'Beautiful Bulldog' contestants showcase unconventional beauty

Some might consider them to have a face only a mother could love, but South Carolina bulldog fans gathered this weekend for the fifth annual Citadel Beautiful Bulldog Contest.

The contest, which is a fundraiser for the military university's football association, includes categories like "best physique," "best smile," and "Miss Congeniality."

This year's contest involved 37 dogs and puppies. The winners were announced during The Citadel's spring football game. Four-year-old Mr. Brutis Miller was the overall winner with mr Maximus Bellamy winning "best physique," Ms. LucyLu Beem winning "Miss Congeniality" and Mr. Bowie Gillis taking home the best costume award.

5th Annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest Winner -- Brutus Miller

The Citadel/Facebook

The Citadel is one of just a few American universities to have living mascots.The mascots belong to alumni, a tradition dates back to 1928, although the mascots have not lived on campus since the 1950s. This year the puppy belonging to current co-mascots Boo X and General 2, Mr. Dudley Boo Smith, was named "cutest puppy," a new category for the contest.

Photos used with permission.