Ugliest dog contest brings pooches to Del Mar

By: PAUL SISSON - Staff Writer | Sunday, March 13, 2005 8:57 PM PST ∞

DEL MAR --- The good thing about being an English bulldog is you defy categorization.

Such was the case for Chato, a two-year-old English bulldog that owner Albert Sanchez of San Diego brought to the 10th annual Ugly Dog Contest held at the Del Mar Racetrack on Sunday.

Realizing that his dog's wrinkled mug could be seen as both beautiful and ugly, Sanchez entered Chato in four different, and diametrically opposed, categories: cutest dog, ugliest dog, most unusual markings and most handsome.

"I'm hoping for most handsome and best markings because of his coat," Sanchez said, running his palm along Chato's brindled black-and-tan fur. "But who knows how they will see him."

His first time on the podium Chato won second place in the "cutest" category, proving that having a wrinkled face does not necessarily mean you're ugly.

"He's definitely a stud," Sanchez noted. "Just look at those broad shoulders."

Chato did not fare so well in the "ugliest" category. That award went to a dog named Smeegle owned by Melissa and Adam Brookes of Oceanside.

The Ugly Dog Contest is an annual fund-raiser for the Del Mar Kiwanis Club. The contest contains 13 categories ranging from best costume to best trick.

Among the most noticeable entries in Sunday's contest was Frank, a seven-year-old black-and-white Great Dane. The gregarious giant allowed owner Debbie Boston of Oceanside to dress him in both a green St. Patrick's Day outfit and also a saddle, livery and mane. Frank won two categories ---- best St. Patrick's Day costume and best costume presented by a child.

Boston said dressing Frank as a horse came naturally, especially since Sunday's contest was held in the paddock at the Del Mar Racetrack.

"Everyone always asks me 'do you have a saddle for that thing' and now I can say 'yes I do,'" Boston said.

Jennifer Beckner of Oceanside entered Cody, her 11-year-old Siberian husky in the most handsome male category.

"Everywhere we go everyone says 'your dog is so pretty, can we pet him?' " Beckner said. "It's a nice day for him to get out and hang out with the other dogs even if we don't win."

A dog named Poseidon, brought by owner Chris Ferguson, won the most handsome category.

Contact staff writer Paul Sisson at (760) 901-4087 or psisson@nctimes.com

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