By: Pei-Yu Tsai
The world’s ugliest dog has arrived! Meet Scooter, a hairless black dog who cheekily stuck out his tongue while posing for a photograph, held in the arms of his smiling owner, Linda Elmquist of Tucson, Arizona.
As reported by NFK, the 2023 World’s Ugliest Dog competition took place successfully in Petaluma, California, on June 23. Scooter, a seven-year-old Chinese Crested dog, won first place. This instantly catapulted the once unknown dog into the national spotlight, and it earned his owner the top prize of $1,500 and a trophy.
So, what special features earned Scooter, this small black-skinned dog, the title of the world’s ugliest dog? He has a hairless body, with only sparse white hair on his forehead across his face, and his tongue is always dropping out of mouth in photos. Additionally, he was born with his hind legs turned backward abnormally that makes it difficult for him to walk. One of the judges in the contest even described Scooter like ‘hairy hippopotamus’.
Despite his disabled rear limbs and various flaws in his appearance, like any other dogs, he brings warmth to the world. According to Linda, Scooter “has no idea that he is any different from any other dog”. When walking on his two front legs, he remains a loving pup happy to see “any outstretched hand.”
Based on Scooter’s biography, once, he was almost euthanized. Thankfully, a volunteer rescued this disabled puppy and found him a new owner. Recently, he was given a cart with wheels to assist him in normal activities.
The World’s Ugliest Dog contest has been held for about 50 years. It is an annual event as part of the Sonoma-Marin fair in Petaluma, California. The organizers try to promote the importance of animal adoption. Contrary to how it seems, the program does not aim to ridicule the supposed ‘ugly’ animals. Look at how proud the winner is when displaying her “ugly” dog, representing how this competition celebrates the uniqueness of every life.
The contest’s website reads, “The annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest is not about making fun of “ugly” dogs, but having fun with some wonderful characters and showing the world that these dogs are really beautiful!”
This competition inspires owners to embrace the diversity of their loving pets, rather than focusing on selecting purebred or visually appealing ones. Just look at these “ugly” dogs participating in the contest; aren’t they worth celebrating and cherishing too?
Resources:
www.npr.org
www.theguardian.com
www.nytimes.com
www.today.com