Post date: Jun 23, 2012 11:54:16 AM
PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (JUNE 22, 2012) (THOMAS HARRIGAN/SONOMA-MARIN FAIR) - They may be lacking in the looks department, but these pooches aren't letting that get in the way of their dreams of winning a beauty pageant (of sorts).
Who are you calling Mugly? The world's ugliest dog is crowned in California.
The 24th Annual World's Ugliest Dog contest, held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair on Friday (June 22) gathered 29 aesthetically challenged canines from several corners of the globe. Among those competing for the "worst in show" title this year were dogs like Handsome Hector, Creature, Rue, Icky, Spam-O-Rama, and Mouse.
But after all is said and done, there can only be one winner, and this year it's the United Kingdom challenger Mugly.
Mugly, a Chinese Crested dog, first stood above the rest in the pedigree class competition, and then went on to take the dog's top prize.
"I am excited. I'm overwhelmed. I'm so proud to be able to be taking this back to the U.K.," said Mugly owner Bev Nicholson.
"He is the most amazing dog. He's kind and he's patient and he's a really sweet, sensitive dog," she added.
Affectionately dubbed the "UK's ugliest dog" by British media in 2005, the 8-year-old Mugly celebrated his win like any male going through a mid-life crisis -- by going for a ride in a luxurious limousine. In addition to the fame of being known the world's ugliest dog, Mugly will also receive $1,000 (USD) in prize money, a photo shoot, VIP hotel stays, and a year's supply of the doggie treats.
The Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma runs from June 20-24.