Seven dogs are rivaling for the title World's Ugliest Dog after Li'l Sam - last year's Chinese Crested whose mug catapulted him to world fame - passed away.

Li'l Sam, aged 14, had stepped into the limelight with appearances on CNN, Late Show with Carson Daly, Inside Edition, the Insider, as well as Japanese, German and Spanish television. Sam passed away shortly after the contest.

Now seven dogs are in a quest to be catapulted to stardom as well.

Pee Wee Martini has the nickname "Son of Sam." Pee Wee is a two year old Chinese Crested / Japanese Chin mix. He takes pride in his crooked face, naked body, long tongue (that hangs out the side of his mouth), long nasty nails and punk rock mohawk.

The next contestant is TatorTot, Sam's longtime girlfriend, and a mixture of chihuahua and Chinese Crested hairless. She has attended the contest three times and has twice taken home the trophy for ugliest mixed breed but has never gone on to be ugliest dog of the year nor world's ugliest dog.

Rascal is the only living and competing ugly dog to hold the coveted "Ring of Champions" title which makes him the current "World's Ugliest Dog". Rascal is Ugly Dog Royalty being from a dynasty of ugly with his Mom, Grandmother, and Grandfather all who have held the title of "The World's Ugliest Dog".

Lucille Bald, aka Lucy, sports a snaggle tusk that begs to hold your car keys and sunspots and neck wrinkles that will rival any old lady's.

Munchkin, who is proud of the fact that she is overweight, is the fifth contestant. Oscar is a mops nominated because of his nose and eyes.

Miss Ellie is the seventh contestant. She is an 11-year-old Chinese crested hairless. She has no front teeth which causes her tongue to hang out all the time.

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