Rascal

Rascal has appeared in similar contests before, so his amateur status is doubtful--as witnessed by the touch of mousse in his coiffure. But Rascal's owner submitted his photo personally, and any dog with his own makeup man deserves to win something.

Rowdy

Rowdy wins our sympathy vote. He's a genuine contender, yes, but he also has that pathetic look that just says, "Please--throw me a bone here." Any dog that knows how to work the judges that way deserves a prize.

Bella

The judges suspect that Bella is not actually a dog but an Ewok; notice, for example, the absence of ears. Bella won our attitude vote--we love the one little tooth that seems to say, "Give me a prize or else."

Cinnamon

Cinnamon might be having a bad ear day, but who looks their best in cold weather? We think Cinnamon just needs to curl up in front of a warm fire.

Oscar

It's definitely not a flattering shot of Oscar, but it's just not fair to catch a guy coming out of the tub. Is there no privacy?

Mitzie

Mitzie is not the loveliest creature we've seen, but we think she's mostly the victim of a bad outfit. Lavender? With sheep yet?

Tazz

Tazz could actually be a handsome fellow, but nobody looks good when you catch him in the middle of a yawn. Sorry to bother you, Tazz--go back to sleep.

Beanie

Beanie was disqualified on the grounds of demon possession. Actually, we think she looks very pretty--but we wouldn't want to cross her.

Lewis

Lewis looks like a handsome dog to us. He was just having a bad hair day, and we've all been there. Sorry, Lewis, back to the groomer.

Cody

Cody isn't ugly--he just got slimed somehow. The judges invoked the "Ugly Duckling Rule." Cody will probably grow up to look like Rin Tin Tin.

Murdock

Why should a guy be penalized for being in a good mood? Murdock is clearly a happy camper and we didn't want to spoil his day.

Bosco

Bosco has the right pedigree; he just has a nose like a brick. Can't blame a guy for that--unless you're Nick Polchak, that is.