Pooches compete for title of ‘World’s Ugliest Dog’ (Video)

WASHINGTON – They’re so ugly they’re cute.

Or not.

The World’s Ugliest Dog contest kicks off Friday in California as part of the Dog Lover’s Festival at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the event, and out of the nearly 30 pooches in the running, a Chinese crested hairless named Ellie Mae and a Chinese crested/Japanese Chin mix named Squiggy appear to be the public’s favorites so far.

However, while voting for your favorite ugly dog may be fun, that’s all it’s for — the actual winner is determined by a panel of judges.

Still, you can vote at this link, and see some of the contestants in the gallery to the right and in the video below.

Prizes for the top dog include $1,500 and a photo session.

As a reminder, whether your dog is cute or ugly, you can submit its photo to our “Perfect Pets” gallery.

Follow @WTOP on Twitter.