Elwood Named World's Ugliest Dog

Many people often consider his or her pet to be the most beautiful, perfect, and cherished pet in the world. But what if your family pooch happens to win the title of World's Ugliest Dog? As the Associated Press reports, for one New Jersey woman, her prized canine recently won that title - and it's no mistake!

Held each year, the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, highlights the importance of agriculture while showcasing the talents and achievements of local California citizens. Hosting the infamous ugly dog competition last Friday night, the audience at the popular event raved over Elwood, a 2-year-old Chinese Crested and Chihuahua mix.

Like every contest, even the ugliest dog contest featured stiff competition. According to a press release from the Sonoma-Marin Fair (PDF file), the 2006 winner Archie traveled from his home in Arizona, while the 2002 winner Rascal strutted all the way from Sunnyvale, California, to compete in 2007's ugliest dog contest.

Like Elwood, both Archie and Rascal are Chinese Cresteds. Chinese Crested dogs are known for their signature Mohawk puffs, huge bug eyes, and lengthy tongues.

As the Associated Press reports, Elwood's proud owner Karen Quigley saved Elwood from being put to sleep a couple of years ago after a New Jersey SPCA investigation.

Quigley stated, "The breeder was going to euthanize him because she thought he was too ugly to sell... so ha ha, now Elwood's all over the internet and people love him and adore him."

Entering this year's contest as 2006's second runner up, Elwood quickly became a crowd favorite through his resemblance to both science-fiction characters Yoda and ET, according to the Associated Press.

Not only does Elwood sport hardly any hair (other than his puffed Mohawk), but his personalized rhinestone collar highlights his dark colored, six-pound stature. Back home in New Jersey, Elwood, courtesy of his award-winning appearance, became a local celebrity as well as a Good Will Ambassador for special needs and homeless animals.

After "out-uglying" his fierce competition in the 19^th annual event, Elwood emerged as the top winner in three categories - first place in the Mutt classification, Ugly Dog of 2007, and World's Ugliest Dog. Along with the prized title as the 2007 World's Ugliest Dog, Elwood also won a $1,000 award for his humbled owner Karen Quigley.

According to the Sonoma-Marin Fair press release, Quigley regards Elwood as her faithful, cherished sidekick, stating, "This tiny dog will capture your heart. Cute or ugly, I think he's just perfect... I think he's the cutest thing that ever lived."

"New Jersey Dog Crowned World's Ugliest." The Associated Press. URL: (http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/pets/story/1526287/).

"2007 World's Ugliest Dog Named!" Sonoma-Marin Fair. URL: (http://www.sonoma-marinfair.org/pdf/Ugly_Dog_winner_6_22_07_FINAL.pdf).