In pictures: Not-so-pretty pooches vie for ugly dog crown

Zsa Zsa, an English bulldog, stands on stageAFP/Getty

Zsa Zsa has an underbite and a tongue that almost touches the floor - but these are qualities that won over judges at The World's Ugliest Dog Competition in Petaluma, California on 23 June. The nine-year-old English bulldog walked away with the 2018 title.

Heather Wilson holds up her dog, Himisaboo, a Chinese crested wiener dog mixAFP/Getty

The competition saw 14 canines compete for prize money of $1,500 (£1,130), including Himisaboo, a Chinese crested wiener dog mix, seen here with his owner Heather Wilson.

Wild Thang, a Pekingese, walks on stageAFP/Getty

While the competition highlights unattractive pooches, organisers say it is actually a celebration of the dogs, many of whom were rescued from shelters or puppy farms. Here is Wild Thang, a Pekingese, who was a strong contender.

Tee Tee, a Chinese Crested, is shown to judge Brian SobelAFP/Getty

Tee Tee, a Chinese crested, was also among the competitors. The annual event is intended to promote pet adoption.

Mandarina looks at the cameraAFP/Getty

Mandarina flashes a toothy smile to the camera as she walks across the stage. The event is held annually at the Sonoma-Marin Fair.

Rascal Deux, a Chinese crested, wears sunglasses while being held up by his owner Dane AndrewAFP/Getty

Rascal Deux, a Chinese crested, channelled his inner John Lennon, but it was not enough to win the contest.

Last year's World's Ugliest Dog Competition winner Martha, a Neapolitan Mastiff, takes the stage before the new winner is announcedAFP/Getty

Last year's World's Ugliest Dog Competition winner Martha, a Neapolitan mastiff, took to the stage before his successor was crowned.

Megan Brainard (R) from Minnesota, and her dog Zsa Zsa, an English Bulldog and Yvonne Morones (L) and her dog Scamp, a mix breed, hugAFP/Getty

Winner Zsa Zsa was joined on stage by runner up Scamp, a mix breed who won the contest in 2016

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