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Each summer, for the last 50-years, uniquely imperfect yet totally lovable dogs from around the country gather in Petaluma, California to compete for the coveted title of “World’s Ugliest Dog.”
The competition, held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair for the last 28 years, draws crowds of spectators, all hoping to meet one of dozens of homely hounds the enter each year or the celebrity judges that make the tough call.
The 2016 competition, held on Friday, June 24, pitted 16 perfect-in-their-own way pets against each other for the title. This year’s winner, a 17-year old, 4-pound Chinese Crested/Chihuahua named SweePee Rambo, is owned by Jason Wurtz who drove more than 7 hours for the chance to enter. Wurtz originally adopted SweePee as a gift for his former wife who, after only a week, decided she couldn’t love the unique dog. But Wurtz couldn’t bear to let her go and, now 17-years later, they’re still the best of friends. Wurtz loves her unconditionally, despite her old age, patchy hair, her missing teeth, blindness, and a tongue that’s always just hanging out the side of her mouth.
“We’re proud to celebrate all dogs and pets by showing that no matter their imperfections, they are adoptable, lovable and a great add to any family.” explains Erin Post, CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Fair.
See the moment SweePee Rambo was crowned, awarded an enormous trophy, and $1,500 grand prize that SweePee’s owner says he’ll use toward her veterinary care:
