For 50 years, the World’s Ugliest Dog® Contest has proven that pedigree doesn’t define a pet. This world-renowned show of pageantry and pride celebrates the imperfections that make all dogs special and unique.
During the contest, each pup and handler shows off their one-of-a-kind beauty to judges, the media, and fans. It’s a wonderful show of pageantry and pride! All dogs must provide veterinary paperwork confirming they’re healthy before arriving. We also conduct an on-site vet check just prior to the contest.
The World’s Ugliest Dog® Contest advocates for the adoration of all animals and the benefits of adoption. Attendees can connect with local animal rescue and adoption groups to learn more about the benefits of adopting and maybe even meet their new best friend. Many contestant dogs have been rescued from shelters or puppy mills, and found loving homes with families willing to adopt. Join us in raising awareness and support for pets still waiting for their forever homes!
The World’s Ugliest Dog® Contest isn’t about making fun of “ugly” dogs—it’s about celebrating wonderful characters and showing the world that these dogs are truly beautiful!
Special thanks to MUG® Root Beer for always rooting for the underdogs!
Jinny Lu was found in a wooden box in freezing weather in the mountains of South Korea, likely destined for the slaughterhouse. Jinny Lu has two wonderful rescue organizations to thank for her success story: Pug Rescue of Korea in Long Beach, CA and Pug Hotel – Senior Pug Sanctuary in Ukiah, CA.
Jinny Lu loves to snuggle with her foster siblings, stretch out in the sun, and greet visitors. While her Mom is preparing the pug dinners, Jinny Lu sneaks onto the kitchen chairs and very stealthily puts her amazing tongue into everyone’s food bowls to make sure all of the meals are just right!
When she isn’t volunteering or wreaking havoc on the dinner table, you’ll find Jinny Lu screaming at her reflection in the mirror.
Pinky is an albino dog with patchy fur, pink skin, and very large pink ears.
The question he hears from strangers at least once a month: “Is that a pig??”
For the record, Pinky is not a pig, goat, or rat—although he is named after a rat!
Before finding his home, Pinky had a severe case of mange while in a shelter.
The shelter successfully treated him, but some of his hair follicles never recovered, leaving behind his signature bald patches.
Because of his sensitive pink skin and sparse fur, Pinky needs sunscreen on bright days.
His owner, who is also sensitive to the sun, says that was actually one of the things that first drew them to Pinky.
Pinky has his own collection of sun-protection accessories, including a denim hat and pink sun shirt.
Given the choice, however, Pinky prefers to enjoy the outdoors as naked as possible.
His favorite hobbies include napping, begging for treats, and hunting for garbage during his daily walks.
Pinky also joins his owner on monthly hikes with foster dogs.
His favorite parts of hiking are scrambling up steep, rocky hills—and getting back to the car.
Otto has been described as looking like “a tiny committee of dogs”—with Chihuahua attitude, Min Pin sass, Poodle charm, and Boston Terrier expressions.
He was born with a double cleft lip and severe cleft palate, conditions that made his chances of surviving puppyhood very low.
Otto came into Pitiful Pups rescue in Bixby, Oklahoma, at just 10 days old.
Tiny and fragile, he had to be carefully tube-fed, with every ounce gained considered a victory.
His cleft palate extended from the front to the back of his mouth, making surgical repair extremely challenging.
Surgeons attempted to reconstruct his palate. The repair was only partially successful, but it helped give Otto a safer, healthier life.
In typical Otto fashion, he turned a “partial success” into a full victory and continues to thrive.
Otto became a proud “foster fail” when his foster family realized he wasn’t going anywhere.
His signature look includes huge, almost owl-like eyes, a split nose, asymmetrical lip, tiny visible teeth, and a wonderfully crooked zig-zag grin.
His family describes him not as “wrong,” but as “a limited edition.”
Otto is equal parts goofball and drama king—playful, sweet, mischievous, and packed with personality.
When Otto gets tired, his family says it’s “immediate attitude, zero tolerance, full tiny diva mode.”
One of his funniest quirks comes out when it’s time for a walk: put a harness and leash on him and Otto freezes like a tiny, confused statue.
His family says he has a face that looks like “it has lived ten lives and has opinions about all of them.”
Otto is competing for more than a title. He represents medically complex puppies, different-looking dogs, and every underdog who wasn’t expected to make it.
Perhaps the best description of Otto: “In a world full of cookie-cutter cute, Otto is architectural.”
Otto may not be conventionally beautiful—but he is one of one.
