Signal Tribune Newspaper

Each year in Long Beach, bulldogs and their lovers gather to celebrate faces that some say only a mother could love. English bulldogs are the featured breed on Sunday, Feb. 15 at the Bulldog Beauty Contest event that organizer Justin Rudd says is the largest gathering of bulldogs in the world. In addition to the 1:30pm contest at Marine Stadium, other events earlier in the day will feature French bulldogs, pugs and senior dogs of all breeds/mixes. A pet adoption fair and vendor fair will be taking place from 10am to 3pm.
Last year, more than 300 bulldogs from at least four states and Canada left the crowd drooling for more. Again this year, each quadruped will strut down a 100-foot, red-carpet outdoor runway flanked by hundreds of seats, rentable for $5, for gawkers that will snake around the grassy park. Gender is no limitation and good looks are no advantage. Costumes and talent are optional.
Real-life, reigning beauty queen judges will evaluate this fifth-annual contest, and, as with traditional beauty contests, the dogs in this pageant will be adjudicated on personality, charm, face, figure, and first impression. In addition to a year of notoriety and fame and a bejeweled crown, the most “adora-bull” dogs will receive a crystal water dish, a very generous prize package that includes dog food, treats, and toys. A top-10 will be announced in each of the breed categories, and awards will be presented for the following: oldest contestant; congeniality; best smile; furthest distance traveled; and best legs.

The event benefits the nonprofit Community Action Team, which sponsors Haute Dogs and Operation Santa Paws, as well as beach cleanups, spelling bees, art contests, photography events and more.
The titleholders from last year will take their farewell walks and will be given the opportunity to “speak” to the crowd that typically grows to more than 1,000 spectators. Last year’s elite included 5-month-old “Gus” (Little Mr. Hermosa Beach), who took home the French bulldog crown and 1 1/2-year-old “Buddha” (Mr. Valencia) who was named most beautiful English bulldog.
The event will take place at the north end of Marine Stadium in the grassy park, on the waterfront, 5225 E. Paoli Way (at Nieto Avenue), near Belmont Shore. Parking is free– enter the parking lot off of Nieto Ave.
For more information, visit www.bulldogbeauty.com.