A New 'World's Ugliest Dog' Has Been Crowned, and Her Name Is Sweepee Rambo

Sweepee Rambo is 17 years-old, blind in both eyes, and among other unique physical characteristics, sports an oozing sore. And now, she's also officially the world's ugliest dog, after winning the title on Friday at the The World's Ugliest Dog Contest in Petaluma, California. And yes, that's supposed to be compliment.

The Chihuahua/Chinese Crested bested more than a dozen other dogs from all over the world in the annual competition, which claims to honor "homely hounds." In fact, judges score the less-than-pretty pooches based on factors like poor complexion, stench, and other maladies, according to a report by The Guardian.

“Scoring was tough with so many uniquely qualified dogs but we’re confident that Sweepee will be a magnificent champion," Chief Judge Brian Sobel said in a press release.

Sweepee's owner, Jason Wurtz of Encino, CA, told the paper he hopes to use the $1,500 prize money to remove a tumor that recently appeared on her gums. Last year, she placed second in the competition. Additional honors went to Josie, the Chinese Crested mix that took second place, and Rue, the Chinese Crested that fetched the third-place spot, according to competition's website

“We celebrate the spirit and imperfections that make these dogs loveable and adoptable,” Karen Spencer, marketing director for the competition, said in the release. After all, all of the dogs -- every dog really -- is adorable in its own way, even the world's ugliest.

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Tony Merevick is Cities News Editor at Thrillist and hopes to get a dog someday soon. Send news tips to news@thrillist.com and follow him on Twitter @tonymerevick.