WORLD’S UGLIEST DOG CONTEST BREAKS THE TRADITION Upstart Boxer Mutt with Underbite Steals Show
Copyright Grace Chon/Shine
Pet Photos.
Copyright Grace Chon/Shine
Pet Photos.
Photo by Scott Hess
June 26, 2009 (Petaluma, CA) – As the crowd chanted “Pabst, Pabst,” the
celebrity judges deliberated between the so-named boxer-mix shelter dog and
Rascal, a former world champion Chinese Crested to determine who would be
the 2009 World’s Ugliest Dog Champion tonight at the Sonoma-Marin Fair.
First timer Miles Egstad from Citrus Heights, California was stunned at
Pabst’s win. “ I don’t think he’s that ugly!” he said of his boxer mix whose
under bite was his most compelling physical feature. His sweet personality
made him an audience favorite.
The Chinese Crested breed has dominated the contest for more than seven
years and in this year’s contest represented more than 50% of the 2009
entries in the pedigree class. But Pabst, who was given his name because he
had a “ bitter beer face”, according to his owner quickly won the crowd and
the judges soon followed. Egstad, 25, first saw the contest on television
and his friends urged him to enter his dog.
Egstad won $1,600 from the Sonoma-Marin Fair for sweeping all three rounds
($100 for mutt class, $500 for runoff with the pedigree class winner, and
$1,000 for World’s Ugliest Dog). This year sponsor House Of Dog upped the
ante with another $1,000 in prize money, a table of “bling” that included
collars, leashes, and bowls plus a year-round modeling contract that Pabst
signed with his paw. Event Photographer Grace Chon included a professional
photo shoot.
Pabst was a rescue dog adopted by Egstad three years ago. It was the first
time a “mutt” has won the contest in more than seven years. Halligan who is
a vet, performed the screening for contestants to make sure all the animals
were healthy. Contestants this year had to provide veterinarian releases
documenting the health of their dogs. As Judge and Fair Board Member Brian
Sobel says, “We were looking for dogs who were naturally ugly.” And Pabst
was.
The hoopla surrounding the contest included celebrity judges Karen “Doc”
Halligan known for her television roles in Groomer Has It, Dog Tales, Animal
Rescue 911 and Dogs 101. Dogs 101 shot the show for airing on the Animal
Planet network this fall. Halligan was joined by Jon Provost known for
playing the part of Timmy on Lassie. Brian Sobel, a Sonoma-Marin Fair board
member, sat in the third judge’s seat. The local humane society was present
with its adoption wagon. The fair also staged an Ugly is the New Beautiful
Fashion Show with rescue dogs and models.
The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest is in its 21st year and has been trademarked
by the Sonoma-Marin Fair.
(left to right) Jon Provost, Dane Andrew (owner of Rascal), Karen "Doc" Halligan, Miles
Egstad and Pabst (winners), Brian Sobel and in back Brent Farris, emcee and
Shannon Miller of House Of Dog.
New Celebrity Judge! Karen "Doc" Halligan, DVM is a celebrity, author and renowned veterinarian and now a judge at the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest. Committed to animal welfare and pet-owner education, she has appeared on Animal Rescue 911, Dog Tales, Groomer Has it, Dogs 101, and Cats 101 and is currently developing her own syndicated show. She will sign her book Doc Halligan’s What Every Pet Owner Should Know: Prescriptions for Happy, Healthy Cats and Dogs from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m..
Local celebrity judge! Jon Provost, who played Timmy in Lassie will serve as
a judge in the 2009 contest as well. He will join Halligan in the autograph
session, signing his book Timmy in the Well. The check shirt and jeans Jon Provost wore for seven years as Timmy on Lassie hang in The Smithsonian next to Archie Bunker’s chair. Lassie continues to air in more than 50 countries and Jon receives letters and emails from fans of all ages, worldwide. These days he has a different story to tell.
