Chinese crested-Chihuahua mix deemed 'ugliest dog'
Yoda's short tufts of hair, protruding tongue, and long, seemingly hairless legs were enough to earn it the World's Ugliest Dog title at a Northern California fair.
Posted — UpdatedThe 14-year-old Chinese crested and Chihuahua mix won the honor Friday night at the 23rd annual contest at the Sonoma Marin Fair.
Owner Terry Schumacher of Hanford, California, says the 2-pound (900-gram) dog has come a long way since she was found abandoned behind an apartment building. Schumacher says she first thought the pooch was a rat.
Yoda's distinction comes a year after a one-eyed Chihuahua named Princess Abby claimed victory. A pedigree Chinese crested won in 2008 and another Chinese crested and Chihuahua mix was the ugliest in 2007.
In past years, the winner's owner has received a $1,000 check.
Yoda bested entrants including 2-year-old Cuda, a genetically deformed, yet healthy, pit bull from Durham. Her back legs are weak and shorter than her front legs. She also has a curved spine and a severe underbite.
Cuda received the second most online votes with more 7,000, but those votes were not used in calculating the winner.
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