Deformed mutt is crowned World's Ugliest Dog

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Deformed mutt is crowned World's Ugliest Dog

PETALUMA, California (AP) — A 10-year-old mutt named Quasi Modo, whose spinal birth defects left him a bit hunchbacked, is the winner of this year's World's Ugliest Dog contest.

The pit bull-Dutch shepherd mix and his owner took the $1,500 prize Friday night, besting 25 other dogs competing in the contest that applauds imperfection, organizers said.

Quasi Modo was abandoned at an animal shelter before being adopted by a veterinarian in Loxahatchee, Florida, according to his biography posted on the contest's website.

"My appearance can be a little unsettling to some (I have had grown men jump on top of their cars to get away from me because they thought I was a hyena or Tasmanian devil) but once they get to know me I win them over with my bubbly personality," his biography said.

Two Chinese crested and Chihuahua mixes named Sweepee Rambo and Frodo took the second- and third-place prizes, respectively.

An 8-year-old Chihuahua named Precious received the "spirit award," honoring a dog and owner who have overcome obstacles and/or are providing service to the community. Precious, who is blind in one eye, is trained to monitor smells related to low blood sugar levels and alert her owner, a disabled veteran, of the problem, her biography said.

The contest, held at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds in Petaluma, California, is in its 27th year.

The dogs are scored by a three-judge panel in several categories, including special or unusual attributes, personality and natural ugliness.

-- (c) Associated Press 2015-06-27

[Tywais]

Looks better than a lot of soi dogs I've seen.

[gerry123]

California sort of explains all really

[MaxYakov]

Yeah, I could have submitted one and won paws down.

Anyway, I'm glad we got this settled so now I can finally get some sleep.

[slipperylobster]

My ex is going to be pissed...taking second place.

[Seastallion]

"World's"?

Just like "World Series".

I had to have a snigger at the Tasmanian devil comment.....I have to admit, Qasi Modo does look a bit like the cartoon version of said animal, but not really like the real thing.

[Manbing]

Try visiting the home for Bangkok's discarded dogs and cats. Its a literal house of horrors. The ugliest dog in the world wouldn't even rate a space in that particular haven for unfortunates.

Despite the excellent work the the staff do at that shelter, there are a number of animals who have a very poor quality of life.

A friend took me along on my birthday, as a way to make merit and give a donation, I fed every animal there. It was truly heart breaking.

[BuaBS]

Well he lucky not to live in China , both Korea's , Laos , Isaan & northern Thailand.

[little mary sunshine]

You should have seen what left my

Neighbor's room this morning...Quasi

Modo much cuter!!

[Seastallion]

You should have seen what left my

Neighbor's room this morning...Quasi

Modo much cuter!!

Which one..QM original ("The bells, the bells") or the dog?

[GinBoy2]

I used to live in Petaluma and I think I was 'blessed' to attend the 2007 fair where, I think the most ugly dog was crowned....

[godden]

Not too ugly to eat though.