There are all kinds of dogs out there: short, tall, big, small, and even wonky. While every year The Kennel Club celebrates the best looking and skilled breeds of dogs during Crufts, there are others who are excited to crown the world’s ugliest dog.
Over the years, an American dog show has crowned the worst-looking dog - but in doing so, they are only trying to create awareness about adopting dogs instead of buying them.
The Sonoma-Marin Fair in California hosts an annual World’s Ugliest Dog competition where the most scruffy looking pooches show up to claim the title. The world-renowned event celebrates imperfections and flaws that makes each dog unique.
The organisers said on their website: “Since the 70’s, the 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.”
So, here are some photos of unique and special dogs that have participated in the contest over the years:
1. A Chihuahua named Elwood
Owners of ugly dogs travel to Petaluma from all over the country to participate in the annual contest. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
2. The 2006 World’s Ugliest Dog, Archie,
He is a Chinese Crested dog and he won during the 18th annual World’s Ugliest Dog competition June 23, 2006 at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California. Heather Peoples of Phoenix, Arizona and her dog Archie took home a $1,000 dollar prize for winning this years contest. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
3. A dog named Munchkin
He is seen during the 18th annual World’s Ugliest Dog competition June 23, 2006 at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
4. Pabst, a boxer mix,
He shows off his underbite during the 21st Annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair June 26, 2009 in Petaluma, California. Pabst, a four year-old boxer mix won the annual World’s Ugliest Dog contest. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)