21st Annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest Seeks New Entries, New Breeds

The 21st annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest is now open for entries. Contest producers are seeking breeds and mutts from around the world for the June 26, 2009 contest. Applicants are invited to go to www.sonoma-marinfair.org to learn more about the contest or the online voting gallery.

Petaluma, CA (PRWEB) April 15, 2009 -- The 21st World's Ugliest Dog Contest is looking for well loved mugs from mutts and pedigree dogs for its renowned contest in June 2009.

The contest occurs on Friday, June 26 at 6 p.m. during the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California. Entry forms can be downloaded at www.sonoma-marinfair.org or requested by calling 707-283-3247 (FAIR).

The 2009 World Champion will take home $1,000 in prize money along with a trophy and bragging rights. Past winners have had their photos on nearly every newspaper in America (and many overseas as well) and are featured guests (with their owners) on talk shows. Adding to the bid for stardom, contestants will be featured on Animal Planet as the popular show returns to film the contest for the third year.

Unfortunately, last year's winner, Gus, a Chinese Crested who pulled on the heartstrings of judges because of his fight with cancer, has passed. Only past winners Rascal and Elwood will be defending their title in 2009 making the battle for the World's Ugliest Dog wide open. The contest has been dominated by the Chinese Crested breed over the past several years and the Fair is actively recruiting more breeds to participate.

Prize money of $500 and a trophy will be awarded to the Ugliest Dog of 2009 which qualifies the dog to compete for the World title. Prizes of $100 go to the finalists in the Pedigree and Mutt classes. All dogs must enter a prequalifying round to ensure they are truly ugly before they take the stage. New this year, all dogs must have certification from their vet showing they are healthy.

If dog-lovers can't make the contest, but think their dog is worthy of recognition, they are invited to enter him or her in the hugely popular World's Ugliest Dog Voting Gallery (www.sonoma-marinfair.org) where contestant photos and descriptions will be posted soon.

Attending the World's Ugliest Dog Contest is included in the price of admission to the fair as are the carnival, concerts, and other entertainment. The Sonoma-Marin Fair runs June 24 through 28 and offers $15 admission for adults, $10 for 4 to 12 year olds and 3 and under are free. Seniors 65 and over pay $8. Look for fair and contest updates online at www.sonoma-marinfair.org or call 707-283-3247 (FAIR).

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