Zsa Zsa crowned World's Ugliest Dog

Zsa Zsa, an English Bulldog, walks onstage during the World's Ugliest Dog Contest. Photo / AP

A 9-year-old English bulldog was named the winner of the 2018 World's Ugliest Dog contest in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Zsa Zsa won the title Saturday night (US time) at the Sonoma-Marin Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds in Petaluma.

The dog's owner Megan Brainard of Anoka, Minnesota, will receive US$1500 for Zsa Zsa's win. Brainard found Zsa Zsa on a pet-finding site, according to the contest bio.

Josie, a Chinese Crested mix, is checked by judges Debbie Abrams, right, and Jo Ling Kent. Photo / AP

Dogs in the annual competition flaunt their imperfections - some have hairless bodies, others have lolling tongues. The dogs and their handlers walk down a red carpet. The dogs are evaluated by a panel of judges.

The contestants included a blackhead-covered Chinese Crested-Dachshund mutt, a bulldog mix with excess wrinkly skin and a Pekingese named Wild Thang.

Last year's winner was a 57kg gentle giant named Martha — a Neopolitan Mastiff with gas and a droopy face.

Zsa Zsa is carried by owner Megan Brainard. Photo / AP

The contest is in its 30th year. It is usually held on Friday nights, but organisers moved the competition to Saturday in an effort to draw a bigger audience.

Meatloaf, a bulldog mix, walks onstage during the World's Ugliest Dog Contest. Photo / AP

Wild Thang, a Pekingese, stands onstage during the World's Ugliest Dog Contest. Photo / AP

Himisaboo, Chinese Crested and Dachshund mix, walks onstage. Photo / AP

Martha, a Neopolitan Mastiff who won the 2017 World's Ugliest Dog Contest, stands onstage before this year's winner was announced. Photo / AP