Whomever coined the phrase, "beauty is only skin deep but ugly goes straight to the bone" must have had the World's Ugliest Dog Contest in mind as 20 of the world's ugliest canine's will battle it out today for the crown of homeliest pooch in Petaluma, Calif.
The 26th annual competition will bring in pet owners from around the country to proudly show of their, in some cases, remarkably unattractive dogs.
The 20 finalists were chosen from submitted photos and include a collection not likely long for the Westminster Dog Show. We're talking matted hair, crooked teeth, lopsided ears and bulging eyes, along with various other facial and body imperfections.
We are told there are a few entrants that have been rescued from dog shelters suffering from disorders that range from autoimmune disease to the far less serious "powerful gas" issues.
"The annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest is not about making fun of ugly dogs," the contest the organizers explain, "but having fun with some wonderful characters and showing the world that these dogs are really beautiful."
Furthermore, organizers explain, the contest goes beyond simply crowning an ugly dog and has a far more important purpose.
"A good many of the contestant dogs have been rescued from shelters and puppy mills and the contest has done much to raise awareness for adoption of dogs, and that no matter their physical detractions, these animals are loving companions," they explain. "And the dogs certainly seem to enjoy the adoration of the fans. One of the most popular features of the contest is the Beauty and the Beast Walk featuring Miss Sonoma County royalty walking adoptable pets from the Sonoma Humane Society."
The winner will get a $1,500 prize along with a much-needed trip to a doggy resort.
If you'd like to find out a bit more about each of the 2014 contestants, contest organizers have included a more detailed look.
You may be asking yourself, exactly who enters their dog in a competition of this nature?
"The owners of all kinds of dogs are also all kinds of people, from youngsters to senior citizens, each proud of their pet despite missing fur, crossed eyes, duck waddles or mismatched ears," contest organizers explain. "They proudly walk both pedigreed pooches and Heinz 57 mutts down the red carpet to the cheers and clapping of the crowd."
Sounds like a howling good time to us.
