a knack for sneaky food theft. Leave something unattended, and you might find a Borzoi casually sauntering away with it like they own the place.
Fun Fact: Borzois were once exclusively owned by Russian nobility, and it was illegal for commoners to own one. Talk about a high-maintenance diva!
2. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhound that could make a Great Dane look average. A towering, scruffy, and slightly awkward giant that looks like a mix between a shaggy bear and a mythical beast. With its rough, wiry coat, ridiculously long legs, and a face that often looks like it’s deep in thought, this breed has an undeniable “big ugly dog” appeal.
Bred in Ireland for hunting wolves (yes, real wolves!), this breed was built for power, speed, and endurance. Despite its intimidating size, the Irish Wolfhound is a gentle and calm dog breed, as stated by AKC. It doesn’t have the aggressive streak you might expect from a former wolf hunter.
And speaking of size—this dog isn’t just tall; it’s massive. Standing on its hind legs, an Irish Wolfhound can easily look an adult human in the eye. That’s both impressive and a little bit terrifying when you realize they have no concept of personal space.
Despite their size, Irish Wolfhounds are surprisingly laid-back. They love a good sprint, but they aren’t hyperactive. In fact, they’re often referred to as “couch hounds” because they enjoy lounging around like oversized, scruffy rugs.
One of the quirkiest things about this breed? Their complete lack of coordination as puppies. Irish Wolfhound pups grow so fast that they spend months figuring out how their giant limbs work. It’s not uncommon to see a young Wolfhound trip over its own feet, slide across the floor, or attempt to fit into a space that’s far too small for them.
3. Komondor
Komondor is a dog that looks like a living mop. A massive, corded guard dog with an appearance so bizarre it makes people do a double take. With its long, rope-like coat and imposing size, this breed is the definition of a “big ugly dog” in the best possible way.
Bred to guard sheep in Hungary, the Komondor’s signature corded coat isn’t just for looks—it’s natural armor. Those thick, heavy cords protect them from harsh weather and even bites from predators. But here’s the wild part: their coat takes years to fully form, and once it does, it requires dedication to maintain.
Despite looking like a walking rug, the Komondor is surprisingly agile, mentions AKC. Beneath all that fur lies a powerful, muscular body built for quick reactions and strong defense. These dogs were bred to take on wolves and other threats, and they won’t hesitate to defend their family.
And let’s talk about that protective streak. The Komondor isn’t just a watchdog—it’s a full-blown guardian. It naturally assesses threats and makes decisions on its own. Strangers? Don’t expect this dog to roll over for belly rubs. It takes time to earn a Komondor’s trust, but once you do, you have a loyal protector for life.
Exercise-wise, they need space to roam. A Komondor won’t be happy in an apartment unless it gets plenty of outdoor time. While they aren’t hyper, they do need mental stimulation. A bored Komondor can get destructive, and trust me, you don’t want a 100-pound dog with powerful jaws deciding to “redecorate” your furniture.
4. Neapolitan Mastiff
Neapolitan Mastiff is a dog that looks like it just woke up from a 100-year nap. This dog is wrinkled and droopy, and it looks perpetually unimpressed with life. With its massive head, sagging jowls, and folds upon folds of skin, this dog is the ultimate definition of big ugly dog charm.
Developed as a guardian dog in ancient Rome, the Neapolitan Mastiff was designed to intimidate intruders. And let’s be real—one look at this dog, and you’d probably think twice before stepping into its territory. Their sheer size is enough to make anyone reconsider their life choices.
Speaking of weight—Neapolitan Mastiffs are massive. According to AKC, they can easily weigh over 150 pounds, and with their stocky, muscular build, they feel even heavier. With droopy eyes and endless wrinkles, they look like they’re constantly judging your life choices. And honestly, they probably are.
Drool alert! If you’re thinking about getting a Neapolitan Mastiff, be prepared for a LOT of slobber. These dogs drool like it’s their full-time job. If they shake their head, expect flying drool missiles. If they drink water, get ready for puddles everywhere. If you’re not a fan of cleaning up after a canine waterfall, this might not be the breed for you.
Despite their intimidating appearance, they’re not aggressive without reason. They won’t pick fights, but they won’t back down from one, either. They’re naturally protective and don’t trust strangers easily. If they sense danger, they’ll step in immediately—no hesitation, no second chances.
5. Bloodhound
Bloodhound is a dog whose nose is better than a crime lab. A big, wrinkly, and droopy dog with a sense of smell so powerful it can track scent days—sometimes weeks—after it’s been left behind. With its long, floppy ears, sagging skin, and drool-covered face, this breed is far from glamorous.
Originally bred for hunting and search-and-rescue work, Bloodhounds are obsessed with smells. The moment they catch a whiff of something interesting, their entire world shrinks down to that one scent. They’ll follow it relentlessly, completely tuning out everything else—including their owners.
And speaking of their appearance, let’s be honest—these dogs look like they’ve had a rough day, every day. Their saggy, wrinkled skin gives them a permanently melancholic expression, and their long ears look like they belong to a dog twice their size.
Despite looking like they’re always half-asleep, Bloodhounds are surprisingly active, states PDSA. They need regular exercise to stay happy, and they turn into full-blown explorers when they’re outside. You might think a big, wrinkly dog would prefer lounging on the couch, but no—this breed lives for adventure.
Drool warning! If you think Neapolitan Mastiffs are bad, wait until you meet a Bloodhound after a drink of water. These dogs can turn a simple head shake into a drool explosion. If you’re a neat freak, this breed might drive you a little crazy—there’s no escaping the slobber.
6. Scottish Deerhound
Ever wondered what a wolfhound straight out of a fantasy novel would look like? Meet the Scottish Deerhound, a tall, scruffy, and slightly awkward-looking giant with the elegance of a greyhound and the heart of a teddy bear. This breed might not win any beauty contests, but its shaggy coat, long legs, and deer-like movement make it one of the most unique-looking dogs out there.
Bred in Scotland to hunt red deer, these dogs were prized for their speed, endurance, and silent hunting skills. Deerhounds rely on their keen eyesight to spot prey from a distance. Imagine a massive, wiry-coated sprinter capable of chasing down a deer and catching it. That’s the kind of raw athleticism we’re talking about.
Personality-wise, these dogs are gentle giants, says PetMD. They have a calm, affectionate nature and form strong bonds with their humans. Despite their size, they’re not aggressive or overly protective—they’d rather make friends than start trouble.
They’re smart dogs, but they also have a strong independent streak. They’ll simply ignore you if they decide something isn’t worth their time. And if they see something worth chasing? Good luck catching them. Once a Scottish Deerhound is in full sprint, there’s no stopping them. They were literally built to outrun horses.
As much as they love to run, they’re not great watchdogs. These dogs are far too friendly and easygoing to be intimidating. Sure, their size might make a burglar think twice, but the moment someone offers them a snack or a belly rub, they’ll probably roll over and make a new best friend.
7. Dogue de Bordeaux
Dogue de Bordeaux is a dog that looks like it just walked out of an ancient battlefield. A massive, wrinkly-faced powerhouse that seems equal parts intimidating and goofy. With its oversized head, deep wrinkles, and endless drool, this breed isn’t exactly a cover model.
This breed has been around for centuries, developed in France as a guard dog, war dog, and even a hunter of wild boars. The Dogue de Bordeaux was all about power and presence. Its sheer bulk and fearless attitude made it a favorite for protecting estates, pulling carts, and even fighting in brutal battles.
One of the first things you’ll notice about a Dogue de Bordeaux is its massive head. And with that comes a lot of drool. These dogs don’t just drool after drinking water—they drool all the time. If you’re thinking about getting one, just accept the fact that your furniture, floors, and clothes will constantly be covered in slobber.
Training a Dogue de Bordeaux isn’t for beginners. According to Orvis, they’re stubborn and strong-willed, meaning they need a firm but patient owner. Harsh training methods won’t work, but consistent leadership and positive reinforcement will. If they sense weakness, they’ll happily take charge.
One thing potential owners need to know: this breed is prone to health issues. Their short snouts make them sensitive to heat, and their large size stresses their joints. Regular vet checkups, a proper diet, and moderate exercise are crucial. They may look tough but need proper care to live their best lives.
Fun Fact: The Dogue de Bordeaux starred in Turner & Hooch with Tom Hanks! If you want a hilariously accurate portrayal of life with one of these dogs, just watch that movie—drool-covered everything included.
Conclusion
When it comes to big ugly dog breeds, some stand out for their unique features: monstrous large heads, jiggling jowls, blunt muzzles, and prominent eyes. The Neapolitan Mastiff, Chinese Shar Pei, Bull Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, and American Hairless Terrier are often considered among the ugliest dog breeds. Still, their big personality, playful personalities, and affectionate nature make them loving companions.
Some, like the Mexican Hairless Dog (Xoloitzcuintli) and Chinese Crested Dog, lack fur, giving them a distinct yet adorable appearance. Meanwhile, with their wrinkles and short coats, the Pug and Bulldog might not win beauty contests, but they are cherished furry companions worldwide. Each dog breed has its charm, and some even compete in the Sonoma-Marin Fair, home to the World’s Ugliest Dog contest. Despite their ugly looks, many of these dogs have been national dogs in various regions, such as the Mexican Hairless Dog, which was revered in the Roman Empire.
Others, like the Chinese Crested, are known for their long-haired tufts and hairless bodies. While breeds like the Pit Bulls and Guard Dogs are known for their loyal and protective nature, others, like the Chihuahua and Rat Terriers, are small but full of trouble and fun-loving energy. Some breeds, like the Bulldog and Bedlington Terrier, may be prone to health problems, requiring proper care to maintain their average lifespan.
While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, these ugliest dog breeds are still wonderful pets that form strong bonds with their owners. Whether they have huge paws, wrinkled folds, jiggling jowls, or an egg-shaped head, these dogs bring joy to their families with their loyal, affectionate, and calm temperament.
