Meet the Past Winners of the World’s Ugliest Dogs Contest

2 minute read
Updated: | Originally published: ;

Each year, one lucky pooch is crowned with the dubious title of “World’s Ugliest Dog” at the annual Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California. It’s both an honor and a burden, of course, recognizing that these canines have their fair share of superficial flaws — but also are lovable pets in their own right. Beauty, after all, is in the eye of the owner, and these owners have found a proud way to display just how much they adore their four-footed companions.

The winner of the Ugliest Dog in the World Contest in 2018 was Zsa Zsa, an English bulldog with a pronounced underbite, drooping tongue and barrel-chested stance. The winner of the Ugliest Dog Contest in 2017 went to Martha, a Neapolitan mastiff with bloodshot eyes and sagging jowls, while other years’ champions have included the blind Chinese crested Sweepee Rambo and and wizened, whiskered Yoda. Take a look through the decade’s winners of the odd title in the gallery above.

This year’s competition, held June 23 at the fair for its 25th year, saw 14 dogs competing for the ultimate prize: $1,500, a trophy, a donated prize match for Underdog Rescue and a flight to New York for a media appearance where the pup can preen at last. Competition is always fierce amongst the many canines in the running for that unlikely prize, most of whom have been rescued and have overcome — or are dealing with — some kind of health issues.

US-UGLY-DOG-ANIMAL-OFFBEAT
Zsa Zsa, an English Bulldog, stands on stage after winning The World's Ugliest Dog Competition in Petaluma, north of San Francisco, California on June 23, 2018. - Zsa Zsa won first place and was awarded $1500, a trophy, and will be flown to New York for media appearances. Josh Edelson—AFP/Getty Images
TOPSHOT-US-ANIMAL-DOG-OFFBEAT
Martha, a Neapolitan Mastiff, shakes water off her head after winning this year's World's Ugliest Dog Competition in Petaluma, California on June 23, 2017. TJosh Edelson—AFP/Getty Images
world-ugliest-dog-sweepee-rambo
Sweepee Rambo, a Chinese Crested, is presented to judges during the World's Ugliest Dog Competition in Petaluma, Calif. on June 26, 2015. Josh Edelson—AFP/Getty Images
US-ANIMAL-DOG-UGLIEST
Quasi Modo, whom the owner claims has a back too short for its body, walks on the stage at The World's Ugliest Dog Competition in Petaluma, Calif. on June 20, 2014.Josh Edelson—AFP/Getty Images
US-ANIMAL-DOG-UGLIEST
Peanut, a mutt who is suspected of being a Chihuahua-Shitzu mix, stands near a trophy after winning The World's Ugliest Dog Competition in Petaluma, Calif. on June 20, 2014.Josh Edelson—AFP/Getty Images
US-UGLY-DOG-NEWS-FEED
Walle, a Beagle-Basset, walks down the red carpet at the start of the World's Ugliest Dog competition in Petaluma, Calif., on June 21, 2013. Josh Edelson—AFP/Getty Images
world-ugliest-dog-mugly
An eight year-old Chinese Crested dog called 'Mugly' is pictured during a photocall in London, on June 28, 2012. Mugly, a former rescue dog, was named the world's ugliest dog at the 'World's Ugliest Dog Competition' in Calif. on June 22, 2012.Andrew Cowie—AFP/Getty Images
world-ugliest-dog-yoda
A dog named Yoda looks on during the 23rd Annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma-Marin County Fair on June 24, 2011 in Petaluma, Calif.Justin Sullivan—Getty Images
world-ugliest-dog-princess-abby
A former winner of the World's Ugliest Dog contest, a chihuahua named Princess Abby, wanders around the staging area of the contest after the 2012 World's Ugliest Dog contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma on June 22, 2012 in Calif.Kimihiro Hoshino —AFP/Getty Images
The Annual Ugliest Dog Contest Held At Sonoma-Marin Fair
Pabst, a boxer mix, shows off his underbite during the 21st Annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair June 26, 2009 in Petaluma, Calif.Justin Sullivan—Getty Images
world-ugliest-dog-gus
Jeanenne Teed of St. Petersburg, Florida holds her one-eyed, three legged Chinese Crested named Gus before the start of the 20th Annual Ugliest Dog Competition June 20, 2008 at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, Calif.Justin Sullivan—Getty Images
world-ugliest-dog-elwood
A Chihuahua named Elwood sits with his tongue out before the start of the 20th Annual Ugliest Dog Competition June 20, 2008 at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, Calif.Justin Sullivan—Getty Images
world-ugliest-dog-archie
The 2006 World's Ugliest Dog, Archie, a Chinese Crested is seen during the 18th annual World's Ugliest Dog competition June 23, 2006 at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, Calif.Justin Sullivan—Getty Images
world-ugliest-dog-sam
Sam, a 14 year old Pure Chinese Crested Hairless dog, carries with it the reputation of being the Ugliest Dog.Anne Cusack—Los Angeles Times/Getty Images
world-ugliest-dog-rascal
Rascal, a Chinese Crested, poses for a portrait after competing in the World's Ugliest Dog Competition in Petaluma, Calif. on June 26, 2015.Josh Edelson—AFP/Getty Images

More Must-Reads From TIME

Write to Raisa Bruner at raisa.bruner@time.com