Not all dogs have to be cute to win an award. Just ask Martha, the newest winner of the World’s Ugliest Dog contest.
The 125-pound Neapolitan mastiff walked away with the highest honor at the Sonoma-Marin Fair. The 3-year-old dog wowed the judges with her drooling, flappy skin, and layers of wrinkles.
“She’s a 125-pound, drooling, snoring, gassy, loud and silly girl,” Martha’s handler, Shirley Dawn Zindler told Inside Edition. “She knocks over every water bucket no matter how securely attached to the fence. She bosses the other dogs around and makes sure all guests are suitably slimed on arrival.”
However, Martha was not impressed with the $1,500 prize and 5-foot trophy. The droopy dog snored and did not move a muscle when she was announced as the winner.
While the competition may seem to mock the ugliness of the dogs, the organizers see it as an opportunity to highlight their unique qualities. 14 dogs competed for the highest honor with the hopes of raising awareness for dog adoption. Many of the dogs in the competition have been rescued from shelters.
“We’re proud to celebrate all dogs and pets by showing that no matter their imperfections, they are adoptable, lovable and a great addition to any family,” Erin Post, CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Fair, said to NPR.
Moe, a Griffon-pug mix from Santa Rosa, California took second place in the World’s Ugliest Dog contest. Chase, a Chinese Crested dog, took third.
Learn more about the dogs who participated here.
