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The entries are in. The “ugliest” dogs from around the world have descended on Petaluma, California’s Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds in hopes of taking the title of The World’s Ugliest Dog.
It may seem silly, even demeaning at first. But the organizers of the competition say it’s not about making fun of dogs that are a little less than perfect, but about having fun with some wonderful characters and showing the world that every dog is beautiful and every dog deserves a home.
For 25 years, the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest has been a testament that all dogs do not have to meet AKC pedigree standards to be man’s (or woman’s) best friend. The owners of all kinds of dogs are also all kinds of people, from youngsters to senior citizens, each proud of their pet despite missing fur, crossed eyes, duck waddles or mismatched ears. They proudly walk both pedigreed pooches and Heinz 57 mutts down the red carpet to the cheers and clapping of the crowd.
A good many of the contestant dogs have been rescued from shelters and puppy mills and the contest has done much to raise awareness for adoption of dogs, and that no matter their physical detractions, these animals are loving companions. And the dogs certainly seem to enjoy the adoration of the fans.
Just take a look at the sweet, if not slightly crooked, smiles on this year’s contestants and you’ll see… every dog is beautiful.
Meet Chuy, a rescue from Tennessee who is happily living in Northern California. She is a hairless mix, and a loving service dog. Molly is a 12 year old hairless Chihuahua who is freckled and full of love. Sweepee Rambo is a blue-eyed Chinese Crescent Chihuahua. She rocks a mean mohawk and loves car rides.Blanquito is an 8-year-old Xolo mix. Blanquito is a good listener and loves taking baths. Meet Morris! Morris is 4-years-old and calls Petaluma, California her home. This expertly coiffed lady is a spunky social butterfly. The name may be Pork, but this little pooch is definitely a ham! This 12-year-old Chihuahua loves table scraps and hanging out.Andre is a 7-year-old who loves to eat, sleep and play. Andre wishes all his competition good luck. Boolah is a 17-years-young Xolo mix who is constantly spoiled. This is her third competition and is hoping for a title. Isaboo is a 9-year-old pup hailing from Idaho who spends and embarrassing amount of time on her hair in the morning.This fuzzy sweetheart is josie! She is 5-years-old and lives in Tucson Arizona. She came from a puppy mill, but now lives the good life and is even a YouTube star! Fan favorite Rascal Deux is no stranger to competition. This pup is reigning champion of two major ugly dog contests. Rascal Deux comes from a long line of winners. Icky is a complete rockstar who loves fair funnel cakes. Icky has appeared on TV, magazine covers, and even a RayBan ad! Zoomer is a lover, not a fighter. A survivor of a vicious dog attack, this pup now lives with a joie-de-vivre! No misnomer here! This precious pooch is an 8-year-old chihuahua from Petaluma. Angus is 10-years-old and lives the good life in Northern California. Angus is a people person who loves walks and hates being alone! He gets too bored. Cyndi is a sweet loving girl who loves giving cuddles and kisses. Bubbers is an 8-year-old Xolo mix who is as sweet as he is smart. Frodo is a 12 ½-year-old 5 pound Chinese Crested Hairless/Chihuahua mix. His head of bright orange hair makes him irresistible to the ladies. Rue boasts the best mullet in town. Rue loves stealing socks and gazing lovingly into his mom’s eyes. Mocha is a Minpin/Chihuahua mix who loves to cut a rug on the dance floor. Mocha is sweet and full of personality. Reggie is a 7-time competitor and believes this year is his year! He’s got a long tongue and a wild style. Grovie is a groovy 12-year-old Chinese pug. He lives in Santa Rosa with his family, who he loves very much. Scamp hails from Compton, California and loves stealing food. Scamp loves rocking his snaggle tooth and rasta dreads. Quasi Modo is a pit/dutch shepherd mix who traveled all the way from Florida. His back is too short for the rest of his body, but he doesn’t let that hold him back!
