Beating off competition from 15 other finalists in this year's World's Uglist Dog contest was blue-eyed Chinese Crescent Chihuahua, Sweetpea. All of the contestants were judged on their first impression, unusual attributes, audience reaction and natural ugliness.

Champion Sweetpea Rambo celebrates with her owner Jason Wurtz. The duo have shared a special bond ever since surviving a motorbike accident together. As old age crept in, however, Sweetpea gave up life in the fast lane.

Also known as "Bat Dog," four-year-old Rascal Deux is the fifth generation in the "Ugly Dog Dynasty." Dad, Rascal won "Worlds Ugliest Dog in 2002 and 17 other world record first places, while Great Grandfather, Chi Chi, appeared in the "Guinness Book of World Records" for winning 7 world titles. Both Grandmothers, Lady Pink and Mai Tai, also won 3 world titles each.

Ugly dog contestant Icky gets his paws sniffed by judge Neal Gottliebs. Rescued from a hoarder in Butte County, California, the caring canine has used his distinguishing looks to help raise more than $10,000 (8,994 euros) for several AIDS-related charities.

An ugly dog doesn't mean ugly paws. Heather Wilson, owner of contestant Himisaboo, shows off her pet's manicured nails ahead of the annual contest. Now in its seventh year, the competition has proved to be a great success, with dogs from shelters, rescue homes and puppy mills all taking part.

No stranger to the camera, nine-year-old Himisaboo has previously appeared on television for her "Donald Trump hair." Half Dachshund, half Chinese crested, the four-time participant's bizarre hair-do is "100 percent natural."