I would never call a dog ugly; they are the gifts to this world that we don’t deserve and should be respected as such. That being said, the annual World’s Ugliest Dog competition happened last night, and Zsa Zsa, a drooly English Bulldog, was crowned the winner.
She’s a sight to see.
Held every year in Petaluma, Calif., this contest awards the owner of what judges deem the most unsightly pup $1,500, a trophy and bragging rights in the form of a media tour in New York. Basically, these “ugly” dogs get more recognition than the winners of “American Idol” -- which is fair given that no one really wanted that reboot.
Last year’s prize went to a 125-pound Neapolitan Mastiff with behavioral issues named Martha, who is definitely not ugly but probably elicits some stares based on her size.
She’s also super relatable.
Like, I feel you, Martha. Fame is a burden.
Directly preceding the event, the 3,000 spectators partake in a Dog Lovers’ Festival, so it’s safe to say that the Ugly Dog competition is well-meaning fun. “World’s Ugliest Dogs” the book was even published in 2013, so you can have unattractive dogs on your coffee table during dinner parties. Conversation piece!
Zsa Zsa didn’t win without a fight, though. Her competitors were in it to win it and didn’t hold anything back, from their bad breath to their designer threads.
Tee Tee, Chinese Crested
Wild Thang, Pekingese
Rascal Deux, Chinese Crested
Mrs. Kravitz, Chihuahua
Himisaboo, Chinese Crested-Daschund mix
Tight race, but congrats Zsa Zsa!