Meet Scooter, Winner of the World's Ugliest Dog Contest

Scoot over, conventional beauty. Everyone’s falling in love with the world’s “ugliest” dog.

At Figo, we believe that all pets deserve to be seen just as they are, and we’re head over heels for 2023’s “ugliest” dog winner.

The World's Ugliest Dog Contest is an annual competition held in Petaluma, California, where the world's most aesthetically challenged canines compete for the title of the ugliest dog. Since the ‘70s, thousands have gathered to see which pups will win the contest’s trophy and prize money. In 2023, the competition was won by a seven-year-old Chinese crested named Scooter.

There might be a competitive edge with this breed, considering Chinese Cresteds have won the contest many times since then, including 2002-2005, 2007-2009, 2011-2012, 2015-2016, 2018, and last year, in 2022.

Scooter, who was rescued by a volunteer from the Saving Animals From Euthanasia (SAFE) group, suffered from a condition that caused his hind legs to face backward. Scooter can balance on his two front legs — when he’s not rolling through the park with his new mobility cart.

Most of his body is bald. His tongue adorably hangs out of his mouth, too. Despite his appearance, Scooter has a vibrant personality that won the hearts of judges and audiences around the world.

The contest judges praised Scooter's unique appearance and ability to overcome his physical challenges.

One judge told The New York Times: "In the cutest way possible, he kind of reminds me of a hairy hippopotamus."

Scooter's owner, Sarah, said she was proud of her dog’s win, adding, “Despite the challenges he has faced with his deformed hind legs, Scooter has defied all odds and shown us the true meaning of resilience and determination.”

Scooter's win in the 2023 World's Ugliest Dog Contest was a testament to the power of love and acceptance. His story inspires us all, showing that beauty comes in many forms and that every living being deserves love and respect, regardless of appearance. After all, true beauty lies in the heart of the pet lover.

Dylan M. Austin is Independence Pet Group’s highly caffeinated Sr. Content Writer, supporting Figo Pet Insurance, Pets Plus Us, and PetPartners. Based in Seattle, he's usually hanging out with his Chihuahua Terrier mix, Will, and tending to an increasingly excessive houseplant collection.

Sources
World’s Ugliest Dog Winner Is Crowned | The New York Times
World's Ugliest Dog ® ADVOCATE ADOPT ADORE | Sonoma-Marin Fair