In California, a remarkable eight-year-old Pekingese named Wild Thang has claimed the title of the World’s Ugliest Dog. This victory marks his fifth time in the competition and follows three consecutive second-place finishes. Despite facing challenges such as surviving canine distemper as a puppy, which caused permanent damage including a tongue constantly out due to no teeth growing in and a right front leg that paddles 24/7, Wild Thang is described as a healthy and happy dog.
Accompanied by his owner Ann Lewis, Wild Thang received a $5,000 (£4,000) prize for winning the contest. The annual World’s Ugliest Dog competition celebrates the imperfections that make dogs unique and special. It is not about mocking ‘ugly dogs’, but rather appreciating and having fun with their wonderful characters and showcasing their beauty in their uniqueness. This year, Rome, a 14-year-old Pug, came in second place while Daisy Mae, an 14-year-old rescue dog, took third place.
