Ugly Dogs in Pictures: 16 dogs from World’s Ugliest Dog Competition

Some dog owners are proud to call their pet ugly – entering them into an annual contest to find the most ‘unique’ canine on Earth.

The contest is held in Petaluma, California, each year as part of the Sonoma-Marin Fair and has attracted a huge amount of media attention.

First established in the 1970s, organisers say it is held to “celebrate the imperfections that make all dogs special and unique”.

It now attracts audiences of up to 30,000 people, with the winner receiving $1,600, a trophy and a free trip to New York City.

In the 2022 edition Mr Happy, a 17-year-old Chinese Crested-Chihuahua mix from Arizona, took home the prize.

And there have been plenty so-ugly-they-are-adorable entries over the years.

Here are 19 of the dogs with faces only a mother could love.

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13. Grovie

Grovie, a Pug, is seen before the World's Ugliest Dog competition in 2013. Photo: AFP

A dog named Elwood is seen during the 18th annual World's Ugliest Dog competition in 2006. Photo: Justin Sullivan

Penny, a pure bred Pug, awaits the start of the World's Ugliest Dog competition in 2013. Photo: AFP

A dog named Munchkin is seen during the 18th annual World's Ugliest Dog competition in 2006. Photo: Justin Sullivan