Judges and the vocal audience of hundreds at the 24th annual World’s Ugliest Dog contest in Petaluma went barking mad for eight-year-old Mugly, a Chinese crested with white whiskers, a short snout and beady eyes. The rescue dog won $1,000 and a year’s worth of dog cookies, while he can also look forward to starring in a special photo shoot and receiving a VIP stay at a Sheraton hotel. Bev Nicholson, the dog’s owner, said: ‘I couldn’t speak when they announced Mugly’s name. I didn’t know which way to look. I was shaking as much as the dog.’ Mugly beat off challenges from a field of 29 contenders at the competition, which was watched by reporters from across the US, Brazil, China, Germany and the UK. Among the other entrants were dogs named Handsome Hector, Creature, Rue, Icky, Spam-O-Rama and Mouse. Nicholson revealed this is not the first time Mugly’s unique looks have won him attention and titles. According to the Associated Press, the owner said her ugly pooch also had the dubious honour of being named Britain’s least attractive hound in 2005.
