From the California Chronicle:

EVENT FEATURES OVER 400 DROOLING CONTESTANTS EXPECTED TO TAKE TO THE RED CARPET RUNWAY at Haute Dogs’ annual “BULLDOG BEAUTY CONTEST” and Pet Adoption Fair in Long Beach on Sun., Feb. 15 (Pug and Senior Dog Contests added this year).

Who will be “Bull of the Ball” on Valentine’s Weekend? 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 Sun., Feb. 15 at this event that organizer Justin Rudd says is the largest gathering of bulldogs in the world. In addition to the 1:30 p.m. Bulldog Beauty Contest at Marine Stadium, other events earlier in the day will feature French bulldogs, Pugs and Senior Dogs of all breeds/mixes. And, a pet adoption fair and vendor fair will be taking place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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-ft. red carpet outdoor runway flanked by hundreds of seats, rentable for $5, for gawkers that will snake around the grassy park. This is a competition where gender is no limitation and good looks are no advantage. Costumes and talent are optional. Organizers realize that most dogs are so adorable that they shouldn’t be covered up!

Real-life, reigning beauty queen judges will evaluate this fifth-annual contest. 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, toys and such. 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 is produced by Justin Rudd and benefits his nonprofit 501c3 Community Action Team (CAT), which includes 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 on the north end of Marine Stadium in the grassy park, on the waterfront, 5225 E. Paoli Way (@ Nieto Ave.), near Belmont Shore, Long Beach, 90803. Parking is free. Enter the parking lot off of Nieto Ave.

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Vendors & Pet Adoption Fair

11 a.m.: Pug pageant

Noon: French bulldog pageant

12:45: Senior Dog pageant (all breeds/mixes, 10+)

1:30 p.m. BULLDOG BEAUTY CONTEST

Belmont Shore resident Justin Rudd is a professional pageant coach, judge and expert who has helped a few Miss Americas and Miss USAs to capture their titles. Justin and his bulldogs “Mr. and Miss Belmont Shore ” — Rosie, 11, and Riley, 3 — are often seen being escorted on 2nd St. in their red wagon. Rudd also produces the Haute Dog Howl’oween Parade and led the effort that created the Long Beach off-leash dog beach.

Discounted “earlybird” entry ends this Sun., Feb. 8 and includes a free Haute Dogs t-shirt. Pre-registration per contestant begins at $20 and front-row chairs can be rented for $5 at the event.

Adoption groups, so far, include:

Southern Calif. Bulldog Rescue

Barks of Love

French Bulldog Village

Boston Buddies

German Shepherd Rescue

Little Bow Wow Rescue

Dharma Rescue for Cats & Dogs

Best Friends Animal Society

Event details and entry forms can be found at www.BulldogBeauty.com.