Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And for one 7-year-old Chinese Crested named Scooter, his beauty is unconventional, to say the least. But it’s enough to earn him the title of “World’s Ugliest Dog.”
7-year-old hairless Chinese Crested pup takes home grand prize
Nearly bald (except for smattering of wispy white hair) and with reversed hind legs, Scooter is a sight for sore eyes. A Chinese Crested dog with unique qualities, Scooter takes home the grand prize for the “World’s Ugliest Dog.” The competition takes place yearly in Petaluma, California.
The almost 50-year-old contest celebrates the imperfections that make dogs special. Simultaneously, the event promotes adoption while demonstrating how these dogs are individually beautiful.
“From the second he sits his hairless little booty and backward legs on your lap, you feel his warm, huggable power to change the meaning of the word ugly,” said Gadi Schwartz, one of the competition’s judges. Schwartz, an NBC host, celebrated the win with Today, calling the decision “perfectly deserved.”
“He leaves you feeling love and inspiration for the differences, difficulties, perseverance and happiness that he radiates like a little heater! Even when he’s gone you can’t help but smile thinking of that sideways tongue hanging out his tiny precious mouth,” Schwartz said. “He also smells so much sweeter than he looks!”
World’s Ugliest Dog contest celebrates imperfections and individuality of canines
Admired for his eccentricities, Scooter once faced euthanasia due to his disability. Born with two hind legs, Scooter spent the first part of his life as an unwanted dog. The disability made it difficult for Scooter to walk and put him at risk of euthanasia. Today, Scooter is living the good life. The new champion pup has no concern with his unique style of locomotion.
After a breeder brought a young Scooter into animal control in Tucson, a volunteer from a rescue organization was able to save him. Linda Elmquist adopted Scooter from a member of Saving Animals From Euthanasia (SAFE) seven months ago, NPR reported via Today.
And while the competition is enjoyable and entertaining, it also emphasizes the importance of adoption.
“Many of the contestant dogs have been rescued from shelters and puppy mills,” the contest’s website reads. “Please join us in raising awareness and support for the pets yet to be placed in a loving home.”
Runner-ups for the World’s Ugliest Dog contest include “Wild Thang”, a Pekingese from Oregon, and “Harold Bartholomew”, a 16-year-old Chihuahua from California.
