From snaggle-teeth to hunchbacks, 27 of the World's Ugliest Dogs competed on Friday night in the coastal town of Petaluma, Calif. at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds. The contest has been crowning homely hounds for 27 years and often features rescued pups from shelters, puppy mills and abusive homes. "We celebrate the spirit and imperfections that make these dogs loveable and adoptable," explains CEO Sarah Cummings.

This year's winner is Quasi Modo, a 10-year-old pit bull-Dutch shepherd mix, who was leading with 10,000 votes earlier in the night. Second place - a pig-like mutt named Morris - was far behind Quasi with 5,000 votes, according to the Associated Press. Quasi Modo took home $1,500 in prize money and a makeover from Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Meet last year's makeover winner, Peanut:

Quasi Modo "epitomized excellence in ugliness," declared Chief Judge Brian Sobel, according to Fox's KTVU. The dogs were judged on their first impression, unusual attributes, "natural ugliness," personality and audience impression. Event organizers told KTVU that the contest is about "celebrating the dog's lovable personalities" and raising awareness about animal adoption.

Quasi Modo's biography reads: "Howdy, my name is Quasi Modo and I am 10yr old pit/Dutch shepherd mix breed dog. I have traveled here from faraway place called Loxahatchee, Florida. I was abandoned at an animal shelter and because of my strange looks life was looking pretty grim. Luckily, one of the veterinarians there saw the sparkle in my eyes and took me home.

"I have multiple birth defects to my spine. My back is too short for the rest of my body and the parts went together in the worst possible way. In spite of this I still run, play and enjoy life to the fullest. My appearance can be a little unsettling to some (I have had grown men jump on top of their cars to get away from me because they thought I was a hyena or Tasmanian devil) but once they get to know me I win them over with my bubbly personality.

"I love to meet new people and teach them about diversity. I have become a great ambassador for teaching people about acceptance and tolerance for things that are different. You should never judge a book by its cover! Just because an animal or person looks different doesn't mean they're any less deserving of love. It's OK to be different. I have been in the contest once before. Last year after my mom and dad were married in Las Vegas, by Clint Eastwood, they brought me here on their honeymoon."

Wise words from a dog.