Ugliest Dog Day

A Celebration of Specialness and Imperfection

Ugly Dog Day is truly that time of the year, on the third Friday in June, to celebrate all the dogs—that is, maybe not good-looking ones, but champions in their own right. They maybe lead the line for contenders for the “Ugliest Dog in the World” or indeed rank among the “Top 25 Ugliest Dogs,” but these dogs are loved and appreciated for that very charm and character which radiate from their persona, as opposed to their actual looks.

It’s the day to accept the beauty of dogs in their alternate forms and diversities, of every appearance, shape, and size. There is a certain lovable quality in it, beyond the odd looks; there is a loveable quality to each of these dogs. From the funny, ugly dogs that make us laugh with their quirky look to those just simply having unique charm, Ugliest Dog Day is a day to celebrate the wonderful creature in all of their imperfect perfections.

What began as a whimsical and quirky competition to celebrate the dogs that are often taken in because of their unconventional appearance by dog standards, the Ugliest Dog Day has grown into an international affair. It has become a media favorite and, more importantly, a platform for pet rescue, promoting the idea of tolerance—that dogs’ faces should not matter, ugly or otherwise, that all dogs need to be loved and cared for. Let’s come together on this Ugliest Dog Day to celebrate diversity, spread tolerance, and, for the love of them—no matter what they look like.

The History of Ugliest Dog Day

The Ugliest Dog Day goes back in the 1970s in Petaluma, California. The fun day was the brainchild of Ross Smith at first, being a subset of the local pet parade. Later, in the 80s, it became a part of Sonoma-Marin Fair. It became sort of a cultural turnover where the unique beauty of our pets started gaining attention, instead of being ignored.

The title “World’s Ugliest Dog” is one that has been trademarked since 2009. Over the years, there have been many an ugly funny dog that has claimed this title. A large majority of the winners belong to the Chinese Crested breed, with Rascal, a member of this breed, holding the record for the most titles. This light-hearted, funny event is not totally serious, although there is a serious side. The contest has played a major role in promoting pet adoption and acceptance; it has also encouraged the adoption of dogs that might not be so photogenic or are normally left unadopted in shelters.

It grabbed publicity in the following years, which ensured the following of this event. In recent times, the celebration of the ugliest dog in the world is always organized in different parts of the world. This is proof of the growing acceptability and affection by all towards dogs, irrespective of their looks being ugly or pathetic. The story behind the evolution of Ugliest Dog Day has been recorded in a book published in 2013 to mark the 25th anniversary of the contest. Prize money has also kept increasing over the years, and in 2017, the winner of the contest walked away with $1600, up from $1000 awarded in 2003.

Despite the humor and light-heartedness surrounding the event and the winners, the celebration of National Ugliest Dog Day is not a trivial matter. It’s a day to celebrate diversity, to overlook looks, and appreciate the differences that make these dogs who they are. It’s actually a way of appreciating the best 25 ugliest dogs, and every other dog that is not attractive by standards, but highly rated in its uniqueness and pleasant charms.

Why Ugliest Dog Day Is So Special

Ugliest Dog Day is particularly invigorating, at least to move out from the tons of superficiality in the world. Far from ordinary: much like the dogs it makes special, Ugliest Dog Day is unique and special in showing the worth and importance of accepting all dogs, no matter how they look, and the people they belong to, and the worth of looking beyond the surface.

The event really brings respect to every dog, be they the so-called contenders for the title of “Ugliest Dog in the World” or just your normal, average “ugly funny dog.” Not that it’s really meant to make fun—it’s more like giving each of our greatest and most remarkable furry buddies a day in the sun.

Much like the dogs participating in this event, each Ugliest Dog Day can be special all by itself. It encourages pet owners never to judge a pet by its physical appearance but by the individuality and personality of the pet. What after all is special about a dog isn’t always what meets the eye, I suppose.

Every dog, whether it be classified among the top 25 ugliest, the most conventionally beautiful, or somewhere in between, all have a personality that is uniquely their own, which creates charm and spirit and makes them lovable. This day reminds that beauty is subjective and that there is more than one way you can shine.

Activities and Events Held on Ugliest Dog Day

On Ugliest Dog Day, it shines a light on every pooch who will fall under other definitions of classic beauty yet certainly not by their charm or character. Several activities and functions are organized on that day to give a tribute to these uniquely adorable dogs.

Dog Shows

The dog show competitions are among some of the great portfolios of the competitions on the Ugliest Dog Day. These competitions can be really far from the common beauty pageants; creativity seems to run amuck here. They foster diversity and uniqueness in our canine friends.

