I never heard of such a contest! People who promote such things should be shunned from society. Poor sick, diseased, injured, or malformed animals should not be subjected to public ridicule regardless of the reason. This is a cruel, miserable way to treat the pets we bond with and love.

I could not possibly agree more!

I think there is a lot wrong with people who would submit their dogs to something like this. I think it's disrespectful, not funny at all, and says a lot more about the ugliness of the people involved than it does the dogs.

I have one dog who is of a breed many find odd or ugly- a Bull Terrier, and I can't believe how many people find it totally within their rights to come up to me and tell me how repulsive my dog is. I always say something sharp back to them and they are always surprised and act like I am way too sensitive about my dog, as if it is somehow MY fault that I love my dog and do not want to see her ridiculed, even if she does not understand.

How about the "ugly handler/owner" contest?

I take-in so-call ugly and old dogs...they were loved once..but once old and sick with age. Out they go. they miss out on true love. If these dogs are under medical care.....why not. I would not do this. As long as these animales are love.

Thank you so much for this post and I couldn't be in more agreement with you. Reading this post, however, really brought it more to the foreground of my mind and I thank you for that. It is easy to chuckle at the photo of the poor little guy but you are absolutely right. This practice should be abolished along with other practices from the middle ages! My only solace in this contest winner is the fact that winning the contest allowed the owner to afford good vet care. I hope she pursues it and gets this little rescue guy the help it needs. Thank you again. Patricia Moore
http://www.soft-hearted.com

I found out a couple years ago, watching a teevee show about "The World's Ugliest Dog" contest, that contestants were deliberately BREEDING dogs to win.

They were finding the most deformed Chinese crested dogs they could and breeding them, sometimes to one another, sometimes to other physically handicapped dogs, and letting them "age" so they'd be especially ugly, what with the teeth falling out and the skin condition advancing so that there were more carbuncles and sores and such.

To say that I wanted to hunt down and beat bloody every single one of those jackasses would not be an unfair characterization of my response.

However, since people deliberately breed multiply-handicapped and suffering bulldogs, pugs, "German shepherds," etc. with the goal of winning what they believe to be "beauty" contests, I do try to keep it in perspective. I will use the stump of the bulldog breeder's leg to beat the "ugly dog breeder."

I own 4 Chinese Crested dogs. They have become known to many people as ugly because the only ones they have seen were in the Ugliest Dog contest. Many of the Ugliest Dog contestants are Crested mixes or very old Cresteds. It makes me sad when people see my dogs and say - Oh, they are not as ugly as I thought.

My dogs are all seniors now - ages 11 - 17. One of the girls is blind due to cataracts, has a tongue that hangs out, and has multiple fatty tumors. To consider the ravages of age and disease to be ugly is upsetting to me. I don't understand the mindset of the people who enter these contests - I guess all they care about is the money & their 15 minutes of fame.

If these people are deliberately....doing this, to these dogs We need laws.We also need to stop puppies mills too.

Ugly Dog Contests are nothing more than a variation on yesteryear's unethical Circus Side Shows. Unfortunately the media has popularized this disturbing trend by giving owners of these unfortunate animals an opportunity to exploit them for fame and fortune. Instead of awarding these deformed animals the title of World's Ugliest Dog, they should award their owners the title of The World's Ugliest Soul.

ChiMommie - I think that comment is a little harsher than the situation calls for.

"they should award their owners the title of The World's Ugliest Soul."

Come on now - that's not necessary.

Lots of these people enter their dog because they love them - they don't understand that their obese/malformed/injured/sick dogs are not worthy of ridicule.

Every time we walk down the street, people stop us to tell us how beautiful our dogs are. Imagine if you walked down the street with your dog every day and all people could do is look at the dog in disgust, or worse, tell you how ugly they think the dog is. No one would EVER say that your child was ugly, I'm not sure why they think it's ok with a pet.

Now, that being said I think that while most of these contests are well meaning, I keep hearing of instances where ugly dogs are being adopted for the sole purpose of entering them in contests.

While this is a positive (dog has a home!) this may also be a negative (dog has a home wherein he is treated as an object, a commodity, a freak - rather than a family member).

It's the inevitable ability of human beings to take something that seems perfectly harmless and compete over it until eventually they begin to go too far.

