World's Ugliest Dog Contest

There was shampoo, backcombing and enough diva antics to scare the steeliest of postmen but as beauty pageants go not every canine would have been quite so happy to participate.

But for those who did take part in the World's Ugliest Dog Competition at Sonoma-Marin Fair in California it was a question of ugly being the new beautiful.

In the dog-eat-dog, claw-biting contest a truly 'unique' looking creature beat off other hideous hounds to claim the crown for being the world's ugliest pedigree dog.

Ugly mutt: Miss Ellie competes in the World's Ugliest Dog Contest

Ready for my close-up: Miss Ellie, officially the world's ugliest pedigree dog

Miss Ellie, a pure breed Chinese crested hairless from Tennessee, is reported to be around 15 years old, has only a couple of back teeth, cataracts in both her eyes, several moles and pimples and limited hair - with such credentials the other mutts surely could not have stood a chance.

And like every good beauty queen Miss Ellie also had a heartfelt message for her adoring fans. According to her owner come spokesperson, Dawn Goehring, Miss Ellie really hopes to be a 'spokesmodel for rescue dogs of the 'not so cute' kind''.

'Her dream is to travel around to prove that ugly is just a word, and says nothing about how wonderful she is,' she said.

Triumph: Miss Ellie's owner Dawn Goehring on hearing the news her diamond dog had won

Ellie has come a long way from being kept in a kennel area for much of her life with an owner that saw no purpose for her.

When she was rescued she knew no commands and was not house trained but now rules the roost among her other rescue pals and even attended her owner's wedding in rival white dress and veil.

'Miss Ellie hopes that people get the message that there are plenty of wonderful rescue dogs out there just waiting for a chance,' added her proud owner.

Are you looking at me? Pabst the boxer was the surprise overall winner of the competition

As well as winning a modeling contract from House Of Dog lucky Ellie will also pick up a cheque for $1,000, a trophy to put in her kennel and even a professional photo shoot.

But Miss Ellie is a positive beauty compared to the mutt who beat her to overall first place as the ugliest dog in the world – Pabst, a four-year-old boxer mix with a lopsided toothy grimace.

As well as the glory, Pabst received £1,000 in cash, a year-long modelling contract, a prize package of collars, leads, bowls and toys, and a professional photoshoot.

Surprise winner: Miles Egstad receives his trophy with pet dog Pabst, a boxer mix, after becoming the overall the 21st Annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest

Owner Miles Egstad said Pabst was rescued from an animal shelter as a puppy and named after an American beer for his ‘bitter beer face’.

The dog has a 2in underbite, a large scar from a burn on his stomach and nails which grow in odd directions, according to Mr Egstad.

The annual contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair has been held since 1976.
Pabst’s victory was an upset – the first place usually goes to a Chinese crested.