Quasi Modo Wins World’s Ugliest Dog Competition

Quasi Modo, a 10-year-old Pit and Dutch Shepherd mixed-breed dog, won first place at the World’s Ugliest Dog Competition on Friday June 26, in Petaluma, Calif. The short-spined mutt named after the fictional character of the novel “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame,” was victorious against a group of 26 other canine competitors.

QUASI MODO EARNS WORLD’S UGLIEST DOG TITLE

More than 500 spectators attended the competition, and watched as the Florida-native dog, who somewhat resembles a hyena, was awarded the grand prize. Chief judge Brian Sobel said that Quasi was elected because she “epitomized excellence in ugliness.”

The dogs were scored on first impression, unusual attributes, personality, audience impression and natural ugliness—which couldn’t be altered by their owners for purposes of the competition. Because many of the contestants were rescued from shelters and puppy mills, the contest has done a lot to raise awareness for adoption of dogs regardless of their physical imperfections. Quasi was adopted by Veterinarian Virginia Sayre and her husband, Mike Carroll, from Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control about nine years ago

“People who love dogs get her, but I’ve had grown men jump on top of a truck to get away from her. They don’t know what to make of her,” Sayre told the Palm Beach Post. Quasi has become a success story for Animal Care and Control, and the sweet mutt and her owner regularly attend charity events to raise awareness for all types of dogs.

Sayre will take home a check for $1500 and smaller cash prizes and gifts from Paradise Pet Resort were awarded to the runners up winners. Quasi will soon be starting a media tour in San Francisco and New York, followed by a makeover on Jimmy Kimmel Live.