Recently Jon celebrated his 50th anniversary as Timmy with the release of his autobiography, Timmy’s in the Well, 2nd printing this summer; and he’s hard at work on his next -- a cookbook called Timmy’s in the Kitchen. Naturally, he’s always remained involved with dogs. Known as a humanitarian and expert on dogs, Jon writes regularly for the dog-lovers magazine Fido Friendly. Closest to his heart is Canine Companions for Independence, an organization that provides extraordinary service dogs to the handicapped. He has served on its NW Board of Directors for more than 20 years.
In January, ’09, he made his animated debut as the voice of a reindeer in a children’s series. Seems you can teach an old dog new tricks. In another first, Jon will direct an animated children’s story about a dog – not a collie, but Toodles the Pink Poodle later this year.
And in addition to being a sought-after celebrity guest on TV and radio, Jon makes regular appearances at fundraisers, pet expos, kennel clubs, trade shows, speaker’s engagements and other entertainment-industry events throughout the year.
He lives in Sonoma County with his wife, Hollywood writer, Laurie Jacobson and their recently rescued pooch, Buddy. Of his many accomplishments, Jon is most proud of his children, Ryan, 25, and Katie, 23.
The third judge position will be filled by Brian Sobel, Fair Board Member
who as served as judge for the last several years.
Fairgoers are invited to witness the Vet Checks conducted by Doc Halligan at
4 p.m. The traditional red carpet dog walk will take place at 5 p.m. Models
from the Ugly is the New Beautiful Fashion Show will be on hand as well.
Animal Planet will have a booth and give away special dog tags. YouTube
videos featuring fairgoers and the ugly dogs will be produced and aired on
the fair’s website www.sonoma-marinfair.org and on its YouTube site
www.youtube.com/sonomamarinfair.
Ugly is the New Beautiful Fashion Show
And while the judges are in their final deliberations, dogs will participate in a doggie fashion show demonstrating that ugly is the new beautiful. Watch as canines pair with models to demonstrate the newest dog fashions!
PLUS! This year’s winner also receives a modeling contract from House Of Dog with another bonus check for $1,000!
This is in addition to the $1,000 prize money and trophy awarded by the Sonoma-Marin Fair! But wait, there’s more:
A prize package of collars, leashes, bowls, toys and a carrier, all courtesy of House Of Dog.
A professional photo shoot with the Official World’s Ugliest Dog Event Photographer Grace Chon of Shine Pet Photos.
House Of Dog offers innovative design, supreme quality and sophisticated styling. Always 100% cruelty-free, they use the finest faux materials and handset Czech crystals. Skilled artistry, and dedication to detail go into creating each of their trademark products, guaranteeing impeccable quality. House Of Dog is a celebrity favorite, in both movies and television. Elegance and exceptional beauty make House Of Dog the ultimate in canine couture. www.HouseOfDog.com
Regarding, House Of Dog outfitting the winner with a prize package of collars, leashes, bowls, toys and a carrier, says CEO Shannon Miller, “We think the World’s Ugliest Dog should own the prettiest accessories in the world!”
Please enjoy the videos from past World's Ugliest Dog Contests
and as well as the now famous contestants!
Sonoma-Marin Fair • 4th District Agricultural Association 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma, CA 94952
voice: 707 283-3247 • fax: 707 283-3250 • email: info@sonoma-marinfair.org
The Fair Office is open weekdays, year-round from 8 am to Noon and from 1 to 5 pm
Sonoma-Marin Fair Television
Network and Virtual Fair
New Celebrity Judge! Karen "Doc" Halligan, DVM is a celebrity, author and renowned veterinarian and now a judge at the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest. Committed to animal welfare and pet-owner education, she has appeared on Animal Rescue 911, Dog Tales, Groomer Has it, Dogs 101, and Cats 101 and is currently developing her own syndicated show. She will sign her book Doc Halligan’s What Every Pet Owner Should Know: Prescriptions for Happy, Healthy Cats and Dogs from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m..
This is in addition to the $1,000 prize money and trophy awarded by the Sonoma-Marin Fair! But wait, there’s more:
