Scamp the Tramp wins World’s Ugliest Dog contest

A bug-eyed rescue dog covered in dreadlocks has beaten out dozens of other ugly pets to be crowned the world’s worst looking.

Scamp the Tramp’s looks have made him a winner — but it was not a beauty contest.

The snaggle-haired, bug-eyed pooch took the top prize at the 31st annual World’s Ugliest Dog contest in Petaluma, California.

Owner Yvonne Morones won an appearance with Scamp on the Today show, $US1,500 ($A2,164) in cash, another $US1,500 dollars to donate to an animal shelter — and bragging rights.

“He’s Scamp the Champ, no longer Scamp the Tramp,” Ms Morones told the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat .

“I think the audience saw his beautiful spirit and everything he’s given back to the community.”

Scamp The Tramp took out top prize. Picture: Josh Edelson/AFP

Scamp the Tramp with his trophy. Picture: Josh Edelson/AFP

Scamp, an adopted street dog, beat 18 other contestants who showed off their droopy tongues, bowed legs and other strange attributes.

“It was on the way home that I knew I made the right choice,” Ms Morones said.

“There we were, two strangers in a car on the way home to a new start. Bob Marley was playing One Love and I looked over and little Scamp was bobbing his head. It was like he knew he had found his forever home.”

Organisers say the contest is not just skin-deep. It is also about bringing attention to the needs of rescue dogs.

Dane Andrew holds his dog Rascal during the contest. Picture: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images/AFP

Most competitors were previously abandoned or rescued from shelters in the US.

Publicist Cindy Gentry said the competition was about bringing attention to the needs of rescue dogs.

“Judges are looking for special attributes like hanging tongues, slobber, drool (the more the better),” Ms Gentry said.

“Maybe unusual patches of skin or hair.”

“What we’re really doing is we’re showcasing dogs that have been rescued and adopted and brought into loving homes. These are sort of spokesdogs for adoption.”

Heather Wilson with her dog Himisaboo during the contest. Picture: Justin Sullivan/Getty/AFP

Originally published as Scamp the Tramp wins World’s Ugliest Dog contest