Image caption Yoda's distinctive features won her $1000

The owner of the "world's ugliest dog" has announced the death of her 15-year-old prize winning pet.

Yoda, a Chinese crested and Chihuahua mix, shot to fame last year when she won the World's Ugliest Dog contest in California.

When Terry Schumacher found Yoda she initially mistook the abandoned dog for a rat, but the animal went on to win a $1000 (£638) prize for her looks.

She had short tufts of hair, a protruding tongue and skinny bald legs.

The dog, which died in her sleep on Saturday, only weighed 1.8lbs (0.8kg) and lived a rough life before she was found behind an apartment building.

After the competition Yoda appeared on television and even featured in makeover show.

Ms Schumacher says she will miss "her funny little ways" but she is "comforted knowing she will be joining my Mom and Dad who loved her so much. Her memories will live on forever."