World’s Ugliest Dog Contest now taking submissions

Does your dog have a face that only you could love? Then you’re in luck because the “World’s Ugliest Dog” competition is taking submissions!

Organizers said that their goal isn’t to make fun of ugly dogs but to celebrate their imperfections.

The event takes place at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California on Friday, June 23, 2023.

Although entertaining, the contest advocates for adopting animals, as many of the dogs participating have been rescued from shelters and puppy mills.

“Please join us in raising awareness and support for the pets yet to be placed in a loving home,” said organizers.

Last year’s winner was a 17-year-old almost hairless dog named “Mr. Happy Face.”

“Since the 70′s, 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,” said organizers. “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.”

Applications are due by June 21st. To apply go here.