Martha crowned 2017 'World's Ugliest Dog' at Sonoma-Marin Fair

PETALUMA, Calif. (KGO) -- Martha, a 125-pound Neapolitan Mastiff has been crowned the "World's Ugliest Dog" at the Sonoma-Marin County Fair.

RELATED: Sonoma-Marin fair holds annual 'Ugly Dog Contest'

Fourteen dogs, one from the United Kingdom, are vying for the honor in the contest that actually is meant to show the world that the mutts are really beautiful and to raise awareness about dog adoption.

Some of the dogs that proudly showed their face in the annual contests have been rescued from shelters and puppy mills.

The winner gets $1,500, a trophy and a flight to New York for media appearances. A Spirit Award is presented to a dog and owner who have overcome obstacles and, or are providing a service to the community.

A Pet Fest precedes the 5:30 pre-show and the 6 p.m. competition. This year's judges are media consultant Brian Sobel, illustrator Paige Braddock and NBC correspondent Kerry Sanders.

Last year's winner Sweepee Rambo passed away in October. More than half of the dogs competing this year are from California and several are from Arizona, Ugly Dog Contest media spokeswoman Karen Spencer said.