I would support an Ugly Dog Contest if there was a vet present to ensure that none of the animals are ill or receiving poor treatment in an effort to increase their "ugly-ness". I think it can be good fun (frankly, I think an ugly baby contest would be kinda fun too - the ugliest babies tend to grow up into beautiful people... the cutest babies sometimes swing the opposite way).

As long as no one is being exploited (PeTA people, please don't flame me that "owning" a pet is exploitation in itself) or mistreated, or improperly cared for, I don't see a problem. However, I wonder about a human's capacity to enjoy good clean fun without sullying it.

Get rid of the ugly contests and the traditional shows and get some awards for healthiest dogs, best dog breeders, best working dogs, etc.

"ChiMommie - I think that comment is a little harsher than the situation calls for."

babysweet ~

I am sorry, but I don't believe so. ANYONE who exploits an animal because of it's deformities is soulless. Breeding deformed dogs explicitly for competition in these Side Show Events is even more despicable.

Sorry, but I'm siding with ChiMommie here. I own, and work rescue for the breed of dog that is so often "exploited" in these insane contests...the Chinese Crested. NONE of my dogs look anything like the winners of these contests, but I do walk down the street with them, and have to endure moronic people telling me how ugly my dogs are, and how it must take guts to bring a dog out in public that looks like "that"! So yea, I know what it feels like!

And yes...it's a fact that people DO go trolling every year, hoping to find an "ugly dog" to purchase, and enter in these contests...afterall, it gives them their 15 minutes of fame....never mind the poor dog being paraded around, held up in the air under bright lights, and flashing cameras, with throngs of screaming people and judges! It's probably a godsend that most of them are blind, and, or deaf!

I'm ashamed to say, I live in the state that spawned this ridiculous contest, to begin with!! It makes me sick to my stomach.

I agree with EAB We should have an ugly Handler|Owner contest
I think it's inhumane, Those pets had no choice. Victims of
puppy Mills.

Ironically, I would nominate some of the outrageous "designer" mixes that are being sold for obscene prices to win these contests.

Nonetheless, I shudder to think that people ARE breeding for these contests. I've seen TV pieces on this contest, and clearly some of these owners actually love their pets and see nothing wrong with the contest - the DOG doesn't understand it is being insulted - but as the former owner of a bulldog, and current owner of a Frenchie and a Boston Terrier, when people say things like "it's so ugly it's cute" I want to smack them upside the head.

Obviously, I am not anti-purebred. Nor am I anti-mixed breed (though I am anti-"designer dog"). Golden Retrievers may be pretty, but they are not the right dog for everyone.

What makes the right dog is mostly what's inside, not outside. Yes, one of the nice thing about breeds is that they tend to exhibit a particular temperament, energy level, etc., which may make it easier for you to find your match. But I agree, I find these contests repellant. Some call a show like Westminster a "beauty contest," but not every breed represented fits a universal definition of beauty. There's something for everyone.

Right on Dr. K. And this applies to the distorted features the breed clubs have created as "standard" as well.

Totally agree, Dr K. "Ugly" pet contests usually involve pets that have health issues.... shouldn't we be treating those health issues, instead of judging an innocent pet for having them?

And I'm guessing that the winners aren't spending any $ received on fixing their poor dog's health issues - the they might not win anymore.

Ignorance is no excuse for cruelty.

I can't imagine this sort of contest -- and your reasoning behind your article is so true. I happen to think the dog who won that awful contest is very cute. Bless her heart! SHAME ON the people who don't get medical help for their pets who so obviously need it! They don't deserve to be petparents at all.

I thought that lady who had her 15 minutes of fame a couple of years ago with her winning ugly dog crested had screws loose and was cruel, narcissistic. She went on the morning show circuit and kept bouncing her dog on her lap, jostling it roughly until it would growl, and she'd laugh maniacally. She was tormenting the dog to get it to growl and play the "ugly dog" role. She was NOT RIGHT in the head.

Very selfish woman.

I think this kind of contest is disgusting.

One of the entries from this year is openly from an 'Ugly Dog Pedigree': http://www.cbsnews.com/2300-207_162-10003943-6.html?tag=page

The fact people admit that they're breeding these animals on purpose to be hideous is sickening.

Wait. I read all of these comments about how bad it is to breed for ugliness at the peril of the animal. Umm, in modern times, isn't that the very definition of breeding; to combine certain males and females to ensure a certain appearance at the expense of health? Whether a person breeds for ugliness or the best breed at a given show, what's the difference? Oh, I forgot...one type of breeder is "responsible."

