Applications now open for 'World's Ugliest Dog Contest'

This year's "World's Ugliest Dog Contest" is open for submissions.

The competition has shone a spotlight on dogs with unique appearances for nearly 50 years.

On their website, the competition says the goal is to celebrate “the imperfections that make all dogs special and unique.”

“The annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest is not about making fun of ‘ugly’ dogs, but having fun with some wonderful characters and showing the world that these dogs are really beautiful!” the contest’s site says.

This year’s competition will take place on June 23 at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in California.

Interested applicants need to submit an entry form, short biography, photo, and proof of vaccination before June 21.

While canine competitions typically separate the dogs by breed or category, the World’s Ugliest Dog Competition groups all competitors in “one large class,” according to the application.

The winning pup will score a prize of $1,500 as well as a trophy declaring them the “World’s Ugliest Dog.” The second-place dog will win $1,000 and the third-place winner will take home $500.