Martha, a Neapolitan Mastiff, has just taken home the coveted award of “Ugliest Dog in the World” for 2017, in a hotly contested competition.
The lovable, slobbering pup weighs in at approximately 57kg, and was described as a “drooling, snoring, gassy, loud and silly girl,” by her foster parent, Shirley Dawn Zindler.
“We celebrate the spirit and imperfections that make these dogs lovable and adoptable,” explains Karen Spencer, the competition’s marketing director.
At only three years old, Martha was abandoned and left nearly blind due to a long-neglected eye condition, until she was rescued by her new foster parent.
“After several surgeries, she has regained much of her sight and is now pain-free for the first time in her life,” Martha’s profile states.
At the moment, Martha is being cared for by the Dogwood Animal Rescue Group, but is looking for her forever home.
She takes home almost $2000 in prize money and a monumental 1.5m tall trophy.
Runners up included Moe, left, and Precious, right. Photo: sonoma-marinfair.org
Martha was “the overwhelming crowd favourite,” said chief judge Brian Sobel, who credited her “drooling chops, excess skin and wrinkles” as the deciding factors in her win.
Second place went to Moe, who at age 16 was the oldest dog in the competition. Moe is part Pug and Brussels Griffon, and only entered to “prove to everyone that I am not ugly,” the website says.
“My mum gets told that I am ugly a lot but she says I am handsome.”
Precious came in third, and doesn’t let her hip defect, missing teeth or bad breath stop her from helping her owner from supporting their community of disabled veterans.
“We’re proud to celebrate all dogs and pets by showing that no matter their imperfections, they are adoptable, lovable and a great addition to any family,” Erin Post, CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Fair which hosts the competition, said in a statement.
Congrats, Martha and here’s hoping you find your fur-ever home very soon.
