Where ugly is beautiful

World’s Ugliest Dog Contest set for Friday night at the Sonoma-Marin Fair|

Missing teeth, limbs and sparse hair are the very definition of beauty at the annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest starting at 6 p.m. Friday, June 26 at the Sonoma-Marin Fair.

For many years, 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. 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. They proudly walk both pedigreed pooches and Heinz 57 mutts down the red carpet to the cheers and clapping of the crowd.

Prior to arriving for the contest, all the dogs must provide a veterinarian’s paperwork asserting that they are healthy. The World’s Ugliest Dog® Contest follows up with a vet check on-site just prior to the contest. The Sonoma Humane Society is also on site with information showcasing adoptable pets.

Many of the contestant dogs have been rescued from shelters and puppy mills. The contest has done much to raise awareness for the adoption of dogs.

Peanut, the 2014 World’s Ugliest Dog winner had been in a shelter for nine months before owner Holly Chandler adopted him. She entered the contest to raise awareness for animal rescue.

To take a sneak peek at this year’s contestants and vote for a favorite ugly mutt online, visit sonoma-marinfair.org/worlds-ugliest-dog-1.

New to the contest this year is the consolidation of the prior categories, pedigreed and mutt, and the addition of the Spirit Award, which honors a dog and owner who have overcome obstacles and/or are providing service to the community based on the dog’s biography. The homely hounds are judged generally on appearance, personality and audience interaction.

The contest day includes a Dog Lovers Festival from noon to 8 p.m.

Entries for the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest will be accepted up until 5 p.m. June 24, with a grand prize of $1,500 up for grabs. There is a $10 entry fee.

There has been an Ugly Dog contest in Petaluma for more than 50 years, with 27 years at the Sonoma-Marin Fair, which trademarked the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest.

For more information, contest rules and entry information, visit sono ma-marinfair.org or call 283-3247.

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