Recent victor of World's Ugliest Dog contest dies

Zsa Zsa, an English bulldog, won the ugliness title at a contest last month in Petaluma, California.

Zsa Zsa was known for her underbite and rounded, muscular front legs.

Zsa Zsa, an English bulldog who won the title of "World's Ugliest Dog" last month, has died. Zsa Zsa's owner, Megan Brainard, tells TODAY.

Zsa Zsa and owner Megan Brainard of Anoka, Minnesota, will receive $1,500, "a very large trophy" and a flight to NY, where they will appear on the "Today Show".

The dog lived in a Missouri puppy mill for five years before she was bought by a nonprofit organization.

Since her passing Zsa Zsa's family have held a farewell ceremony for their furry friend in their backyard. Confirming the death of the English bulldog, owner Megan Brainard called the passing "devastating" while also sharing how hard the grieving process would be. "We were all saying our goodbyes".

The contest which is in its 30th year saw dogs flaunting their imperfections, from hairless bodies to lolling tongues.

Zsa Zsa - named after one of Hollywood's most glamorous icons, actresss Zsa Zsa Gabor - died in her sleep while staying with relatives. He says she appeared fine the day before, so it was a shock.

She seemed to relish the victory. Her family took home $1,500.

"She knew she was special", said Brainard.

The contest sounds more negative than it is - its goal is to raise awareness of pet adoption and to show that all dogs are handsome in their own way, and worthy of love.

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