Sonoma-Marin Fair World's Ugliest Dog contest winner Zsa Zsa dies

Zsa Zsa, crowned as the World's Uglisest Dog, has passed away.

ANOKA, Minnesota (WABC) -- A dog that became famous for her looks has died just weeks after being crowned the World's Ugliest Dog.

English bulldog Zsa Zsa passed away in her sleep in Minnesota. She was 9 years old.

The American Kennel Club says the breed's lifespan is typically 8 to 10 years.

RELATED: Bulldog named Zsa Zsa wins World's Ugliest Dog contest

Zsa Zsa began life as an underdog, spending five years in a puppy mill before she was rescued.

With her floppy tongue, crooked teeth and pink manicure, she won the annual contest on June 23 at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds in Petaluma, California, taking home the $1,500 cash prize.

Megan Brainard holds her bulldog Zsa Zsa at the World's Ugliest Dog Competition during the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, Calif., on June 23, 2018.none

This is an undated image of Martha the Neopolitan Mastiff who was crowned "World's Ugliest Dog" at the Sonoma-Marin County Fair on June 23, 2107.none

SweepeeRambo undergoes a vet check before competing in the World's Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair on Friday, June 26, 2015, in Petaluma, Calif.none

Quasi Modo wins top honors in the World's Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair on Friday, June 26, 2015, in Petaluma, Calif.none

Peanut, a two-year-old mutt is held by Holly Chandler, the owner after winning the World's Ugliest Dog Contest, at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, Calif.none

Mugly, the winner of the 2012 World's Ugliest Dog contest appears in this undated file image.none

Walle, 4-year-old mix of beagle, boxer and basset hound, celebrates after winning the 25th annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest on Friday, June 21, 2013, in Petaluma, Calif.none

Yoda greets fans following her victory at the 2011 World's Ugliest Dog Contest on Friday, June 24, 2011, in Petaluma, Calif.none

Kathleen Francis, of Clearlake, Calif., clutches her purebred Chihuahua "Princess Abby" after winning the World's Ugliest Dog Contest, in Petaluma, Calif. on Friday, June 25, 2010.none

"Pabst" competes in the World's Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, Calif. The toothy 4-year-old Boxer mix won top honors on Friday, June 26, 2009.none

Gus, a pedigree Chinese Crested from St. Petersburg, Fla, competes in the 2008 World's Ugliest Dog Contest held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, Calif. Friday June 20, 2008.none

At the time, her owner, Megan Brainard, said couldn't be happier.

"She is so beautiful in my eyes," she said.

Brainard says Zsa Zsa never really showed much excitement, but that she knew she was special. She said the dog was staying with her father, and he found she had passed away when he got up in the morning.

Judging was based not just on appearance, but personality, too, which Zsa Zsa had in spades. She was was one of 14 contestants vying to be ugliest.

Dogs in the annual competition flaunt their imperfections. The contestants included a blackhead-covered Chinese Crested-Dachshund mutt, a bulldog mix with excess wrinkly skin and a Pekingese named Wild Thang.

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