The Sonoma County Fair continued a tradition that began more than 50 years by declaring Jinny Lu, a six-year-old pug from Ukiah, as the World's Ugliest Dog on Friday. Lu and owner Michelle Grady took home $5,000 in prize money.

As ABC 7 reports, the annual contest to decide the planet's homeliest canine saw contestants travel from as far as Poland to vie for the title.  The big winner was Jinny Lu, who likes to let her tongue hang low and initially came to her owner via Pug Rescue of Northern California.

Together for the past four years, Grady told ABC 7 that Jinny Lu likes to visit local elementary schools "with some of her other rescue pug friends" to help children see how meaningful pet adoption can be. The pug's bona fides also include delighting hospice patients and people in memory care facilities.

SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 14: Jinny Lu wins first place in the "World's Ugliest Dog Contest" on August 14, 2026 in Santa Rosa, California. A pug named Jinny Lu won first place with a $5,000 prize and a trip to New York where she will appear on NBC's "Today" show. (Photo by Heather Diehl/Getty Images)

"She absolutely loves competition, meeting everyone, and everything the event stands for," Grady said in a statement.

Close on Jinny Lu's paws was Pinky: an albino Chihuahua/Pomerania mix who earned second place honors.

SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 14: Pinky, an albino Pomeranian Chihuahua, wins second place in the "World's Ugliest Dog Contest" on August 14, 2026 in Santa Rosa, California. A pug named Jinny Lu won first place with a $5,000 prize and a trip to New York where she will appear on NBC's "Today" show. (Photo by Heather Diehl/Getty Images)

Another Chihuahua mix — Otto — completed the podium with a third-place finish. In total, nine canine competitors squared off for the 2026 installment.

Per a biography of the pup published by the New York Times, Jinny Lu was originally found "in a wooden box in freezing weather in the mountains of South Korea” and apparently screams at the sight of her own reflection in a mirror.

SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 14: Otto, a Chihuahua mix, places third in the "World's Ugliest Dog Contest" on August 14, 2026 in Santa Rosa, California. A pug named Jinny Lu won first place with a $5,000 prize and a trip to New York where she will appear on NBC's "Today" show. (Photo by Heather Diehl/Getty Images)

A four-time contestant who was 2025's runner-up, Jinny Lu's unique visage will soon be seen on limited-edition cans of Mug Root Beer (an event sponsor) and on the Today show, where Grady and the pug are set to appear as part of their prize package.

Related: Photos: Wave-Riding Dogs Duke It Out at Annual World Dog Surfing Championship In Pacifica

Top Image: SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 14: Jinny Lu wins first place in the "World's Ugliest Dog Contest" on August 14, 2026 in Santa Rosa, California. A pug named Jinny Lu won first place with a $5,000 prize and a trip to New York where she will appear on NBC's "Today" show. (Photo by Heather Diehl/Getty Images)