The Winner Of The 2023 World’s Ugliest Dog Show

Scooter, a Chinese crested, achieved the title of the “2023 World’s Ugliest Dog” in a renowned annual event called the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest. This competition takes place as part of the Sonoma-Marin Fair, held annually in Petaluma, California, during the fourth week of June. The winner’s owner not only earns the prestigious title but also receives a cash prize, which was initially $1,000 but was increased to $1,600 in 2017, along with a trophy and a free trip to New York City. The contest garners significant media coverage, drawing a crowd of 20,000 to 30,000 people each year during the fair. The fair has expanded to include an all-day Dog Lovers’ Festival before the evening contest.

The World’s Ugliest Dog Competition

The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest has a rich history dating back to the 1970s. In 2009, the Sonoma-Marin Fair trademarked the phrase “World’s Ugliest Dog.” In 2013, the contest celebrated its 25th anniversary as a fair-produced event and released an anniversary book, “World’s Ugliest Dogs,” featuring text by Vicki DeArmon, the contest’s producer for seven years, and photographs by photographers who have documented the contest over the years. Animal Planet has sponsored and televised the event for several years, featuring celebrity judges and even a “Ugly is the New Beautiful Fashion Show” with models and adoptable rescue dogs.

The contest’s hosts change annually, with Bob & Sheri, syndicated radio hosts, taking the reins in 2013. In 2011, the event became the subject of a one-hour indie documentary titled “Worst in Show,” produced by Don Lewis and John Beck. We think you should be able to bet on the results. Of all the best online sportsbook sites in the US, Bovada Sportsbook would probably be the best as they would have no problem offering the best odds. After all, they already have a deep understanding of the best dog racing and beting strategies thsanks to supporting greyhound racing. 

History Of The World’s Ugliest Dog

The history of the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest traces back to its origins in the 1970s when it was established as a means to generate revenue for the Old Adobe Association in Petaluma. Ross Smith, a member of the association, is widely acknowledged as the contest’s creator. Originally, the association considered replacing their pet parade with a dog-related event, and Smith proposed the concept of an ugly dog contest, which became an enduring tradition.

The Old Adobe Association nurtured the contest during its early years, with Smith serving as the emcee until 1981. Official records of contest winners date back to 1976, and it officially became a part of the Sonoma-Marin Fair in 1988. The involvement of Animal Planet in 2006 as a sponsor and broadcaster brought even more attention to this unique event.

How To Participate In The Competition

The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest is open to dogs from all across the United States and welcomes entries from around the globe. Unlike traditional conformation shows that are limited to purebred dogs, this contest features separate divisions for both purebred and mixed-breed dogs. The winners from these divisions then compete for the overall prize. Notably, the contestants are not judged against any specific breed standards. To enter their dogs, owners must provide documentation of veterinarian checks to ensure their animals are in good health.

The Sonoma-Marin Fair has established partnerships with animal rights organisations, such as the Sonoma County Humane Society, to not only educate the public about animals but also provide opportunities to adopt rescue dogs. Following the contest, the fair promptly releases a photo of the winner, a press release summarising the competition, and a YouTube video. Additionally, contestants for each new year are featured on the contest’s website prior to the event in the “World’s Ugliest Dog Voting” section.

Ugliest Dog Winner Of 2023

Scooter, a Chinese crested with sparse hair, a ratlike tail, and a perpetually protruding tongue, has triumphed over numerous challenges in his seven years. In his early days, a breeder brought Scooter to an animal control facility in Tucson with the intention of euthanizing him due to his hind legs being born facing backward, a condition that seemed to condemn him to a life without walking.

Fortunately, a compassionate rescuer took Scooter home, affording him “a chance at finding a good home and a fairly normal life,” as detailed in his contest entry biography. Through specialised therapy and the use of a custom cart, Scooter has learned to walk and, according to his biography, “has no idea that he is any different from any other dog.”

Scooter’s Story

Scooter’s owner, Elmquist, expressed overwhelming joy and immense pride in a statement upon his victory: “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.”

This unwavering determination set Scooter apart from other contestants, which included Prince, a chow chow mix with a scrunched-up face and a floppy ear, as well as Wild Thang, a pekingese that resembled more of a luxurious walking wig than a pup.

Past Winners Of The Ugliest Dog Contest

Previous victors in this unique competition have included Scamp the Tramp in 2019, a mutt with bug eyes and matted hair; Quasi Modo in 2015, a shepherd and pit bull mix with spinal birth defects resulting in a hunchbacked appearance; and Walle, a beagle, basset, boxer mix that one judge in 2013 likened to being “Photoshopped” together from various dog parts. Notably, Chinese cresteds have established themselves as the dominant breed in this contest, winning the title at least 10 times since 2000. In 2023, Scooter proudly upheld his breed’s legacy, winning the hearts of the judges and securing the top prize of $1,500 along with a trophy.

This competition, like Cryuffs and the Westminster Dog Show, highlights the idea that beauty is subjective, and all dogs, regardless of their appearance, have value and deserve love and care from their owners. As far as we know, there’s no betting on the winner. However, if it were possible, we suspect that Bovada Sportsbook would be involved. After all, according to online gambling news in the US, they offer a huge selection of sporting activities, betting markets and great odds. Why not check them out?

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