Quasi Modo, a Pitbull-Dutch shepherd mix wins this year's World's Ugliest Dog in the contest held on Friday.
CNN reports the 10-year-old mixed breed commonly mistaken as a hyena of Tasmanian devil bested 26 other underdogs at the dog show at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California.
"We aren't interested in lineage, it's the inner beauty and personality that shine in our World's Ugliest Dog contest," said Sonoma-Marin Fair's marketing director, Karen Spencer said in the event's press release.
Quasi Modo won a check worth $1,500 for its owner, a veterinarian from Loxahatchee, Florida, who found the dog with spine defects in an animal shelter.
Quasi Modo crowned the world's ugliest dog: https://t.co/PYzDyVUUyw The champion is LIVE in studio this morning! pic.twitter.com/5h15C5TrE3
— Good Morning America (@GMA) June 29, 2015
"I have become a great ambassador for teaching people about acceptance and tolerance for things that are different. You should never judge a book by its cover! Just because an animal or person looks different doesn't mean they're any less deserving of love. It's OK to be different," according to Quasi Modo's bio on the event's website.
First runner-up spot went to a Chinese-crested Chihuahua, Sweepe Rambo, who has lots of freckles and a blonde mohawk. A 12-year-old hairless dog of the same breed, Frodo won second runner-up. The runners-up also received cash and gift prizes from Paradise Pet Resort.
8-year-old Chihuahua, Precious received the Spirit Award for living her "life with purpose and love."
"My mom is a disabled veteran and gives of her time volunteering also. She says there is no 'I' in team, we believe in team spirit and teamwork," according to the bio of the compassionate dog with eye impairment. "She and I love to help others who are down and out no matter what the cause or economic status."
More than 500 spectators witnessed and cheered for their bets at the annual World's Ugliest Dog contest. This dog-friendly event aims to encourage dog lovers to adopt orphan dogs in animal shelters despite of their irregular physical appearances.
