Blue Ribbon Ugly

I swore I'd never report an animal story, but here I am. This year's World's Ugliest Dog was named at the Sonoma-Marin Fair. Miles Egstad rescued the new title-holder, Pabst, a boxer mix from a shelter three years ago. The dog's "bitter beer face" inspired his name.

Pabst upset a seven-year stretch of wins by members of the Chinese Crested breed.  Normally undesirable features like a severe underbite and a rumpled up face earn this dog a blue ribbon, $1,600 in prize money and a modeling contract with House of Dog.

All the participants had to provide proof of health by a veterinarian. Celebrity judges included John Provost, the actor who played Timmy on Lassie and Karen "Doc" Halligan, known for her TV roles in Groomer Has It, Dog Tales, Animal Rescue 911 and Dogs 101. As Judge and Fair Board Member Brian Sobel said, “We were looking for dogs who were naturally ugly.” And Pabst was. Although thrilled about his win, Pabst's owner disagrees, "I don't think he's that ugly!"

Check out the The Daily Beast's Worst in Show round up.

Photo courtesy of Grace Chon/Shine Pet Photos.