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"We're proud to celebrate all dogs and pets by showing that no matter their imperfections, they are adoptable, lovable and a great add to any family," Sonoma-Marin Fair CEO Erin Post said.
Voters can view pictures of the contestants and select which of the 16 dogs they feel deserving of the title of "World's Ugliest" on the fair's website.
A 15-year-old Chinese Crescent Chihuahua named SweePee Rambo leads all contestants as the candidate to unseat 2015's winner, Quasi Modo, a 10-year-old part pit bull, part Dutch shepherd with a variety of birth defects.
According to SweePee Rambo's owner, she has a penchant for escaping danger and dog pounds and is known for her freckled skin and "legendary" blond Mohawk.
Himisaboo a half-dachshund mutt with "Donald Trump hair" from Idaho is also among the front-runners in this year's competition.
His owner told KBOI that Himisaboo has experience in other ugly competitions where he would typically sport a mohawk similar to SweePee Rambo's before being told his natural hair resembled Trump's.
"We figured whether people loathe the Donald or love the Donald, a vote for Himisaboo is a vote for a dog that looks like Donald Trump," Heather Wilson said.