Meet Peanut, the world's 'ugliest' dog

Peanut, a mutt dog from Greenville, North Carolina, won the 2014 World's Ugliest Dog contest in Petaluma, California. Credit: Reuters

A two-year-old dog called Peanut, of suspected Chihuahua-Shitzu heritage, took the coveted title of World's Ugliest Dog at the annual competition in California.

SweePee Rambo, a two-year-old Chihuahua Chinese Crested mix, wasn't quite 'ugly' enough for the crown. Credit: Reuters

Peanut's owner, Polly Chandler, of North Carolina, said the pooch was seriously burned as a puppy, resulting in bald patches all over his body and she hopes Peanut's award will help raise awareness of animal abuse.

Despite not winning the coveted title, the grey-haired mongrel was one of the stars of the show. Credit: Reuters

"We're trying to use him as a poster child for what can happen to animals who are abused," she said.

She plans to use the $1,500 (£880) prize money to pay for other animals' vet's bills.

Yoda, a Xoloitzcuintle, was deemed ruff enough for the competition. Credit: Reuters

The contest, which is in its 26th year, judges dogs in several categories, including special or unusual attributes, personality and "natural ugliness".

Grovie, a pug, is carried down the red carpet during the 2014 World's Ugliest Dog contest. Credit: Reuters
Monkey, a Brussells Griffon, strikes a pose on the red carpet ahead of the event in California. Credit: Reuters