Quasi Modo, a pit bull-Dutch shepherd mix who was born with multiple birth defects, was named the most unattractive pooch Friday at the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest at California’s Sonoma-Marin Fair.
"My appearance can be a little unsettling to some (I have had grown men jump on top of their cars to get away from me because they thought I was a hyena or Tasmanian devil) but once they get to know me I win them over with my
bubbly personality,” Quasi Modo’s biography reads, according to CNN.
The 10-year-old dog was born with defects that shortened her spine, giving her a hunchback appearance. Quasi Modo beat out 27 other ugly dogs because she best demonstrated “excellence in ugliness,” CNN noted. The dog’s unsightly appearance landed her a media tour and a makeover on
"Jimmy Kimmel Live" plus $1,500 for her owners, according to E! Online.
The three-judge panel scored the contending pups on first impressions, unusual attributes, natural ugliness, personality, and audience impression. The competition strives to encourage people to adopt animals in shelters regardless of their appearance.
"We aren't interested in lineage, it's the inner beauty and personality that shine in our World's Ugliest Dog contest," Karen Spencer, Sonoma-Marin Fair marketing director, told CNN.
"I have become a great ambassador for teaching people about acceptance and tolerance for things that are different. You should never judge a book by its cover! Just because an animal or person looks different doesn't mean they're any less deserving of love,” Quasi Modo’s competition biography reads, according to CNN.
A veterinarian adopted Quasi Modo from a shelter and initially brought her to the World’s Ugliest Dog competition in 2014 while they were on their honeymoon.
Precious, a Californian Chihuahua with eye and vision problems, won the competition’s Spirit Award. Judges praised the 8-year-old pup for visiting disabled veterans.
"My mom is a disabled veteran and gives of her time volunteering also. She says there is no 'I' in team, we believe in team spirit and teamwork. She and I love to help others who are down and out no matter what the cause or economic status," Precious' bio reads.