Ugliest Dog in the World: Meet Mugly

The 2012 World's Ugliest Dog Contest, which features "ugly dog" contestants from the world over vying for a coveted (or not so coveted) crown, has an official winner that supports the international nature the competition's name suggests. This year, Mugly, a dog hailing from across the pond in the United Kingdom, had the distinct honor of being crowned the ugliest dog in the world.

The top prize in this contest was most certainly not easy to come by. Mugly faced fierce competition from over 29 other contestants, including "beauties" the likes of Icky, Creature, and Spam-O-Rama. In the end, though, Mugly's grace, or lack thereof, won out over the others.

Mugly's owner was elated with the winning result.

"I couldn't speak when they announced Mugly's name," owner Bev Nicholson stated. "I didn't know which way to look. I was shaking as much as the dog."

Nicholson has a right to be excited. For earning the ugliest dog in the world honor, both owner and dog will receive $1,000 from the Sonoma-Marin Fair, where the competition is held year in and year out. The dog will also receive a photo shoot, a year's supply of dog cookies, and a VIP stay in a hotel. Not a bad catch at all!

Mugly's win at this year's World's Ugliest Dog competition ensures that the title will belong to a dog outside the U.S. for at least a year. The win may encourage others outside the U.S. to continue to enter their pups as the competition only continues to grow.

What do you think about Mugly's victory and new title of World's Ugliest Dog? Is truly the ugliest dog in the world? Share your thoughts in a comment!