Roller named “World’s Ugliest Dog” in annual competition

He’s a diamond in the ruff.

A bald and deformed Chinese crested puppy with a penchant for sticking his tongue out was named the year’s “world’s ugliest dog” at Friday’s annual competition.

Scooter, a 7-year-old Chinese Crested, strutted on his front legs across the Sonoma Marin Fairgrounds in Petaluma, California – his rear-facing hind legs swaying in the air – to proudly accept the award.

His wife, Linda Celeste Elmquist, told TODAY the honor was “so absolutely deserved”! when he defeated seven other unsightly canines.

Elmquist adopted Scooter earlier this year after a member of the group Saving Animals From Euthanasia was unable to care for the pouch.

Scooter’s original owner, who had cared for the dog for most of his life, had saved the deformed dog from being euthanized.

Scooter’s breeder had sent him to the animal facility for euthanasia shortly after he was born because of his deformed hind joints and legs, which were both completely rotated backwards.

However, the disability never affected the carefree scooter.

The smart dog has been walking on its front legs since it was a puppy, but stands on its hind legs like a tripod when it’s time to rest.

“He has no idea he’s any different from any other dog,” Elmquist wrote in Scooter’s biography.

“He sways back and forth, tackling obstacles – rocks, curbs, steps – and then throws his butt into the sky in one final swoop – he wins!”

He’s since been kitted out with a cart that allows him to do more than ever before – though Scooter gave up driving for the World’s Ugliest Dog ceremony.

Scooter went up against seven other unconventionally attractive puppies — including a bug-eyed “hairless mutant” named Rascal Deux and a Pekingese named Wild Thang with wild, overgrown curls — but it was his charm that ultimately won the judges’ hearts.

“From the second he sets his hairless little butt and backward legs on your lap, you feel his warm, snuggly power to change the meaning of the word ‘ugly’!” Stay Tuned host Gadi NBC News’ Schwartz, who served as judge, told TODAY.

“He leaves behind love and inspiration for the differences, difficulties, perseverance and happiness that he radiates like a little heater!” Even when he’s gone, you can’t help but smile at the slanting tongue sticking out of his tiny precious mouth hanging out. (He smells so much cuter than he looks too!)”

Scooter is the second consecutive Chinese Crested to win the title – last year Mr. Happy Face took first place.

The World’s Ugliest Dog competition, which has been celebrating the unique qualities of beloved dogs for nearly 50 years, aims to show the importance of adoption.

“Many of the participating dogs were rescued from animal shelters and puppy factories to be found loving homes in the hands of those willing to adopt,” the contest website states. “Please join us in raising awareness and support for the pets who have yet to be placed in loving homes.”