Meet Mugly, World?s Ugliest Dog of 2012 And Past Winners [PHOTOS]

The competition was steep but Mugly, an 8-year-old Chinese Crested pooch was named the World's Ugliest Dog of 2012 at the annual contest held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in California Friday.

Mugly is a British dog with a short snout, beady eyes and white whiskers. According to the contest website, Mugly was rescued in the United Kingdom after being viciously attacked in a park by a group of thugs.

I couldn't speak when they announced Mugly's name. I didn't know which way to look. I was shaking as much as the dog, Mugly's owner Bev Nicholson said in a news release.

Nowadays, aside from being the World's Ugliest Dog thanks to the votes of 1,236 people, Mugly works as a therapy dog with children. Mugly was awarded a trophy on Friday along with a $1,000 grand prize.

Mugly beat out others, which included 2002 winner Rascal, perennial contender Icky and 2012's winner Princess Abby.

The Sonoma-Marin Fair has become a worldwide event, holding the position for the top third story in the world after an Obama speech and Michael Jackson's death, according to the fair's website. Part of this fair is the World's Ugliest Dog contest held in Petaluma, Calif.

Back in March, the 2011 World's Ugliest Dog winner Yoda, a 15-year-old Chinese crested-Chihuahua mix who weighed just 1.8 pounds, died in her sleep.

Say a prayer today 4 my YODA...rest in peace 3-10-12, Schumacher wrote in an email published by Hanford Sentinel. She passed away last night in her sleep. I will miss her funny little ways! But comforted knowing she will be joining my Mom and Dad, who loved her so much! Her memories will live on forever!!!

According to the contest coverage, Yoda was chosen over 29 other dogs for her irregular features, scruffy fur, especially between her toes and tiny stance.

View the slideshow to see photos of Mugly, World's Ugliest Dog 2012, and past winners.