In a society that worships and rewards beauty, the World’s Ugliest Dog contest is nature’s antidote to cute puppies and sleek “best in show” dogs. Although its detractors see the contest as cruel and mean, supporters note the contestants are often rescue dogs, and the popularity of the contest is an opportunity to educate the public about the proper treatment of pets and encourage pet adoptions from the local humane society.
The contest has grown over the years as the concept of ugly appears to translate in any language. Camera crews and reporters from Germany, Brazil, the United Kingdom, China, and more descended on the annual contest in Petaluma, California, about 40 miles north of San Francisco.
Raising its wrinkly head above the pack of 29 contenders, a Chinese Crested dog from the United Kingdom named Mugly took the World’s Ugliest Dog title before the assembly of international media and cheering crowd.
Already crowned ugliest dog in his homeland, UK challenger Mugly traveled half-way around the world to wrest the title from contestants of questionable beauty with names like Handsome Hector, Creature, Rue, Icky, Spam-O-Rama, and Mouse.
Said owner Bev Nicholson, “I couldn’t speak when they announced Mugly’s name. I didn’t know which way to look. I was shaking as much as the dog.”
The 24th annual World’s Ugliest Dog contest took place during the Sonoma-Marin Fair’s Dog Lover’s Festival, which included a full day of doggie activities like tricks and training, socializing your puppy, pet adoption, and advice from a dog whisperer. Contestants were also checked by a vet check to ensure they were in general good health before being allowed in the competition.
Pet psychic Sonya Fitzpatrick, star of the Animal Planet television series, hosted the contest where she “talked” to the dogs and discovered they loved the attention they were receiving, and didn’t mind the “ugly” label one bit.
In the U.S., ugliness comes in two classes: pedigree and mutt. Winners in those categories compete for $500 and a trophy. That winner goes up against the Ring of Champions – dogs who have claimed the title in past years, with a grand prize winner finally determined by a panel of judges and a vocal audience. Nicholson and Mugly received a trophy and $1,000 in prize money from the Sonoma-Marin Fair. Mugly also won a photo shoot, a VIP stay at the local hotel, and a year’s supply of the dog cookies.
As well, most dogs enjoy their 15 minutes of fame as the World’s Ugliest Dog, hitting the talk show circuit and becoming a star at local dog events. Some of the dog owners also have causes to champion such as shutting down puppy mills and stopping dog inbreeding. Many of the dogs – as rescue dogs themselves – have gone on to become ambassadors for the rescue dog effort.
Photo © Courtesy of Kira Stackhouse, World’s Ugliest Dog® Contest, Sonoma-Marin Fair, Petaluma, California.