The competition has been ongoing since the 1970s.The phrase “Worlds Ugliest Dog” was trademarked by the Sonoma-Marin Fair in 2009.
The contest during the fair attracts substantial media attention, with an estimated annual attendance ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 individuals.
The current fair includes a comprehensive Dog Lovers’ Festival that spans the entire day prior to the commencement of the evening contest.
The competition, in conjunction with the remainder of the fair, is customarily slated for the fourth week of June.
How Do I Describe the Worlds Ugliest Dog Competition?
The annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest takes place in Petaluma, California, as an integral component of the Sonoma-Marin Fair.
Its primary objective is to determine the most aesthetically unappealing dog among the participants. The scheduling of the content and other components of the fair is typically designated for the fourth week of June.
In addition to being bestowed with the title of “The World’s Ugliest Dog,” the owner of the winning dog is awarded a monetary prize of $1,000 and a trophy.
As of the year 2017, the monetary value of the prize has been augmented to $1,600, in addition to the provision of a trophy and an all-expenses-paid journey to New York City.
The contest during the fair attracted a substantial amount of media attention, with an estimated attendance of 20,000–30,000 individuals annually.
The current fair includes a comprehensive Dog Lovers’ Festival that spans the entire day, preceding the evening competition.
The inception of the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest can be traced back to the 1970s when it was established with the primary objective of generating financial resources for the Old Adobe Association in Petaluma.
It is widely acknowledged that Ross Smith, a member of the association, is the individual responsible for the creation of this contest.
Following deliberation by the association, the proposition of substituting their pet parade with a dog contest was put forth.
Smith subsequently proposed the concept of an unsightly dog contest, which gained traction and was ultimately embraced.
The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest was initially supported by the Old Adobe Association, with Smith serving as the emcee until 1981.
The documentation of contest winners dates back to 1976, with its integration into the Sonoma-Marin Fair occurring in 1988.
The competition received increased attention when Animal Planet commenced its sponsorship and filming of the event in 2006.
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How Do Dog Owners Participate in the Worlds Ugliest Dog Competition?
Dogs typically originate from various regions within the United States, although they are also permitted to enter from international locations.
In contrast to conformation shows, which exclusively feature purebred dogs, the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest distinguishes between pedigreed dogs and mutts, each having its own divisions.
The winners from these divisions subsequently compete for the ultimate prize, without being evaluated against any specific breed standards.
In order to ascertain the well-being of the participating animal, it is imperative for dog owners to furnish evidence of veterinary examinations.
The Sonoma-Marin Fair has established collaborations with animal rights organizations, including the Sonoma County Humane Society, with the aim of informing the general public about animals and facilitating the adoption of rescue dogs.
Upon the conclusion of the contest, the fair promptly disseminate a photograph of the victor, a succinct press release encapsulating the event, and a YouTube video, all within a few hours.
The website showcases the contestants for each new year prior to the contest, along with their participation in the World’s Ugliest Dog Voting.
What Is the Top 10 World’s Ugliest Dog List (2012 Till Date)?
1. Scooter (2023):
The recipient of the 2023 competition accolade was Scooter, a seven-year-old Chinese Crested canine exhibiting reversed hind legs and utilizing a mobility cart for locomotion.
Scooter was acquired through the process of adoption from the organization known as Saving Animals From Euthanasia, located in Tucson, Arizona.
- Mr. Happy Face (2022):
After a hiatus of two years caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the World’s Ugliest Dog competition made its comeback in 2022, culminating in the crowning of Mr. Happy Face as the victor.
The recipient of the 2022 competition was Mr. Happy Face, a 17-year-old canine of mixed heritage, specifically a hairless Chinese Crested-Chihuahua crossbreed.
This particular individual was adopted from a shelter located in Arizona subsequent to being rescued from a residence occupied by a hoarder.
- Scamp the Tramp (2019):
During the Sonoma-Marin Fair held in Petaluma, California, a canine named Scamp the Tramp, who was previously a stray, emerged as the victor and was awarded the prize of $1,500.
Scamp the Tramp’s owner, Yvonne Morones from Santa Rosa, California, accompanied the dog during the event.
The recipient of the 2019 contest was Scamp the Tramp, a mixed-breed dog characterized by disheveled fur that forms dreadlocks and short limbs. Scamp was rescued from the streets of Compton, California.
- Zsa Zsa (2018):
Zsa Zsa’s distinctive physical features, including her wide stance, teeth-exposing underbite, and elongated tongue that nearly reaches the ground, contributed to her victory over 13 other puppies in the 2018 Sonoma-Marin Fair.
As a result, she was awarded a prize of $1,500, a prominently-sized trophy, and an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City for various media engagements.
The English bulldog, originating from Minnesota, was acquired through a rescue operation after being rescued from a puppy mill. The owner, Megan Brainard, discovered the dog through the online platform petfinder.com.
Zsa Zsa passed away in her sleep two weeks subsequent to her triumph in the competition, which left Brainard in a state of profound astonishment.
The proprietor and her offspring conducted a ceremonial event of farewell in honor of their cherished canine companion.
- Martha (2017):
The victor of the 2017 competition was Martha, a Neapolitan Mastiff aged three, who is under the ownership of Shirley Dawn Zindler from Sebastopol, California.
With a weight of 125 pounds and possessing notably lax and sagging jowls, the rescue dog, who was previously visually impaired, garnered attention for her unaccommodating demeanor.
She was characterized as a dog that exhibited snoring and flatulence, exhibited a lack of willingness to perform for onlookers, exerted dominance over other canines in her vicinity, displayed excessive salivation towards human visitors, and inadvertently toppled water receptacles.
- Sweepee Rambo (2016):
Following its second-place finish in 2015, the Chinese crested, a 17-year-old canine, achieved first place in a subsequent event.
Regrettably, the dog passed away in October 2016. The dog’s distinguishing features included a cloudy right eye, prominent ears, and a protruding tongue.
Sweepee Rambo managed to elude capture in multiple dog shelters prior to being taken in by Jason Wurtz.
Following Sweepee’s victory, Wurtz remarked that his previous romantic partners had expressed feelings of envy towards his canine companion.
- Quasi Modo (2015):
The pit bull-Dutch shepherd mix, who was 10 years old and had a hunchback, achieved the title of Ugly Dog perfection in that particular year.
This accomplishment involved surpassing 26 other dogs and subsequently receiving a makeover from renowned fashion expert Carson Kressley on the popular television show, Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Quasi Modo’s biography reveals that although his physical appearance may evoke unease in certain individuals, his amiable disposition ultimately garners their favor.
- Peanut (2014):
The owner of the two-year-old mixed-breed dog aspired for the canine, who had suffered burns, to raise awareness for a significant cause through its victory.
Holly Chandler informed the Associated Press that there is an ongoing effort to utilize him as an exemplar to illustrate the potential consequences faced by animals subjected to abuse.
Chandler intended to allocate the $1,500 prize money towards providing financial aid to individuals in need of assistance with their veterinary expenses.
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- Walle (2013):
Walle, a canine of four years of age, distinguished by an atypically enlarged cranium, a hunchbacked physique, and a gait reminiscent of a duck’s waddle, emerged as the recipient of the highest accolade at the 25th iteration of the esteemed World’s Ugliest Dog Contest.
According to Tammie Barbee, the owner, the size of his head has consistently exceeded that of his body.
The dog exhibits exceptional qualities. … The individual possesses a substantial personality. He possesses a desire to satisfy individuals.
- Mugly (2012):
Mugly, the canine in question possesses a considerable degree of unattractiveness. In 2012, the Chinese crested, an 8-year-old canine, achieved significant recognition as one of the recipients of the prestigious title of the U.K.’s ugliest dog.
The individual in question, along with their owner, Bev Nicholson, demonstrated their allegiance to the United Kingdom by adorning themselves with accessories featuring the Union Jack motif.
Mugly was bestowed with the prestigious Heroic Hounds award in 2016 at the National Pet Show in London in recognition of his exceptional contributions as a therapy dog.
How Do I Describe the World’s Ugliest Dog 2023?
Scooter does not conform to the conventional standards of beauty, as perceived by many individuals. The Chinese Crested dog, which is 7 years old, exhibits a unique anatomical feature with its hind legs being reversed.
Additionally, this breed is characterized by its nearly hairless body, except for a distinctive tuft of white wispy hairs.
However, it is these particular characteristics that endeared the canine to the judges at the “World’s Ugliest Dog” competition in Petaluma, California, where he was awarded the grand prize on Friday.
Scooter’s tongue, which is pink in color, appears to be hanging loosely from his mouth in a manner that deviates from the expected position. The title of the contest, however, is intended to be humorous and ironic.
What is the Story of the World’s Ugliest Dog 2023?
Scooter, who is presently renowned for his idiosyncrasies, was previously confronted with mortality due to his physical abnormality.
According to the biography provided on the contest’s official website, the individual in question was born with a congenital condition affecting his hind legs, resulting in deformities that significantly impeded his mobility.
Scooter, a recently adopted dog, was surrendered by a breeder to the Tuscon, Arizona, animal control facility where he was rescued by a volunteer with the Saving Animals From Euthanasia (SAFE) rescue organization.
If the information in the biography is accurate, the person knew that with the help of our rescue group, the puppy in question may find a good home and lead a somewhat normal life.
According to a report by Today, Linda Elmquist became the adoptive parent of Scooter approximately seven months ago, after acquiring the dog from a male individual associated with a rescue organization.
According to the biography, when fatigued from locomotion on his anterior limbs, the 7-year-old individual assumes a seated position by supporting himself on his posterior region, which serves as a tripod.
Scooter has recently acquired a new mobility aid in the form of a cart. The dog is currently capable of swiftly navigating the park similar to its canine counterparts, and displays a receptive attitude towards any extended hand.
In the absence of wheels, Scooter exhibits a unique ability that sets him apart from the majority of canines: the capacity to ambulate while maintaining equilibrium solely on his anterior limbs.
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Conclusion
The event has received sponsorship from Animal Planet and has been televised by the network for multiple years.
The 2009 contest comprised notable judges, including Jon Provost, recognized for his role as “Timmy” on the 1950s television series Lassie.
Additionally, the event showcased an Ugly is the New Beautiful Fashion Show, which presented models alongside adoptable rescue dogs.
The hosts are subject to annual rotation. The show was hosted by syndicated radio hosts Bob & Sheri in 2013. Thanks for reading!
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