Ugly Dog Day

June 20th may very well be both the cutest and homeliest pet holiday on the calendar: it’s Ugly Dog Day! We definitely have a soft spot for the underdogs, the funny-looking pups that most people shy away from. Of course, that doesn’t stop us from chuckling at them. A Parkland, FL vet discusses Ugly Dog Day below.

A Historical Event

Ugly Dog Day began in the 1970’s as a fundraiser for a group called the Old Adobe Association. It started as a pet parade, and, well, we’re not exactly sure what happened there, other than that the original plan went to the dogs. The puparazzi soon got wind of the event, and a phenomenon was born. Ugly Dog Day has only grown more popular over time. 

The Winner

Ugly Dog Contests have gone worldwide. The UK has already had theirs for the year. The winner? Peggy, a Chinese Crested mix with a face only a mother could love. (We’re not saying that Peggy resembles one of Jim Henson’s more frightening puppets, but we’re not not saying that either.)

Crowd Favorites

Peggy isn’t the first Chinese Crested to win the trophy. The breed tends to clean house when it comes to Ugly Dog contests. Ironically, this pooch comes in two models. One is actually quite fluffy and pretty. The other? Not so much. The Ugly Dog Champion variety often resembles a wrinkled, purple onion with patchy tufts of coarse fur. A few fun facts about the breed? They’re quite smart and active, and are even used as therapy dogs. (Note: We’re not sure what kind of therapy this involves. It may be a form of shock therapy.)

Jokes aside, the Chinese crested is a very loving and playful pup, with a heart of gold. At the end of the day, that’s really what matters!

Last Year’s Winner

While you’re waiting to find out who this year’s champion will be, take a look at last year’s winner. First place went to Mr. Happy Face, a 17-year-old hairless Chinese crested-Chihuahua mix who was adopted from a shelter after being rescued from a hoarder. Although his owner was told Mr. Happy Face probably wouldn’t live long, the pup is still thriving. Now that’s something worth celebrating!

Do you have an ugly dog? As your Parkland, FL animal clinic, we care deeply about all of our patients … even the homely ones!