Scooter, a Bald Dog With Backward Legs, Crowned ‘World’s Ugliest Dog’

• A 7-year-old bald pooch with backward-facing legs has actually been crowned the “World’s Ugliest Dog.”
• Scooter, a Chinese crested dog, was almost euthanized after he was born with a defect.
• His owner informed “Today” the puppy is similar to any other dog – and has an unique love for sausage.

A bald Chinese crested pooch with backward-facing legs has actually been crowned the “World’s Ugliest Dog” almost a years after he was saved from specific death.

7-year-old Scooter won leading honors at the yearly awful dog contest held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, Friday, much to the happiness of his owner Linda Celeste Elmquist, the “Today” show reports. Scooter – whose pink tongue frequently hangs haphazardly out of his mouth – was embraced by Elmquist 7 months back after his previous owner might no longer take care of the puppy, per the outlet.

His increase to popularity follows Scooter dealt with the possibility of euthanasia. Born with a defect that has actually left his 2 hind legs dealing with backwards, a breeder brought Scooter in to be euthanized in Tucson, Arizona, according to “Today.” Luckily, the Saving Animals From Euthanasia (SAFE) rescue group, which Elmquist belongs of, stepped in to save his life.

According to his bio on the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds websitethere were at first doubts that Scooter would ever have the ability to crawl or walk easily by himself. But he quickly showed doubters incorrect by improvising and utilizing the strength of his front legs to move himself forward, albeit with a wobble.

Elmquist informed “Today” that Scooter merely relaxes on his backward-facing legs whenever he burns out, which he utilizes like a tripod.

But years of counting on his front legs implies Scooter now needs some help to navigate. As detailed in his bio, Scooter utilizes a wheeled cart to actually run from location to location, purchased for him with funds contributed by pals and rescue groups.

Deformity aside, Elmquist said that the “World’s Ugliest Dog” winner is just like any other pooch, other than for a severe preference for Braunschweiger sausage.

Scooter is the latest victor of the wacky competitors that’s been running for 50 years. According to the website, the occasion looks for to commemorate the “flaws that make all dogs unique and special.” Contestants are frequently from rescue shelters and puppy mills.

Last year’s champ, a 17-year-old Chinese crested Chihuahua called Mr. Happy Face, was likewise embraced after he was saved from a hoarder’s house and wound up at a shelter in Arizona.

Representatives for the “World’s Ugliest Dog” contest did not right away react to Insider’s ask for remark.