It's that time of year again when dogs with unusually large heads, hairless bodies and other oddities compete to be the World's Ugliest Dog. This year's winner? A 2-year-old mutt named Peanut, whose wild white and brown hair, bulging eyes and protruding teeth belie his sweet, energetic personality. Peanut's owner, Holly Chandler of Greenville, North Carolina, says he was seriously burned as a puppy and she wants to use her pet to raise awareness about animal abuse. She plans to use the $1,500 prize to pay for other animals' veterinary bills. The contest, held at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds in Petaluma, California, is in its 26 year. The dogs are scored by a three-judge panel in several categories, including special or unusual attributes, personality and natural ugliness.

Seven month old Christine Joy shares her pram with two 5 week old Gunsure Golden Cherry's cocker spaniel pups from Gunsure Kennels in Ashford, Middlesex. 22nd May 1953. (Photo by Fred Morley/Fox Photos)

In collaboration with Pet Stylist Ruben Santana, Sophie Gamand has photographed dogs as they are being washed before grooming. The way the water plays with their hair, and their facial expressions as the water is poured on them creates striking portraits that resemble famous humans or important characters.

Dotty, a short-haired pointer belonging to Simon Kirby MP, devours a Parliament shaped cake watched by a jack russell Maximus (L) owned by Matthew Offord MP during the Westminster Dog of The Year competition in Victoria Tower Gardens on October 13, 2011 in London, England. The annual competition was won by Conservative MP for Tiiverton and Honiton Neil Parish with his Labrador Wilberforce, who was among the 15 Conservative MPs to enter versus only two Labour MP entrants. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

A dog wearing a Captain America costume, walks on a leash at the “Blocao” dog carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, February 18, 2023. (Photo by Silvia Izquierdo/AP Photo)

Five-year-old Julian Becker and his 165 pound pet Newfoundland Max have been best buds around all their lives. To commemorate the friendship and to keep Julian's father, a Naval officer who is often away, in the loop, Julian's mom Stasha began taking photos. Photo: Hats off (or on) to Julian for sharing his blanket with his good buddy. Not that the furry beast needs it... (Photo by Stasha Becker/Rex Features)

About a dozen dogs traded in their leashes for life vests Saturday for the chance to ride the waves at Jupiter beach as part of a canine surfing competition to raise money for an animal rescue group. Photo: Musso paddles in with Jengo. (Photo by Taylor Jones/The Palm Beach Post)