Florida Dog Crowned World's Ugliest

Quasi Modo might not be the prettiest dog on the block, but she’s a hands-down winner in some people’s eyes.

Quasi Modo’s unusual, hyena-like appearance, won her the title of “World’s Ugliest Dog,” at this year’s contest in California. The plucky pit bull-Dutch shepherd mix, who was born with a spinal defect that has left her hunchbacked, beat out 26 other candidates on Friday for this year’s title.

The 10-year-old Florida dog, who hails from Loxahatchee, is owned by veterinarian Virginia Sayre. She adopted her out of an animal shelter when she noticed “the sparkle” in her eyes despite her disfigured condition.

“I have multiple birth defects to my spine,” Quasi’s contest biography pages explains. “My back is too short for the rest of my body and the parts went together in the worst possible way.”

While Quasi’s appearance has led some to believe she’s a hyena or “Tasmanian devil,” her personality is “bubbly.”

It was that combination of a winning personality and somewhat terrifying looks that won over contest judges at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds.

See Also:

• Pink Flamingo Inventor Dies at 79
• Snooty the Manatee Breaks World Record

The dog “epitomized excellence in ugliness,” Chief Judge Brian Sobel was quoted in a media release as saying.

Dogs in the contest are judged based on first impressions, unusual attributes, natural ugliness, personality and audience impression. Many contestants are rescue dogs who serve as reminders that regardless of appearance, dogs “are loving companions,” the release said.

Sayre took home a $1,500 check for Quasi’s win. The pair will also embark on a media tour and Quasi gets to enjoy a full makeover on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” the press release stated. That appearance is set to take place Wednesday with Carson Kressley giving him the “makeover,” contest officials say.

Sayre, however, seems more interested in the lesson Quasi can teach others.

“You should never judge a book by its cover,” she wrote in her pooch’s contest biography. “Just because an animal or person looks different doesn’t mean they’re any less deserving of love.”

Quasi Modo came in second place in last year’s contest.

For more information on the contest or to check out this year’s contestants, visit the 2015 World’s Ugliest Dog Contest website.

Photos courtesy of the 2015 World’s Ugliest Dog Contest