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This year, the contestants are also taking part in an online poll, which won't ultimately count in the official contest. Instead, a panel of judges will award the coveted title on Friday.
The winning pooch takes home a $1,500 prize, a trophy, a photo session and VIP treatment for both dog and owner at the local Sheraton.
"More than half the contestants are brand-new, and a lot of the time the winner is a new dog,” Sonoma-Marin Fair spokeswoman Vicki DeArmon said. “This year there are more pugs than ever.”
DeArmon said she anticipates 25 to 30 contestants to walk the red carpet for the contest.
Last year's winner, Mugly (below), will be back to defend his title.
Click through the gallery above to see this year's contestants.