Worlds Ugliest Dog: From Zsa Zsa to Scooter, a Journey Through the Years

From the moment Zsa Zsa, a Chinese Crested hairless dog, won the title of World's Ugliest Dog in 2002, the competition has been fierce. Zsa Zsa's record-breaking win set the bar high for future contenders.

Zsa Zsa's victory was a surprise to many, considering she was a first-time entrant. Her owner, Jessica, was thrilled to see her dog take home the top prize.

Scooter, a Pug, took over the title in 2005, becoming the second dog to win the competition.

The World's Ugliest Dog Contest has a fascinating history that dates back to the 1970s. Ross Smith, a member of the Old Adobe Association in Petaluma, is credited with creating the contest as a way to generate revenue for the association.

The contest was initially considered as a replacement for the pet parade, but Smith's suggestion to focus on ugly dogs was a game-changer. He emceed the contest until 1981, nurturing it in its infancy.

Since 1976, winners of the contest have been recorded, and it became a part of the Sonoma-Marin Fair in 1988.

Peanut, a Chinese Crested, won the title of World's Ugliest Dog in 2004.

Peanut's owner, Vicki Artman, was thrilled with her dog's victory, having entered him in the contest for the third time.

Peanut's win was a testament to the unique beauty of his breed, which is known for its lack of fur on the face and body.

Zsa Zsa the 9-year-old English Bulldog traveled for 30 hours from Anoka, MN, to participate in the 2018 World's Ugliest Dog Contest.

She won the contest thanks to her unique features, including a particularly wide-legged stance, underbite, and very long droopy tongue.

Zsa Zsa was rescued from a puppy mill before being adopted by Megan Brainard.

She beat 13 other competitors, including a messy-haired Pekingese named Wild Thang.

In 2019, Scamp the Tramp took home the prize at the contest, beating out other talented mutts. He was a scruffy little guy with dreadlocks and stubby legs.

Scamp was rescued from the streets of Compton, California, and was lucky to have a loving owner in Yvonne Morones.

Peanut, an unknown breed from Greenville, NC, won the World's Ugliest Dog Contest in 2014.

Peanut was a victim of animal abuse and was badly injured in a fire, resulting in no lips or eyelids.

The $1,500 prize money would go towards paying for Peanut's vet bills, according to his pet parent, Holly Chandler.

Elwood the Chinese Crested is an instantly recognizable dog due to his unique white mohawk.

He was rescued by the NJ Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals after his breeder thought he was too ugly to sell.

Elwood's story caught the attention of Karen Quigley, who adopted him and went on to write a children's book about his life.

The book, Everyone Loves Elwood, teaches kids about accepting others even if they look different.

His story is a heartwarming reminder that every animal deserves a loving home, regardless of their appearance.

Scooter is a 7-year-old hairless Chinese Crested pup who won the 2023 World's Ugliest Dog contest.

He was born with deformed back legs, with his joints and legs backwards.

Scooter was adopted by Linda Celeste Elmquist after being saved by the Saving Animals From Euthanasia (SAFE) rescue group.

He was initially adopted by a man who cared for him for about seven years before Elmquist took over.

Scooter has learned to walk on his front legs and even uses a cart to move around, thanks to a physical therapist's evaluation.

He tires easily but can still do things he couldn't before, like sniff his surroundings.

Scooter loves braunschweiger sausage and is just like any other dog, despite his deformity.

He's a sweetheart who radiates warmth, love, and inspiration, and his owner describes him as "huggable".