The world's ugliest dog, or most beautiful depending on your definition of beauty, Yoda died on Saturday peacefully in her sleep.

Yoda's owner, Terry Schumacher, told the Hanford Sentinel that her ugly dog, a 15-year-old Chinese crested-Chihuahua mix who weighed just 1.8 pounds, died over the weekend.

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!!!

Yoda won the World's Ugliest Dog contest in 2011 at the Sonoma Marin Fair in California in the mutt round over 29 other ugly dogs. According to the contest coverage, Yoda won for her irregular features, scruffy fur, especially between her toes and tiny stance. Yoda snagged a giant trophy and $1,000 in addition to a suite at the Sheraton Sonoma County in Petaluma, Calif for herself and her owner.

According to Schumacher, the dog was found by her daughter in a field and has lived in the family for over 14 years.

I told her to put it down because I thought it was a rat, Schumacher told press at the Sonoma Marin Fair.

Vicki DeArmon who produces the Sonoma Marin Fair contest told the Associated Press that Yoda will maintain her crown until the 2012 World's Ugliest Dog is chosen on June, 22, 2012. Voting begins in April and all submission must be entered before April 1, 2012.

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.

View the slideshow to see photos of past ugly dog winners at the Sonoma Marin Fair and view the video below to see Yoda, the 2011 World's Ugliest Dog title holder. R.I.P. Yoda.

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