Every day is a day to celebrate the world’s cutest pups, but Friday is the day to celebrate the not-so-adorable dogs at the 27th annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest
At the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds and Event Center in Petaluma, California, over 20 dogs will be judged on appearance, breed and personality, competing for a $1,500 prize.
Many of the contestants were rescued from shelters and puppy mills by their owners, and now find themselves in the spotlight despite their physical appearances.
According to the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds website, the goal of the event is to raise awareness of animal rescue. “We celebrate the spirit and imperfections that make these dogs loveable and adoptable,” says Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds CEO Sarah Cummings.
Last year’s winner was Peanut, a mutt, who prior to being adopted by his owner Holly Chandler, had been in a dog shelter for nine months.
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