The hunt is on for the ugliest mutt in the district.
The "Pretty Ugly Dog Show" will be one of the many highlights at the revamped Super Summer Wanganui A & P Show on November 13 and 14 at the Wanganui racecourse.
Show organiser Paddy O'Donnell said there were several categories (or doggeries) where even the most humble "bitser" can acquire national fame.
"This recognises that even the ugliest family pet is worth its weight in dog tucker. We all know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, though," Mr O'Donnell said.
The idea came from a studio dog Mr O'Donnell and Kiwi icon the late Barry Crump fostered on an Auckland radio programme years ago.
"The dog, appropriately called Scunge, was so ugly the postie even refused to deliver mail to the station.
"He was one of those unwanted mongrels that a priest once described him as more appalling than a plateful of moral sins.
"Appalling he may have been, but was still appealing to his owner who lived in Maramarua and who, incidentally, was almost as ugly as the dog," Mr O'Donnell said.
Among the dozens of prizes for the winner is a luxury canine kennel and run from Wanganui Enterprises, $50 worth of scratchies and a night with any dog of his or her choosing from the city pound.
Some of the more interesting awards will go to the Best Shoe Stealer, Pooch With The Most Fetid Breath, The Biggest Bitser, Worst Fleabag and the Rank Outsider.
Entry is free and will be held near the entrance to Spriggens Park from the racecourse.
"All entries must be registered, although I understand Wanganui District Council dog rangers are not averse to doing a deal on the day."
The contest is jointly-sponsored by Pet Essentials and Wanganui Veterinary services.
Another drawcard are the judges ? Crumpy's son Martin Crump and television personality Jim Hopkins.
Pretty ugly dogs wanted
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