NBC News Correspondent
Gadi Schwartz is an NBC News Correspondent, co-host of Stay Tuned, NBC News’ daily news show on Snapchat’s Discover platform, as well as the anchor ofStay Tuned NOW, a new daily primetime program on NBC News NOW. Schwartz also hosted the limited series The Overview on Peacock.
Over the course of his career, Schwartz has received multiple industry awards, including five regional Emmy Awards and two Los Angeles Golden Mikes.
Senate President pro Tempore Emeritus
Mike McGuire was elected to the California State Senate in 2014, and re-elected in 2018 and again in 2022. He became the Majority Leader in 2022, and served as President pro Tempore of the Senate.
Mike is a third generation Northern Californian whose family farmed prunes and grapes in the Alexander Valley of Sonoma County for nearly a half century. Mike served on his local school board, city council, and board of supervisors before being elected to the Senate.
He represents the Second Senate District that stretches from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon border, and includes Del Norte, Trinity, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma, and Marin counties.
Mike, his wife Erika, an elementary school principal, along with their son Connor, call Sonoma County home with their lazy pug, Gertrude
Veteran Broadcaster & Former KZST Radio Personality
Debbie is a familiar voice and face throughout Sonoma County. She spent more than 34 years in radio broadcasting, including 30 years on the air at 100.1 KZST in Santa Rosa, where she wrote, reported, produced and anchored news and helped lead the KZST Morning Show.
Throughout her career, Debbie interviewed countless local movers and shakers, highlighted community events and fundraisers, and brought plenty of humor and personality to the airwaves. She has also served as an emcee and host for numerous local events and remains an active supporter of organizations making a positive difference in Sonoma County.
Debbie began her radio career in 1990 after attending UCLA and Cal State Northridge, earning degrees in English and Broadcast Journalism.
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder and at the internationally-renown World’s Ualiest Dog® Contest. we celebrate the imperfections that make all dogs special and unique.
For nearly 50 years, the World’s Ugliest Dog® Contest has been a testament that pedigree does not define a pet. Dogs or all breeds and sizes have warmed our hearts and filled our lives with unconditional love. Think your pup’s got what it takes? Enter today!
No. There is no entry fee to participate. Furthermore, each contestant dog and one designated handler will receive complimentary admission to the Sonoma County Fair on the day of the event.
All completed Contestant Entry Packets and Handler Packets must be submitted by Friday, July 17th, 2026, 5:00 p.m. PDT. Only email entries are accepted at [email protected]. Late or incomplete submissions may not be accepted.
Your emailed entry must include all of the following:
Yes — you may change your handler up until the entry deadline of Friday, July 17th, 2026, 5:00 p.m. PDT. The replacement handler must submit a new Handler Form & Waiver by that same deadline. No handler changes are allowed after the deadline or on contest day.
The contest takes place Friday, August 14th, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. PDT at the Sonoma County Fair (running August 7th – 16th, 2026) in Santa Rosa, CA.
Important Times:
Note: Late arrivals may be denied participation at management’s discretion.
Each contestant dog and their designated handler receive free admission to the Sonoma County Fair on contest day (Friday, August 14th, 2026). All other family, friends, or guests must purchase their own fair admission tickets.
Whoever accompanies the dog on contest day — the owner or the designated handler — must bring:
Note: Digital photos or images on a phone/tablet will not be accepted at check-in.
Prizes by place:
All awards (monetary and trophies) are awarded solely to the registered owner of the dog as listed on the Contestant Entry Form. If a designated handler presents the dog on stage, that handler is not entitled to prize money or trophies.
Note: No cash or checks are distributed on-site at the event. Prize money is issued via check and mailed to the registered owner after the conclusion of the event, provided a completed IRS Form W-9 is on file with the Entry Office.
While the Association strongly encourages all winners to take their trophies home on-site or arrange for a guest to do so, we can facilitate shipping via UPS. Please be advised that trophies are shipped fully assembled in oversized, professional packaging. The registered owner is solely responsible for all associated costs, which have historically ranged from $150 to well over $500, depending on the destination. To initiate this process, the owner must provide the Entry Office with their credit card information and a confirmed shipping address on the night of the event. The Association assumes no liability for the trophy once it is in the possession of the carrier.
NBC® covers travel expenses for the winning dog and the Handler-of-Record. The winning dog must travel with the same handler who presented the dog on stage. If the winner declines to participate, they keep the cash prize but forfeit the travel portion of the award.
For help with fillable forms, saving, or emailing your packet, contact the Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association Entry Office directly. Please do not contact the general Sonoma County Fairgrounds office for contest-specific questions, as they do not manage the contestant database or travel logistics.