Your willful ignorance is dangerous and offensive. The fact that you refuse to admit or see that any breeders select for health and longevity is just sad, really. I am sure you see yourself as some champion of the under dog but you come off as extremely bigoted.

These animals are loved at least, but I totally agree with you on this subject, how in humane to breed for this purpose... what has become of the people that do this sort of thing for fun or profit. How in humane can one be I shall never forgive nor understand mans inhumanity towards man or beast... what a world we live in
stop this practice what is wrong with you people
neache mitakuye Oyasin

Hip Dysplasia, breathing problems, deafness, as well as other problems that are "part of the breed" aren't health problems as a result of inbreeding? Really??? And the health problems that people see in ugly dogs are bad but in well cloned breeds are ok? Really?? I am bigoted? Funny, I figured I was seeing the bad side of breeding for appearance REGARDLESS of what that appearance may be. I would say my view is anything but bigotted.

I have said it many times out here. I have no issue with a dog being bred for purpose, be that purpose a border collie, assistance dog, bird dog, hunting, etc. They are serving man, and I am ok with that. It's the nit wits that breed for appearance and call themselves "responsible", that go to these dog shows and judge based on what size head they have, hip bones high or low enough to meet some "standard" I have an issue with. And no, I don't see a difference at all between an ugly dog contest and Westminster. I simply don't.

Having a small dog rescue, I come across all forms of purebreds and mixes. Some, you can't help but laugh/or cringe at the combination that resulted from the animals running loose without spay and neuter. Congenital defects, horrible teeth, goofy ears...

A contest to celebrate a dogs' uniqueness should not have any monetary value to encourage people to exploit the animals' health.
Further, any animal that has any health problems that could be or have been addressed that has been entered in any contest should be punished by law. Severely. - and the dog rehomed!

Any dog entered should be entered in a database with the ASPCA if it has congenital defects and should be neutered/spayed to be eligible to participate.

Health and safety of our canine companions should be foremost and the celebrating their uniqueness is something that is fine as long as their health problems cannot be passed along to future generations and are being addressed to the fullest and are responsibly policed to avoid exploitation.

The picture of the Pug with the red bulging eye? That's awful. I had a dog with glaucoma, and I cannot imagine having forced him to live with that kind of pain, much less having taken him out and shown him off to highlight that painful eye. What is wrong with people?

Doc, I am so glad I stumbled across this article today. Anyone who has been unfortunate enough to find themselves in my immediate vicinity when one of those “contests” appeared on TV has gotten an earful of my ranting and raving. Unethical breeding, unethical BREEDS.. Let’s get serious.. a lot of the breeds out there no longer serve the purpose they were originally intended for. Who can justify breeding for brachysephaly? Dogs so large their joints can’t support them? Dog’s whose eyeballs tend to pop right out of their heads, or who can’t fit their tongues in their mouths?

This is gonna p*ss some people off..

IMO, there should be a rigorous test for anyone who considers themselves competent to make the decision to mate one animal with another. Every animal considered for breeding should be required to pass high-standard health exams, and be at least 2 years old. Suprelorin, if it’s legit, should be brought to the US as an alternative to gelding. Some form of contraception should be REQUIRED BY LAW for any domestic animal older than 2 years, not eligible for breeding. “Pure breeds” should be extensively re-evaluated for their purpose, be it companionship, hunting, herding, in consideration of their inherent, shall we say, “design flaws”. We wouldn’t be in this predicament if it weren’t for irresponsible breeding, overpopulation, and ignorant “breeders”… (and the consumers that support their twisted experiments.) But the sad truth is, we are, and something ought to be done about it. Not that I expect it will - on the contrary, it won’t – but that’s not enough to shut me up, if you haven’t noticed.

I’m not saying there are no responsible breeders, or great breeds. There are. A responsible breeder starts with the qualities they desire in a dog; health, temperament, appearance in that order. (Health and temperament are nearly of equal importance, to me.) And let me say, I am not against “designer breeds”. Mixed breeds tend to be heartier, as genetic recessive defects or diseases in one breed may be less common or nonexistent in the other. Of course, it’s all about making informed decisions. Inbreeding is invariably evil? I’m going to skirt around that subject this time, as what I have to say is bound to stir up some hostility.

