# Otis the Weird Dog Competes

> A Somerville dog with a mohawk hairstyle and social quirks aims for the 'weirdest dog in the country' title.
- Title: Otis the Weird Dog Competes · The Boston Globe | Shortify
- Summary: A Somerville dog with a mohawk hairstyle and social quirks aims for the 'weirdest dog in the country' title.
- Keywords: somerville, weirdest dog, otis, embark, dog mayor, times square, The Boston Globe
- Source: The Boston Globe — https://bostonglobe.com/2026/11/14/metro/weirdest-dog-somerville
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: somerville, weirdest dog, otis, embark, dog mayor, times square, news, local
## Otis's Appearance
His legs are a little too long, his beard is scraggly and full of crumbs and leaves.
## Owner's View
Abby West, 26, says people compare him to a sewer rat.

> People compare him sometimes to a sewer rat. Like, he looks like he came out of a drain.
## Weirdest Dog Competition
Otis is climbing the ranks of a 'weirdest dog in the country' competition run by Embark.
## Otis's Quirks
He jams his tongue into your mouth instead of licking your face and needs daily anxiety medication.
## Halloween Contest
He won second place in a Halloween costume contest with just a blue bandana.
## Growing Support
Dog walkers and the city's Dog Mayor Jake the Dog are rallying behind Otis.
## Key takeaway

Otis, a four-year-old Somerville dog with a mohawk hairstyle and social quirks, is leading a competition to be named the weirdest dog in the country.