Why in the world is there The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest? In a world where beauty is celebrated, and most people expect nothing less, it’s nice to know that doesn’t necessarily apply to our 4-legged friends. Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and there are various breeds with many attributes. The features that one person desires in a dog may be something irrelevant to another. Some people insist on a purebred, while many like a mixed breed or mutt. While there are many ways we like to show off our furry companions on social media, a contest is the ultimate way to brag!
Why A Contest For Ugly Dogs?
The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest began in the 1970s as a way to generate revenue for the Old Adobe Association in Petaluma, California. What began as a pet parade was turned into a contest per the suggestion of member Ross Smith, who is widely credited as the creator of this event. The contest then became a part of the Sonoma-Marin Fair in 1988. In 2006, Animal Planet became the contest sponsor and began filming the competition. The dogs who have worn the ugliest title from 2006-2017 are highlighted in a 2023 article by People Magazine.