Mugly Is 'World's Ugliest Dog'

A Chinese crested's short snout, beady eyes, and white whiskers earned it the title of World's Ugliest Dog at the annual contest in Northern California yesterday. Competing for fame, $1,000, and a year's worth of dog cookies, Mugly won the honor by beating out 28 other ugly dogs from around the world. The 8-year-old rescue dog from the UK will also be invited for a photo shoot and will receive a VIP stay at the local Sheraton.

"I couldn't speak when they announced Mugly's name," says owner Bev Nicholson. "I was shaking as much as the dog." It's not the first time Mugly has been recognized for his unattractiveness. Nicholson says he was named Britain's ugliest dog in 2005. Organizers say the competing dogs are judged for what they term their "natural ugliness in both pedigree and mutt classes." Mugly's victory was the latest for a Chinese crested. Last year's winner, Yoda, was a Chinese crested and Chihuahua mix. (More world's ugliest dog stories.)