Who's an ugly little Rascal then?

9 March 2010, 9:46

A pure bred Chinese Crested named Rascal has taken top prize in the annual Ugly Dog Contest in California.

Rascal's proud owner Dane Andrew insisted: "I think he's the most handsome dog I've ever seen.

"People just say, 'Your dog is ugly'. So we just go with it and have fun with it. He's the best at what he does, I guess. He's ugly."

Rascal outdid four other unfortunate pooches, including last year's winner, Chomper, who took third place.

The contest is organised by the Del Mar Kiwanis Club in San Diego county to raise money for animal charities.

Show producer Sheila McDonnell said: "I know dogs aren't ugly, though some kind of are but they are so loved by their owners that it doesn't matter."

She said the event had raised about $10,000: "It was standing room only," she said. "We had a 20,000 sq ft building and we took up every darn inch."

http://web.orange.co.uk/article/quirkies/rascal_wins_ugly_dog_contest