Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest is now accepting applications

World's Ugliest Dog Contest: Submissions now open

Gabrielle LaFrank
By

Every summer, the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest helps owners and canine connoisseurs appreciate what makes each and every dog unique. Whether they’re missing some fur or are hard of hearing, they’re no less lovable or capable of bringing us joy. And what’s not to celebrate about that?

This year, the Sonoma-Marin Fair will host their pup pageant on June 23. Each owner and pet will get the chance to walk the red carpet in front of judges, media, and (of course) doting fans. It’s the perfect place for any dog to shine!

Recommended Videos

Do you know what’s even cooler, though? The winner will be heavily rewarded! According to CNN, the first-place winner of this contest will earn $1,500, while the second-place and third-place winners get $1,000 and $500, respectively.

According to the contest’s website, “The annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest is not about making fun of ‘ugly’ dogs, but having fun with some wonderful characters and showing the world that these dogs are really beautiful!” The event also advocates for pet adoption by providing information about rescues and showcasing adoptable pets.

A gray Chinese crested dog looks up while their tongue hangs out to the side
Veronika_Andrews / Pixabay

How to apply for the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest

If you or someone you know has the world’s ugliest dog, you can use the link on the contest website to start your application. As CNN reports, “Interested applicants need to submit an entry form, short biography, photo, and proof of vaccination for their homely pooch before June 21.” Yep, you read that correctly — that’s only two days before the competition itself! That also means there’s plenty of time to decide whether to apply.

“Prior to arriving for the contest,” notes the World’s Ugliest Dog website, “all the dogs must provide a veterinarian’s paperwork asserting that they are healthy.” The contest will also include an on-site checkup by a veterinarian to ensure that contestants are healthy enough to appear. Once that’s out of the way, you and your ugly dog can enjoy your 15 minutes of fame.

The World’s Ugliest Dog: Mr. Happy Face

If you’re lucky, your pup might just be crowned the ugliest dog in the world. What a feat! If they win the judges’ votes, they’d be following in the footsteps of Mr. Happy Face, an ugly yet adorable rescue pup who was awarded last year’s title.

The senior Chinese crested/Chihuahua mix was rescued at the ripe old age of 17, and his life only went up from there. He and his mom have enjoyed TV talk show visits, lots of media interviews, and even more treats. What dog doesn’t want that?

If you want to watch the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest this summer, don’t forget to catch it at the Sonoma-Marin Fair on June 23. You’ll be witnessing history in the making when the winner is crowned!

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank
Contributor
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
This is why dogs have tails, according to science
A dog's tail serves a greater purpose than just balance
Dog stands on a pedestal

Our pets bring us huge amounts of joy with their wet noses, adorable pointy ears, and happy tails. While the ears and nose both serve pretty similar functions in humans, we don't have the benefit of a tail. But why do dogs have tails? It all comes from the evolution of their ancestors millions of years ago, and these appendages still prove quite useful to pups and other animals today. Here's everything you need to know about tails in dogs.
How did tails develop?

Early fish may have sprouted tails to better swim in the ocean. But when those ancient creatures first stepped out on land, they kept their tails, which changed shape and size depending on their specific needs. Truly, nearly every vertebrate species in the animal kingdom has a tail, with very limited exceptions, including us.

Read more
Why do German shepherds have such a short lifespan?
Here's what you can do to keep this pup healthy
A German shepherd in the backyard

German shepherds are one of the larger dog breeds — females are typically around 50 to 70 pounds and males can go up to 90 pounds. However, these lovable pups are truly gentle giants. They’re affectionate and make good family dogs. They’re also whip-smart, adaptable, and highly trainable. For these reasons, German shepherds are often working dogs and heroes who serve as first responders, military members, and service animals.
Your German shepherd may not receive any medals of honor, but they're certainly the top dog in your book. Understandably, you can’t imagine life without your German shepherd. Unfortunately, this breed doesn’t live as long as some other popular ones. It’s a tough reality. Knowing it can help you give your dog the best life possible, though.
Let’s dig into the German shepherd’s lifespan and how to keep them healthy for as long as you can.

What is the average German shepherd lifespan?
According to the American Kennel Club, German shepherds typically live 7 to 10 years. To put that in perspective, the average lifespan of a dog is 10 to 13 years. Chihuahuas typically live 15 to 17 years, Biewer terriers’ lifespan is about 16 years, and Pyrenean shepherds can stick around until they are nearly 20 years old.

Read more
Is a Belgian Malinois a good family dog? Everything you need to know about this amazing dog breed
Belgian Malinois breed description, family behavior, and more
A Belgian Malinois leaps through a meadow of dandelions

If you're considering opening up your home to a new four-legged family member, there may be a lot of thoughts swimming through your mind. This is totally normal. Bringing home a new pet is a big change, so it's only natural (and responsible) to think through every aspect of the decision before you commit. One thing you may be considering is which dog breed would be best for your home. Although you may not be able to hand-pick your perfect breed when adopting a pet from a shelter, knowing a bit about the most common dog breeds can help you make an informed choice.
The Belgian Malinois is a breed often seen in cities, suburbs, and farms, though it's often mistaken for an entirely different dog -- the German shepherd. While they are related, these breeds are completely separate from one another. Familiarizing yourself with Belgian Malinois characteristics and traits will help you decide whether this may be a breed for your family, but first, we'll have to ask -- is a Belgian Malinois a good family dog?
Let's find out everything there is to know about this strong and loyal dog breed.

Belgian Malinois breed characteristics

Read more