Four for the Win: Wild Thang’s Historic Victory in the World’s Ugliest Dog Competition

In 2024, the Sonoma Marin County Fair in Petaluma, Calif. held its annual World’s Ugliest Dog competition. This year, the contest saw eight competitors vying for the title of the world’s ugliest dog. The winner of this prestigious title was none other than Wild Thang, an 8-year-old Pekingese. This marked Wild Thang’s fourth attempt at the crown, having come in second place in the past three contests before finally securing his victory.

Despite his unconventional looks, Wild Thang’s unique charm and personality won over the judges and audience alike. His owners were ecstatic about their furry friend’s win, saying that they were thrilled to see him recognized for his individuality and not just his appearance.

Coming in as the runner-up and recipient of the People’s Choice award was Rome, a 14-year-old pug owned by Michelle Grady. Rome’s friendly and lovable personality endeared him to the crowd, making him a favorite among the competitors. Despite being a pug, which is often associated with an ugly appearance due to their wrinkly skin and short muzzle, Rome proved that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

The event has become a beloved tradition at the Sonoma Marin County Fair, celebrating the unique beauty and personality of dogs who may not fit traditional standards of attractiveness. It shows that these dogs are cherished by their owners and fans for their individuality and charm rather than their appearance alone.

As Wild Thang basked in his glory as the new World’s Ugliest Dog champion, he received a trophy and a cash prize of $5,000 from his owners. They were thrilled that their beloved furry friend had been recognized for his unique qualities and hoped that others would follow suit and celebrate their own pets’ individualities as well.

Overall, it was a heartwarming reminder that beauty comes from within and that every dog has its own unique charm and personality that makes them special in their own way.