Meet Peanut: The World's Ugliest Dog

And at the front of the pack is the grim-visaged Peanut, who recently took home the title of World’s Ugliest Dog.

THE CONTEST

Now in its 26th year, the Worlds Ugliest Dog contest is not just some dog and pony show (although it is a dog show…).  It is a serious competition where the ugliest dogs from across the globe come to take a shot at the title.

Before the show, all the dogs are examined by vets to make sure that their unique looks are naturally cultivated and not the result of some kind of condition. Odd though it may be, this is one competition in which a bad case of mange or a bulbous tumor could actually be seen as a leg up.

Once vetted, there is a panel of three judges grade the entrants on various characteristics, such as special or unusual attributes, their overall personality, and “natural ugliness.” After the voting process, a winner is selected to bear the title of "World's Ugliest Dog."

This year, that honor went to Peanut.

PEANUT’S STORY

A two-year old shih-tzu chihuahua cross, Peanut did not always have such unfortunate looks.

He became disfigured as a puppy after suffering a serious burn. As it happens, many of the entrants in this pageant have a similar back story -- the victims of abuse or burning to the point of disfigurement.

As for Peanut, his injuries resulted in his trademark deformed eyelids, patchy fur, and toothy grin.

However, in an unlikely turn of events, it is those selfsame injuries that earned Peanut a blue ribbon, $1,500, and international acclaim.

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