There’s also the matter of responsible purchasers of dogs. Support a puppy mill by giving them your money, the puppy mill endures. Don’t alter your dog and let it mingle, you end up with puppies of suspect origin, AND you add to the overpopulation problem. Buy a dog without researching breed temperament and characteristics or considering your lifestyle, that cute little puppy may end up unmanageable and pound-bound before you know it. Don’t have time for a dog? Don’t get a dog. Can’t afford a dog? DON’T GET A DOG. Okay, maybe I’m getting a little off topic. But my point is. When ugly dogs are unhealthy dogs, and unhealthy dogs are trendy… we have to ask ourselves – is “dog lover” a description? Or a facade?

and Miss Ellie have both raised quite a bit of money for animal rescue.

Miss Ellie, of course, recently died at the tender young age of 17, having been in the care of heartless and exploitive owner for a mere ten years. Clearly, an unloved, neglected victim of soulless objectification and exploitation.

Elwood http://www.everyoneloveselwood.com/

Miss Ellie http://www.pawnation.com/2010/06/03/worlds-ugliest-dog-miss-ellie-dies-at-17/

Might Finn, I agree with every word you said. Let's requote the most important part...HEALTH IS #1. TEMPERAMENT #2 Appearance a distant third. Extra points for a review of purpose and if it's just so some "responsible breeder" can have a littler meet some standard established for the purpose of profit or vanity, screw it!

Wonderful post. Loved every word.

Mighty Finn, you did not p*ss me off (and I have no idea why you think your comments would offend anybody), but your niavety is outstanding.
If you ever leave the cloud cuckoo land you presently inhabit and arrive on the same planet as the rest of us please get in touch.
What novel thoughts - dogs should be health tested before breeding ! !! Why has nobody thought of this before ??
We have more than enough animal welfare laws being broken daily - good luck with complusory contraception.
And as far as the breeders (humans) having a 'rigorous test' ??
Although I do actually agree with you, it's unworkable. We have the PC monster of 'human rights' for a start; ("I can as I please and you can't stop me" attitude). Do you suggest imprisonmnet for owners of 'whoopsie' litters ?
Back to the contest;
If it's being abused (as obviously it is), all dogs should be vet checked before eligibility. If it's merely old, toothless and wrinkled then it's not unhealthy. If it's a medial issue then it's not eligible. I agree, laughing at a deformity is no different to the 'freak shows' of earlier times.

I can't imagine wanting to live in the kind of societal prison you advocate. Are you one of those people for whom 1984 was a fantasy novel (in the positive sense) as opposed to a horror story? Do you look back on Nazi laws of purity and who could or could not have kids with fond memories? Are you part of any eugenics societies, perhaps the ones who give money to female drug addicts to get themselves sterilized?

Just checking.

Most of these dogs aren't even ugly, they are just chinese crested, big deal. Why would anyone even think about entering a french bulldog - one of the most beautiful breeds in the world! Ok Pabst has some teeth issues but you can't go around putting braces on them.

I really don't think people would go around breeding ugly dogs to enter these contest. $1000.00 prize money hardley makes it worth the time and effort and it does raise money for animal shelters etc. Most of them are just by chance, if there are health issues they need to be taken care of (the dog with the bulging eye). Most ugly dog contests are just in fun, celebrate your ugly dog, I do!!

If you look at a dog and say yuck - there is a problem. If you look at a dog and laugh saying he's so ugly he's cute - well more power to him.

Well, what makes a dog? Does it have to be beautiful? Anyways, having an ugly dog contest might be unethical and cruel for most people, but it is not for me. Of course, the problem rises when the dogs are subjected to cruelty in order to make them look ugly is the real issue, since it is already animal cruelty. Let's think about the pros and cons before we start bitching people.

A deformed pit bull came into my life 7mths ago through my line of work. She exhibits many of the traits of an inbred dog. She is vet certified healthy and our greatest joy. I learned that these types of deformities created by inbreeding to achieve the perfect dog result in the "culling" or thinning out of a litter of puppies. Being Cuda is a pit bull, my goal is to have her win the next World's Ugliest Dog Contest- to promote education on over population and pit bull tolerance. Creating a designer ugly dog? No, I don't agree..but Cuda is here and we are lucky to have her!