Meet The Winners Of The 2023 World's Ugliest Dog Contest

June 4, 2024 Malorie Thompson

We love our pets, regardless of how they look. Sure, some dogs are absolutely adorable. Other dogs, however, are not so cute. But sometimes, there's a dog so ugly that he's actually endearing!

The World's Ugliest Dog Contest in Sonoma, California, is dedicated to finding the ugliest pups out there. And surprisingly, they're pretty adorable in their own rights.

A former contest of the World's Ugliest Dog Contest
Photo: Flickr/Wayne Dunbar License: CC BY-ND 2.0

The 2023 World's Ugliest Dog contest started taking applications months ago, but the official event took place June 23rd through June 25th.

According to a press release, the event allows people "to celebrate the extraordinary resilience and beauty found within these special dogs."

Photo: YouTube/ABC7 News Bay Area

Dogs from around the U.S. gathered at the event, but only one can be crowned the ugliest! And that dog is Scooter from Tucson, Arizona.

"After a captivating display of uniqueness and charm, the prestigious first place was awarded to Scooter, a resilient 7-year-old Chinese Crested hairless, owned by Linda Elmquist from Tucson, Arizona."

Scooter the winner!
Photo: YouTube/ABC7 News Bay Area

In the press release, Elmquist said: "I am overjoyed and incredibly proud that Scooter has been crowned the winner of the World's Ugliest Dog contest. Despite the challenges he has faced with his deformed hind legs, Scooter has defied all odds and shown us the true meaning of resilience and determination. He has become an inspiration to countless people around the world."

A 7-year-old Pekingese named Wild Thang took the title of second place, while Harold Bartholomew, a 16-year-old Chihuahua, welcomed third.

Check out the news segment below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQih0eUkb6o

Malorie Thompson

Malorie works as a writer and editor in Northern California. She's passionate about food, conscious living, animal welfare, and conservation. She's worked with a variety of publications in different sectors but is happiest covering topics close to her heart. When not at her laptop, Malorie can be found enjoying picnics on the beach, hiking in the redwoods, and spending time with her rescue pup, Jax.

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