‘Cute no matter what:’ Dog lovers embrace quirky canines at World’s Ugliest Dog Contest

Crooked smiles, sparse hair and lolling tongues took centre stage on Friday (August 14) as contestants gathered at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, California for the 50th anniversary of the World's Ugliest Dog Contest. 

A competition that celebrates the idea that beauty comes in all forms, the event advocates pet adoption and highlights dogs whose uniqueness has helped them find devoted homes.

Many contestants arrived with stories of resilience.

Linda Elmquist entered her dog Scooter — an 11-year-old Chinese Crested and former champion — in the contest. Born with his hind legs facing backwards, Scooter gets around by scooting rather than walking, a quirk that inspired his fitting name.

"I think some dogs are born and put on this earth to teach people things," Elmquist said. "He teaches people about compassion and about patience and about tolerance."

Two of the winners were first time contestants, including Laura Brown's 11-year-old Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix, Pinky, who earned second place.

"If we won, we would just want to speak for those rescue dogs," said Brown, who volunteers with a foster organisation and regularly takes dogs on hikes. 

Third place went to Otto, a two-year-old Chihuahua mix born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. His owner, Melinda Berry, said the dog survived against the odds. "He's a fighter. He's a champion," Berry said. 

What began as a quirky county fair attraction has grown into an internationally recognised event that champions rescue dogs.

Marcelina Kasprusz traveled abroad for the first time to compete in the event with Clara, her 12-year-old Chinese Crested. Kasprusz and her husband made the trip from Bytom, Poland, as part of their honeymoon and used the opportunity to promote adopting dogs with defects.

"Our dogs maybe not perfect,” Kasprusz said. “But they give you a lot of love."

A six-year-old pug adorned in pearls named Jinny Lu, who was competing for the fourth time, earned the top spot in the contest.

Production and Camera: Elizabeth Mendez/Reuters