We’ve all heard the expression “That dog is so ugly it’s cute!”, well organizers of the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest, to be held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, say that is the philosophy of their contest.  The contest to be held on Friday, June 26, believes in honouring a dog and owner who have overcome obstacles and/or are providing service to the community based on the dogs biography.

This contest gives new meaning to the saying,  “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” this internationally recognized contest celebrates both the dogs and the owners who love them, from youngsters to senior citizens.

A new addition to this years contest will be the consolidation of the prior categories, pedigreed and mutt with awards now given for the World’s Ugliest Dog and the addition of the Spirit Award.  Dogs are usually judged on appearance, personality and audience interaction.

The grand prize winner will receive $1500 and the Spirit Award Recipient will receive a special award.  Past winners have appeared on the Today Show, Good Morning America, Fox News, Jimmy Kimmel and Entertainment Tonight, along with being featured in an Animal Planet documentary “Worst in Show”.

Many of the contestant dogs have been rescued from shelters and puppy mills, and the contest has done a lot for raising awareness for adoption of dogs, no matter what they look like.

Sarah Cummings, CEO of the contest says the contest is supposed to be in good fun in hopes of showing that all dogs are worthy of being adopted and loved.

“We celebrate the spirit and imperfections that make these dogs loveable and adoptable,” Cummings says.

The contest has been held in the Small Bay Area town of Petaluma for over 50 years.

To vote on and see all the finalist, go to the sonoma-marin fair.

References

nypost