SAN FRANCISCO, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The 2018 World's Ugliest Dog title goes to ... Zsa Zsa, the English bulldog, announced the World's Ugliest Dog contest held in the San Francisco Bay Area on Saturday.
Despite her underbite, wrinkled face, muscular figure and a lolling tongue almost touching the ground, 9-year-old Zsa Zsa charmed her way into judges' hearts.
"It was a very difficult decision, we loved all of the dogs. It was a huge responsibility and we are just so happy for Zsa Zsa," said Jo Ling Kent, NBC News correspondent and contest judge, in a press release.
After spending five years in a puppy mill in Missouri, Zsa Zsa was put up for auction and purchased by a rescue group. She was later adopted by Megan Brainard of Anoka, Minnesota.
Besides her title, Zsa Zsa was awarded 1,500 U.S. dollars in prize money and a trophy, and will be flown to New York for media appearances.
The contest is an innovative way to raise people's awareness and support for dogs with injuries and deformities, many of whom have been rescued from shelters and puppy mills and are in desperate need of a loving home.
"The pedigree does not define the pet," the contest organizers said. "Dogs of all breeds and sizes have warmed our hearts and filled our lives with unconditional love."
