Boxer Mix Wins Ugly Dog Contest

Pabst beats out Chinese Crested favorite for the world-famous title.

Posted: July 1, 2009, 5 a.m. EDT

Courtesy World's Ugliest Dog Contest, Sonoma-Marin Fair,
Grace Chon/Shine Pet Photos

A Boxer mix with a prominent underbite has been named the World’s Ugliest Dog at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Northern California, beating out former champion – and favorite – Chinese Crested Rascal.

But owner Miles Egstad, of California, doesn’t consider his dog ugly. In fact, Pabst’s “unique” face is what first attracted Egstad three years ago at a mobile adoption event.

Courtesy World's Ugliest Dog Contest, Sonoma-Marin Fair,
Scott Hess Photographer

“Apart from his underbite, I think he’s great looking,” Egstad told the Sacramento Bee. “I think if you took 100 of those Chinese Cresteds, you would have 100 ugly dogs. And if you have 100 Boxer mixes, you’re only going to get one Pabst, and that’s if you’re lucky.”

Pabst’s prize for winning the popular competition was $1,600, a collection of collars, leashes and bowls, a yearlong modeling contract and some newfound fame, including an appearance in New York on CBS’s “The Early Show.”

“He’s loving it, he’s absolutely loving it,” Egstad said of all the attention. “When we were walking onto the stage, he was pulling me into the crowd and letting the kids pet his belly and ears.”