And The World's Ugliest Dog Is ...

(AP)  Elwood, a 2-year-old Chinese Crested and Chihuahua mix, was crowned the world's ugliest dog, a distinction that delighted the mutt's owners.

Elwood, dark colored and hairless — save for a mohawk-like puff of white fur on his head — is often referred to as "Yoda," or "ET," for his resemblance to those famous science fiction characters.

"I think he's the cutest thing that ever lived," said Elwood's owner, Karen Quigley, a resident of Sewell, New Jersey.

Quigley brought Elwood out to compete for the second year at the annual ugly dog contest at the Marin-Sonoma County Fair on Friday. Elwood placed second last year.

Most of the competing canines were also Chinese Crested, a breed that features a mohawk, bug eyes and a long, wagging tongue.

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Photos: World's Ugliest Dog Contest

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Quigley said she rescued Elwood two years ago. "The breeder was going to euthanize him because she thought he was too ugly to sell," said Quigley.

"So ha ha, now Elwood's all over the Internet and people love him and adore him."

Beyond the regal title of ugliest dog, Elwood also earned a $1,000 reward for his owner.

[stacylt1]

I have been following Elwood since last year when he won second place and have his previous picture at my desk to the dismay of some of my former coworkers. (One in particular called him a monster and requested that I take it down, hee hee) Beauty is in the eye of the beholder I say! You gotta love that face, he is too cute. Reign on Elwood!

[jetlizhan]

does this dog have a piercing on the right (his right) side of his face? bless his heart - i love all dogs, especially mine, but i have to admit that's a pitiful looking pooch. but if he were mine, i'd love him too.

[godseyesore-2009]

My Preciousssssssssss!

[nanaof31]

there is no way I could sleep knowing that thing was in the house...

[pantheist1]

He is adorable! There are no ugly dogs or ugly cats. Ugly is a state of mind and animals are incapable of ugliness. Sadly, humans are often quite capable of ugliness.

[frodosmom]

I think that "Elwood" is absolutely adorable!! I'll bet that he has a very sweet personality, too!! Congratulations to Karen on her ownership of "Elwood". I wish you and Elwood many happy and loving years together.

[justfacts2]

Please tell me she didn't pay money for that thing.

[heyitsme_76]

Eeewww.. Reminds me of E.T.

[extremophil]

I've had prom dates uglier than him.

[samthetvcat]

"Elwood placed second last year"

omg I just saw a video of him on CNN and he had a humongous stream of drool coming out the other side of his mouth - lol. I wonder who beat him last year . . .