The title of the World’s Ugliest Dog is much-coveted, with very many dogs going to great lengths to acquire the title. In the light of that, it goes to the dog with the most unusual or unique look. It is not the ‘Ugliest Dog in the World,’ but the celebration of the dogs with features that make them different. A field of contenders in this amazing contest of colors ranges from the top 25 Ugliest Dogs to the hilariously ugly Funny Dogs.

On the other hand, The Cutest Mutt Award is given to consider character and temperament; this simply attests that each dog, regardless of breed or the way he looks, has something in them that makes them cute and endearing.

The Parade of Strange Dog Looks Another major happening that is going to occur on the Ugliest Dog Day is a Parade of Unique-Looking Dogs. A festive parade featuring different kinds of dogs, all of them proud of their beautiful differences, for it will be the time for them to prove that beauty is indeed in different forms and sizes.

Adoption Event Drives and Fundraisers

It is also a platform to encourage pet adoption and raise some funds for these animal welfare organizations. Most of the time, local animal shelters and rescue groups hold concurrent adoption drives with other related fundraising events on this day. The event is for the promotion and showering of love on dogs of all looks, with people being reminded that a dog should find a loving home despite its looks. That’s why, on World’s Ugliest Dog Day, let’s celebrate the diversity that each represents, appreciate its individuality, and show the love it basically deserves.

What to Give Your Best Friend on Ugliest Dog Day

There is no better way to appreciate the fierce looks and personality of your animal than celebrating the Ugliest Dog Day with him—such a perfect way to do it than giving him a gift. Be it your very own contestant for the ‘World’s Ugliest Dog’ title or merely your very own ‘ugly funny dog’, there are quite a few things uniquely special for every pet and their owners.

Present Ideas for Dogs:

Treat: All dogs are treat lovers, no matter their size or shape. Pamper your pooch with his all-time favorite treats or try something new with the top 25 favorite dog treats.

Toys: Keep a variety of toys for the pet that will keep them entertained. For chewer like the dog that made it to the ‘top 25 ugliest dogs’, durable toys are a must.

Comfy Beds: Even the ugliest dog in the world deserves a comfortable place to lay his head. A comfortable bed proportionate to the dog’s size will not go unnoticed.

Personalized Accessories: Your dog’s charm will be personalized by the use of such uniquely designed accessories as collars, leashes, and bandanas.

Presents for Dogs and Their Owners

Personalized Pet Mugs: It would be a perfect gift for dog owners: a mug with their ‘ugly funny dog’ on it, so it won’t be forgotten how charmingly unique their pet is.

Picture Frames: Help them remember special moments with their pet by using a photo frame.

Jewelry: All you need is a cute necklace or bracelet with their own dog’s breed or name on it.

Gift Solutions Alternatives

Homemade Treats: Go a step further and bake your treats. Healthier, and your dog will love the personal touch.

DIY Pet Toys: Make a very special thing for your pet. Easily it is possible to make yours apart from things around the house based on your dog’s preferences—there are so many ideas available online.

Personalized Pet Portraits: If you are more of an art person, then a custom pet portrait would be nice and, dare I say, tear-jerking to receive. The portrait could be in the form of a sketch or painting, or even a digital artwork. Remember, this is a day to celebrate how ugly your pet is, but how endearing they are at the same time. Shower your favourite furry friend with love, affection, and gifts!

Conclusion

As we’ve neared the end of this passage about Ugliest Dog Day, it becomes very clear that it’s an event about a lot more than meets the eye. A day to laugh about their unconventional looks, a day to crown the Ugliest Dog in the World, but essentially a day in which the beauty of all dogs is cherished and the beautiful spirit beyond the physical appearance is embraced.

We have one day a year to acknowledge that, every 3rd Friday in June, but we should remember every day not to look at just the fur, the drool, or the funny-looking faces of dogs. Let us celebrate the diversity in our canine companions, and remember to love these top 25, 50, or yes, even 100 unattractive dogs for their spirit and lovable character.

So whether you have a contender for the ugliest/funniest dog or the best-looking pooch at the park, just enjoy your dog for who they are. So this Ugliest Dog Day, let’s remember to love our pets just the way they love us: unconditionally.

Thus, all dogs, regardless of what they look like, will have the potential to make one feel happy, smile, and feel accompanied. It’s not in the outward appearance but in the love and friendship that they offer. This Ugliest Dog Day, let us together celebrate the uniqueness and charm every dog carries, no matter how they look.