Chances are you’ve heard of the The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest. Chances are, as well, you’ve seen images of at least some of the winners. Petaluma Films has produced an entertaining documentary about this contest – Worst In Show.
I must admit I’ve never been one much for contests, especially one about beauty or the lack of. At least not since I was a little girl and watched Miss America each year. And although I’ve seen the articles, photos and comments about recent Ugliest Dog winners, I felt a bit put-off by it all. Who can’t help but feel sorry for these dogs who are intentionally called ugly, then traipsed around the country for the 15 minutes of fame their owner, I mean the dogs, get? It just all seemed so wrong to me.
That withstanding, I realize this contest and the people who enter their dogs into it are a reality. And many people find an attraction of sorts to viewing these dogs, albeit maybe like they gawk at car wrecks. Whatever the reasons behind it all, I do accept it is something that some people find quite entertaining.
I’ve just had the opportunity to view the documentary about this, and was in for a pleasant surprise. Worst in Show covers the evolution of the contest as it became more popular, interspersed with segments about various contestants – the dogs and their humans. Honestly, I can’t tell which I find more intriguing, the dogs or the people!
This is a thoroughly enjoyable show. By switching between the contestants and the story behind the growth of the contest itself, it keeps a lively pace that has you glued throughout. The stories behind running the contest, problems they encountered and even cheaters, are fascinating.
The dogs, and their humans, are wildly entertaining. You get a behind-the-scenes and away from the contest view of them, and by the end feel as if you know them. There is no commentary regarding the human behavior, other than from other contestants, which leaves your mind busy with its own thoughts about it all. Oh, and there’s some great music, too.
Perhaps best of all is the tribute to rescue dogs that plays out through the scenes, and the inherent message of their value shines through. That, as you know, is a subject near and dear to us, and I found it heartwarming that something like an ugly dog contest could lead to greater awareness about rescued pets.
As if the hourlong documentary weren’t enough, the additional specials on the DVD are well worth the watch, unlike some that just seem to be fluff.
If you love dogs, and you find yourself scratching your head about people sometimes – you’re gonna love this film. Worst In Show gets a two-thumbs/paws up here, from CindyLu and me! It is a must-see.
Worst In Show was directed by award winning filmmakers John T. Beck and Don R. Lewis and is distributed by Breaking Glass Pictures, also found on Facebook and YouTube.
***Giveaway Ended: Congratulations, Shawn!***
Don’t forget, though – you can save $5 simply by entering “CINDYLU” when you order your copy!
Giveaway
We recommend you get yourself a copy of Worst In Show – you can order one right now at Breaking Glass Pictures. Enter “CINDYLU” to get $5 off the already discounted price!
If you’d like the opportunity to win a free DVD , just leave a comment below.
For extra entries, you can “like” the Facebook pages of Worst in Show, Breaking Glass Pictures and CindyLu, and tweet daily about this giveaway.
We’re participating in the Fido’s Freebie Friday hop, graciously hosted by All Things Dog Blog and Doggies and Stuff. Be sure to check out what else you can win today, and tell them CindyLu sent you – at Fido’s Freebie Friday!
this DVD will be great to put on each time my girl says she looks big, or she thinks she is ugly…ill say look here no those dogs are ugly.
My oh my. No, ifs ands or mutts…
That lil’ dawg in the poster looks very much like one of the puppyarazzi that hounds me for my photo!
Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx
All critters are beautiful!!! Yes, please enter me.
Come by before midnight and play in my contest…just be sure to say you want to enter…it’s the only rule!
I don’t mind the thought of the Ugliest Dog Contest. The only thing that DOES get to me is the possibility that people may do less-than scrupulous things to win the contest (not outright abusing or neglecting their dog, but I dunno… like that bulldog with lots of brown tear stains by his eyes in the vid).
Looks like an interesting documentary.
Icky rules and Rascal drools Can I please have my free movie. As a competitor who has a real good time at the various contests I must say that the corndogs are GREAT, While it true that my parents use me to raise money for local non-profits $7000.00 before the age of 2 I really dont mind. I am loved EVERYWHERE I go.As a rescue from an animal hoarder let me close by saying ADOPT DONT SHOP Love and Licks Icky
Icky!! You rock! I didn’t want to give away any of the details from the show, but I gotta tell ya – we were rooting for you!
CindyLu says those corndogs sound awfully delicious, and wants you to know she loves you. Keep up the great work you’re doing, Icky, you’re a star in more ways than one…and yeah, Rascal drools! BOL
Looks like a fun documentary to watch * holding up hand*. Pick me!
This looks fun to watch. I bet my family would agree as well.
Buster and Ty think this would be perfect for movie night!
The idea of an Ugly Dog contest was a turnoff to me too, but you’ve convinced me that I’m wrong and now I want to see the movie. Thanks for running the contest along with the review!
Hi – I found you through Icky The Ugly Dog’s Facebook page. Please enter me. I am also adding you to my Google reader. Looks like you sport a fun blog.
Check me out at thriftshopcommando.blogspot.com.
I used to live in Petaluma and a few times, I went to the fair where the contest was held. It just seemed like it was all in fun, not really laughting *at* the dogs so much as with them, BOL (is that possible?). Anyway, I saw that even with what would appear to others as the UGLIEST of the ugly dogs, their owners really did love them. Faces only a mother could love, for sure. I’d love to see this movie.
So ugly they are cute!
I’d love to win a copy.
Ah, beauty is in the eye of the beholder – ugly must be too!
I’m sure this is a great DVD! I’ve watched a few of the contests on TV and that competition is tough! 🙂
my mom loooves ugly dogs 😛 she always wants the ugly one in the pack!