World's Ugliest Dog 2016: Blind chihuahua-Chinese crested mix SweePee Rambo wins title

A blind chihuahua-Chinese crested mix has been crowned the world's ugliest dog in California on Friday (24 June 2016), beating 16 other contestants in the annual pageant. SweePee Rambo, a 17-year-old dog from Encino, California, won the contest after walking the red carpet and parading on stage at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds in Petaluma, California, north of San Francisco.

SweePee Rambo has a mohawk that glistens in the sun, a tongue that sticks out and legs that bow outwards like a frog. She is blind in both eyes and has to wear doggie nappies.

Owner Jason Wurtz, 44, of Encino, said he purchased the dog as a gift for his first wife, but after a week she didn't want anything to do with the gremlin-like pooch. Wurtz, however, said he couldn't bear to let her go.

Wurtz and SweePee Rambo took the title and trophy and a prize of $1,500 (1,120, €1,360). He says he will use the money to pay for the removal of a tumour that recently appeared on the dog's gum line.

One pup named Himisaboo, who didn't place, had a flowing golden tuft that resembled that of the presumptive Republican nominee for president, Donald Trump. "Whether you love him, or loathe him, a vote for Himisaboo is a vote for a dog that looks like Donald Trump," said Heather Wilson, Himisaboo's owner, who drove out from Idaho for the occasion.

Judges in the contest, now in its 28th year, take into account appearance, stench, personality, complexion and a host of other inherited and acquired maladies. Many of the contestants have been rescued from shelters and puppy mills.