Canine Distemper Champ: Wild Thang Wins World’s Ugliest Dog Competition

In Petaluma, California at the 2024 Sonoma-Marin Fair, the eight-year-old Pekingese named Wild Thang won the World’s Ugliest Dog competition. The contest had eight contenders, most of whom were rescues from shelters. This year’s winner came from Coos Bay, Oregon and had previously competed in five World’s Ugliest Dog competitions before finally taking home the top prize.

Wild Thang’s unique appearance is a result of a case of canine distemper he had when he was just a 10-week-old puppy. This disease affected the growth of his teeth, leading to his characteristic dangling tongue, as well as a muscular disorder in one of his legs. Despite his appearance, Wild Thang’s owner, Ann Lewis, is thrilled with his win and the $5,000 prize money they will receive along with an appearance on NBC’s The Today Show.

Coming in second place was Rome, a 14-year-old pug in a wheelchair who was competing for the first time. Rome’s owner, Michelle Grady loves that the competition celebrates imperfections in dogs and finds them to be perfectly imperfect. Rome will receive a prize of $3,000 for his efforts in the contest. The World’s Ugliest Dog competition has been running for nearly 50 years and honors the special and unique qualities of all dogs no matter their appearance.