Homely hounds compete to be top dog in contest that applauds imperfections

FILE. In this June 21, 2013 file photo, Grovie, a 10-year-old pug, waits to compete in the 25th annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, Calif. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) (The Associated Press)

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FILE. In this June 24, 2011 file photo, Hercules, a blind one-eyed 15-year-old pug, competes in the 2011 World's Ugliest Dog Contest in Petaluma, Calif. The World's Ugliest Dog will be chosen at the Sonoma-Marin Fair Friday. For 25 years, the contest has been a testament that all dogs do not have to meet AKC pedigree standards to be man’s (or woman’s) best friend. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) (The Associated Press)

FILE. In this Friday, June 25, 2010 file photo, Kathleen Francis, of Clearlake, Calif., holds her purebred chihuahua "Princess Abby" after winning the World's Ugliest Dog Contest in Petaluma, Calif. The World's Ugliest Dog will be chosen at the Sonoma-Marin Fair Friday. For 25 years, the contest has been a testament that all dogs do not have to meet AKC pedigree standards to be man’s (or woman’s) best friend. (AP Photo/Ben Margot) (The Associated Press)

PETALUMA, Calif. – He's overweight and has a birth defect that left him a bit hunchbacked.

Quasi Modo is a 10-year-old pit bull-Dutch shepherd mix who was leading the World's Ugliest Dog contest, with nearly 10,000 votes by Friday. He was far ahead of No. 2 Morris, a mix who looks a little like a pig with a spiky haircut and has garnered more than 5,000 votes.

The two are among 27 dogs vying for the title of homeliest hound, which has been given to a pooch in the small California coastal town of Petaluma for decades.

Dogs have arrived from as far as Florida, Idaho, Nevada and Arizona to compete in a contest that applauds imperfections.

It will award $1,500 to the winner Friday night at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds.