One lucky canine will be crowned this year's World's Ugliest Dog and win a prize of $1,500.
The 25th annual competition at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds in Petaluma, Calif. on June 21 will determine which a-face-only-a-mother-could-love having dog will take home the title.
"It started as a homegrown kind of contest - very small and quirky," contest organizer Vicki DeArmon told TODAY.com. "But the whole thing has accelerated beyond anyone's wildest imaginings."
It may not be the Westminster dog show, but participants in the contest take the competition quite seriously. Judges will determine the winner based on a first impression and personality, of course. According to reports, three panelists will score the dogs based on shock factor, audience reaction, unusual attributes and attitude.
"Does the dog strut across the stage? Does the dog look longingly off at a bone? They're looking at what kind of things give them personality," DeArmon said.
The competition will feature 25 to 30 dogs and more 2,000 spectators will watch the event. There will be two categories for judging, mutts and pedigrees, and the winners of each round will go head-to-head in the final elimination.
The winner of the contest reportedly earns title, $1,500, a trophy, a professional photo session and a catered dinner for both winner and owner at a luxury hotel. Dogs entered so far include combinations of Chihuahua, Chinese crested, pugs, shar-peis, boxer, terrier, poodle and Peruvian.
Princess Abby, who has been missing an eye since birth and has shorter front legs than back legs, took the top prize in last year's competition.
"In a way, we all love an ugly dog, and we love the underdog," DeArmon said. "When you go into a shelter and see a dog that may not normally be adopted, your heart calls to that dog. The contest is a humorous relief that makes the world a little lighter."
You can vote online for your favorite pup here.
