World's Ugliest Dogs: This Year's Champion and Winners Past

Scooter, a Chinese Crested from Tucson, Ariz., won the 2023 World's Ugliest Dog Contest. Here's a look at past winners. By WSJ staff Updated June 27, 2023 Tap story

Linda Elmquist and her dog Scooter, a seven-year-old Chinese Crested won the 2023 World's Ugliest Dog Contest. He was brought as a new pup to animal control in Tucson to be euthanized. John G. Mabanglo/EFE/Zuma { "selector": ".wsj--ani-media-zoom", "duration": "3s", "easing": "ease-out", "keyframes": [ {"transform": "scale(1.03)"}, {"transform": "scale(1)"} ] }

Scooter was born with two deformed hind legs, but his handicap has not stopped him from a life of locomotion, as he sways side to side through obstacles while scooting along. John G. Mabanglo/EFE/Zuma { "selector": ".wsj--ani-text-fade", "duration": "2s", "easing": "ease-out", "keyframes": [ {"opacity": "0"}, { "opacity": "1"} ] }

For more than 30 years, the annual event has celebrated the imperfections that make all dogs special and unique. Here's a look at additional participants this year as well as past winners.

Wild Thang, a 7-year-old Pekingese, took second place this year. He was born and raised in Los Angeles and recently retired to North Bend, Oregon. Philip Pacheco/AFP/Getty { "selector": ".wsj--ani-media-zoom", "duration": "3s", "easing": "ease-out", "keyframes": [ {"transform": "scale(1.03)"}, {"transform": "scale(1)"} ] }

Harold Bartholomew won third place and the spirit award this year. The more than 16-year-old Chihuahua resides in Lake County, California. Philip Pacheco/AFP/Getty

Grizzly also competed on Friday. Here he is on stage with his owner. Philip Pacheco/AFP/Getty { "selector": ".wsj--ani-media-zoom", "duration": "3s", "easing": "ease-out", "keyframes": [ {"transform": "scale(1.03)"}, {"transform": "scale(1)"} ] }

Jinny Lu, a two-year-old Pug walked the red carpet at World's Ugliest Dog Contest on Friday. John G. Mabanglo/EFE/Zuma { "selector": ".wsj--ani-media-pan", "duration": "10s", "easing": "ease-out", "fill": "forwards", "keyframes": [ {"transform": "translateX(-15px) scale(1.1)"}, {"transform": "translateX(15px) scale(1.1) "} ] }

Prince also competed in Friday’s contest, which took place at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California. Philip Pacheco/AFP/Getty { "selector": ".wsj--ani-media-pan", "duration": "10s", "easing": "ease-out", "fill": "forwards", "keyframes": [ {"transform": "translateX(-15px) scale(1.1)"}, {"transform": "translateX(15px) scale(1.1) "} ] }

Mr. Happy Face, a 17-year-old Chinese Crested, saved from a hoarder's house, was the winner of the World's Ugliest Dog Contest in 2022. Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty { "selector": ".wsj--ani-media-zoom", "duration": "3s", "easing": "ease-out", "keyframes": [ {"transform": "scale(1.03)"}, {"transform": "scale(1)"} ] }

Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty { "selector": ".wsj--ani-media-zoom", "duration": "3s", "easing": "ease-out", "keyframes": [ {"transform": "scale(1.03)"}, {"transform": "scale(1)"} ] }

In 2020 and 2021, the competitions were cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Scamp the Tramp from Santa Rosa, California, won the 2019 World's Ugliest Dog Contest. Justin Sullivan/Getty { "selector": ".wsj--ani-media-zoom", "duration": "3s", "easing": "ease-out", "keyframes": [ {"transform": "scale(1.03)"}, {"transform": "scale(1)"} ] }

Zsa Zsa, an English Bulldog from Minnesota, won the 2018 contest. Monica M. Davey/EPA/Shutterstock { "selector": ".wsj--ani-media-pan", "duration": "10s", "easing": "ease-out", "fill": "forwards", "keyframes": [ {"transform": "translateX(-15px) scale(1.1)"}, {"transform": "translateX(15px) scale(1.1) "} ] }

Martha, a Neapolitan Mastiff, won in 2017. Eric Risberg/AP

A mixed-breed dog named Icky competed in 2017. Justin Sullivan/Getty

Sweepee Rambo and owner Jason Wurtz celebrated their win in 2016. Peter Dasilva/EPA/Shutterstock

Quasi Modo won the title in 2015. Noah Berger/AP { "selector": ".wsj--ani-media-pan", "duration": "10s", "easing": "ease-out", "fill": "forwards", "keyframes": [ {"transform": "translateX(-15px) scale(1.1)"}, {"transform": "translateX(15px) scale(1.1) "} ] }

Produced by Siemond Chan Cover photo : John G. Mabanglo/EFE/Zuma