"SAM WORLD CHAMP"

Sam (November 1990–November 18, 2005) was a blind Chinese Crested hairless dog, and three time champion of the annual Sonoma-Marin Fair World's Ugliest Dog Contest in Northern California in 2003–2005.

His ugliness gained him international fame and celebrity – his death was a top headline on major news websites.

Sam, the dog whose ugliness earned him TV appearances, limousine rides and even a meeting with millionaire Donald Trump, has died, the Santa Barbara News-Press reported Tuesday.

Sam's owner, Susie Lockheed said she had Sam euthanized after a veterinarian told her Sam's heart was failing. She said she's felt a little lost ever since, and is sleeping with Sam's favorite toy -- a stuffed bear he picked up and carried home. "I have snuggled Sam under my blankets on my bed for six years," said Lockheed, who has three other dogs named TatorTot, TinkerBell and PixieNoodle. Maybe they can be entered into the "Strangest Dog Name" contest.

Rest in Peace, Sam. Your hairless photogenic mug will be missed.

you can see a tribute video of Sam on CNN:

Miss Ellie

Announcing Miss Ellie, our January 2006 winner.

Miss Ellie is currently interviewing with a major talk show host. Stay tuned!We wish Miss Ellie the best of luck in her show business career!

Miss Ellie is a 10 year old rescued Chinese crested hairless.I had previously adopted another hairless and the lady I got him from asked me to keep an eye out for a home for her. I decided to take her with me and see if I could find her a home. That was four years ago!Miss Ellie is one of the most laid back dogs I have ever met. That is until she sees my other female dogs. She is the smallest of our pack and the biggest mouth!

Dawn Goehring, Miss Ellie's Owner

Bogger

Gallegher aka Booger, The February, 2006 winner.

This is Gallegher (named for the comedian) but better known as "Booger". He will be 2 years old in March. He is a Chinese Crested/Japenese Chin mix. He has lost his teeth on the right side of his mouth so his tongue hangs out. He's not only ugly, he stinks! He hasn't figured out how to urinate without peeing on his front legs, yuuck! His best friends are a 90 lb. Doberman named "Magick" and 5 housecats that all outweigh him. He's definitely the ugliest dog we know, but we think he's adorable.

Munchkin

Munchkin, The Winner of the July, 2006 Ugliest Dog Contest.

Munchkin is approximately 8 years old. Her dog breed is affectionately known as a “Canardly” (as in “you can hardly tell). She could be part affenpinscher (monkey face) terrier but her vet is convinced she is a “one of a kind” unique dog.

The reactions when people first encounter Munchkin vary. Because she snorts when she walks, and the hair on her back is short & wiry, people ask, “what is that pig doing here?” Other people refer to Munchkin as a relative of Don King (boxing promoter) or Cruella De Vil (from 101 Dalmatians) because her hair around her head & neck is very long, mostly gray, and stands straight up without any “product” assistance.

I'm Not ugly You Are

(What are you looking at Ugly)

The Biggest Ugly Dog

The biggest, ugliest dog ever seen at Westminster made its debut in 2005 and instantly made a hit with the crowd. His large lumbering feet seemed to be twice the size of what any feet on any dog ought to be....and the pendulous flopping jowls and undulating flaps of skin which wobbled and waved beneath his chin as he moved were a sight to behold. Huge streams of slobber dripped from his jowls as he stood before the Judge. The world had just been introduced to the Neopolitan Mastiff (Mastino Neopolitano)
The Neopolitan is a Mastiff that is said to be one of the most ancient of breeds, a real relic that goes back to the Roman Empire in its heyday. This is an immensely bulky dog giving the impression of great power and strength. His body is covered with loose skin which hangs in wrinkles and folds, especially on the brisket, chest and head. The head on the dog is huge, the skull is two thirds as deep as the muzzle and the muzzle is broad with widely flaring "open" nostrils and deep jowls. The ears are small and nearly always cropped and the tail is tapered and short. The Neopolitan in movement seems to be even more massive and lumbering, appearing much like a slowly moving and thoughtful bear as it gaits. The legs appear short even though the dog is relatively tall, at 26-28 inches, because of the depth of his massive chest, which extends to well below the elbow.
In the history of the breed, it is believed that he was one of the fighting dogs that were used in the Gladiator battles of wild animals fought for the entertainment of the Roman crowds. The wrinkles around the neck served to protect the chest and throat from the bites of predatory animals and the dog's massive and punishing jaws were brutal weapons. In the middle ages , after the downfall of the Roman Empire, nearly all of the Mastiff breeds were again used in another type of battle, in the pits, fighting against other dogs for sport and wagering. Throughout Europe and Great Britain, dog fights were a huge entertainment and were quite popular. Gradually the terrier and "pitbull" breeds replaced the larger Mastiff breeds in this sport and the Mastiff became more useful as a family and property guarding dog. Actually, the Neopolitan Mastiff, (and nearly all the Mastiff breeds) do not possess the temperament to START a fight, however they of course make a strong and fearsome foe when they are inclined of necessity to protect themselves.
Because they are not naturally inclined to be aggressive, they are loyal and affectionate companion dogs, being good house dogs, except for their innate messiness in terms of slobber and drool। The Neopolitan Mastiff of the modern world has a large number of fans. He is a dog whose ugliness is almost endearing. The old saying "he has a face only a mother could love" is definitely true of this breed.



This article is provided by Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Dogs