It sounds like a dubious distinction, but for owners of really ugly dogs, it’s a serious, high stakes competition and winning the coveted title of “World’s Ugliest Dog” is no laughing matter.

You see, each year the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California hosts a contest to discover and crown the absolute ugliest dog in the world. Readers of my AFP website remember “Sam,” also a Chinese Crested, who won his third title in 2005.

This year’s winner, Elwood, is a rescued Chinese Crested-Chihauahua mix from New Jersey. Dark colored and hairless, he’s homely beyond description but his owner claims he’s beautiful on the inside. Resembling the fictional character “Yoda” from Star Wars, he serves as a good will ambassador for homeless and special-needs animals in his home state of New Jersey.

This was Elwood’s second year vying for the coveted title. He placed second in last year’s competition.

Not surprisingly, most of the competing canines were also Chinese Crested, a breed that features a mohawk, bug eyes and a long, wagging tongue. Profuse drooling apparently helps.

Beyond the regal title of ugliest dog, Elwood also earned a $1,000 prize for his owner.