Ugly dogs assemble to claim world title - in pictures

Josie, a Chinese crested, is shown before the start of the contest. Dogs from all over the US are competing for the honour of being the world's ugliest Photograph: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

A boy poses with his dog Icky, a Chinese crested, before the World's Ugliest Dog competition Photograph: Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images

Grovie, a pug, gives his cutest look Photograph: Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images

Thomas Cotrel and his dog Eleanor, a Chinese crested – the breed seems very well represented at the contest - prepare to wow the judges Photograph: Monica M. Davey/EPA

Ty Oppelt holds his dog Ellie Mae, yet another Chinese crested Photograph: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Penny, a purebred pug, awaits the start of the proceedings Photograph: Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images

Isaboo, a Chinese crested-terrier mix, on stage Photograph: Monica M. Davey/EPA

Dane Andrew shows his dog Rascal, a Chinese crested (what else?), to the judges Photograph: Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images

Mayzie Brown, a pomeranian, walks on stage Photograph: Monica M. Davey/EPA

Roman, a Mexican hairless, is held up for the audience to coo and aww Photograph: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Sophie, a chihuahua mix, waits her turn to go on stage Photograph: Monica M. Davey/EPA

Annie Ragsdale reacts after her dog Roo, a Chinese crested, wins the pedigree award Photograph: Monica M. Davey/EPA

And the winner is … Walle, a beagle, bassett hound, and boxer mix. Walle, and his owner, received $1,500 cash plus a trophy and will appear on several television shows in the coming week. He looks alright to us, and we bet those feet make him a super swimmer Photograph: Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images