Meet Scooter, The New ‘World’s Ugliest Dog’

Scooter, a Chinese Crested, was crowned 'The World's Ugliest Dog' on Friday in California after originally being taken to an animal shelter to be put down.

Scooter was born with severely deformed hind legs and when his breeder took him to an animal control center in Tucson to be euthanized, the puppy was saved by a volunteer from Saving Animals from Euthanasia.

"Today Scooter is not only surviving but thriving," his winners profile reads on the Sonoma Marin Fair website. "He has no idea that he is any different from any other dog. 

"His handicap has not stopped him from a life of locomotion on his two front legs. Swaying side to side he takes on obstacles – stones, curbs, steps – and then throwing his back end to the sky, in one final swoop – he conquers!"

Scooter was presented with a huge trophy at the Fair on Friday June 23.

"I am overjoyed and incredibly proud that Scooter has been crowned the winner of the World's Ugliest Dog contest,” said Scooter’s owner, Linda Elmquist.

“Despite the challenges he has faced with his deformed hind legs, Scooter has defied all odds and shown us the true meaning of resilience and determination. He has become an inspiration to countless people around the
world.”

The annual competition is meant to highlight the beauty and resilience of dogs which might normally be disregarded and ignored for adoption. Recent research has shown more families are adopting "ugly-cute" pets.

"We are thrilled to have hosted another successful World's Ugliest Dog contest at the Sonoma Marin Fair," Tawny Tesconi, CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Fair, said. "This unique event allows us to celebrate the extraordinary resilience and beauty found within these special dogs.

"Each contestant has a remarkable story to tell, and they serve as a testament to the power of love, compassion, and the indomitable spirit of these incredible animals.

“Congratulations to Scooter for winning first place, Wild Thang for securing second place, Harold Bartholomew for earning third place and the Spirit award, and Rascal Deux for capturing the People's Choice award. Their
remarkable journeys and undeniable charm have captivated the hearts of people around the world.”

Wild Thang, a 7-year-old Pekingese and veteran of the World's Ugliest Dog contest, participated for the fourth time, capturing attention with his glamorous/ugly (glugly) charm.

Taking third place and the coveted Spirit award was 16-year-old Chihuahua Harold Bartholomew, while the People's Choice Award went to Rascal Deux, a mostly-hairless mutant with some fair resembling Einstein.