Ledger Pop Journal - Celebrity News & Sports

The ugly dog winner is a Rascal! On the heels of the Academy Awards in Los Angeles, just down the coast, Rascal, a seven-year-old African sand dog, won the title at the 15th annual ugly dog contest in Del Mar, California. Other categories in this weekend's show, there were contests for cutest dog, most unusual, and best costume for the four legged friends.

Previous Ugly Dog Winner Elwood.

San Diego Dogs Examiner writer Katerina Lorenzatos Makris notes in a report that the Del Mar Kiwanis Club, the founders and organizers of the 15-year-old event, give prizes to the dogs and their owners, and the proceeds from the party go to animals in need.


The total tally for this year's charitable gift is still being counted up by organizers. However, the Examiner report notes: "last year's Ugly Dog fest raised about $10,000 from ticket sales, entry fees, and donations."

Photos and more here. "I know dogs aren't ugly, though some kind of are," said show producer and Del Mar Kiwanis member Sheila McDonnell in a telephone interview, noted in the report, "but they are so loved by their owners that it doesn't matter."

(Image: WENN)