The pretty ones get all the glory.

Except for on Friday -- when the not-so-pretty ones gather for the World's Ugliest Dog Contest in Californial.

This year experts predict the Chinese Cresteds. a sort of unfortunate breed that seems to have a tight hold on this contest, may get a run for their bedraggled money. A boxer, shepherd, Shar Pei, Chinese Pug, and some mutts are all vying for the title.

Of the 15 contestants, only four participated the previous year. The only returning champion is Rascal, a 7-pound purebred Chinese Crested from Sunnyvale who won the World's Ugliest bragging rights in 2002.

Since winning his title, Rascal has gone on to become a movie star, appearing in a number of horror movies. Naturally and completely hairless except for his Mohawk and a little hair on his tail and feet, he sports dog warts and freckles and no teeth, which gives his face a crooked look. He has appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The View.

Contestants this year must provide veterinarian releases documenting the health of their dogs. As Judge and Fair Board Member Brian Sobel says, "We are looking for dogs who are naturally ugly."

Besides the infamy that comes with the title, the winning dog trots away with $1,000 and, believe it or not, a modeling contract.

Animal Planet will return for the third year to film the show for a Dogs 101 segment.


Poor little Gus took last year's title for World's Ugliest Dog. Getty Images.