Ugly is the new beautiful

It’s the one time of year when ugly is beautiful, at least if you’re a dog.

A group of 15 canine contestants will battle it out for the title of World’s Ugliest Dog during the 21st annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, June 26 at the Sonoma-Marin Fair.

This may be the year when the Chinese Crested breed of dog, known for being ugly, may be unseated in its hold on the ugly dog title as a boxer, shepherd, Shar Pei, Chinese Pug and a mutt or two enter this year’s competition.

The new breeds are largely local dogs and include Mojo, a Shar Pei from Pleasanton; Pabst, a boxer from Citrus Heights; Winston, a shepherd mix from Santa Rosa; and Kaiya, a Chinese Pug, also from Santa Rosa.

Returning contenders include Princess Chelsea from Fairfield and Reggie and Veronica, both from Phoenix. The only returning champion is Rascal, a seven-pound purebred Chinese Crested from Pleasanton who won the title of the World’s Ugliest Dog in 2002.

In the competition, whoever wins the runoff between the pedigree and mutt categories will go up against Rascal for the title.

Since winning his title, Rascal has gone on to become a movie star, appearing in a number of horror movies such as “Tele-Zombie” with Brinke Stevens, “The Last Nightmare” and “Curse of the Smoke O’ Lantern.” Rascal even has his own star on the Walk of Fame in Southern California.

Naturally and completely hairless except for his Mohawk and a little hair on his tail and feet, Rascal sports dog warts, freckles and no teeth, which gives his face a crooked look. He has appeared on NBC’s “Tonight” show with Jay Leno, “The View” with Barbara Walters and “The Jane Pauley Show.”

In addition to the fame that comes with the title, the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest winner walks away with $1,000 and a trophy. This year, House Of Dog, a manufacturer of dog accessories favored by celebrities, is awarding a year-long modeling contract to the winner and another $1,000. Additionally, the winner will receive a prize package of collars, leashes, bowls, toys and a carrier from House Of Dog and another prize from Animal Planet. The winner will also have a professional photo shoot the next day at the Sheraton Petaluma conducted by the official World’s Ugliest Dog event photographer, Grace Chon of Shine Pet Photos.

Animal Planet will be filming this year’s contest for a “Dogs 101” segment.

Celebrity Judge Karen “Doc” Halligan is committed to animal welfare and pet-owner education and will conduct the screening of contestants in a Vet Check at 4 p.m. Contestants this year must provide veterinarian releases documenting the health of the dogs.

For more information on the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest and entry forms, visit www.sonoma-marinfair.org.