In the 2024 World’s Ugliest Dog contest in Petaluma, California on June 21, an 8-year-old Pekingese named Wild Thang emerged as the new champion. This was his fifth time participating in the contest and he finally clinched first place after placing second three times previously. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Wild Thang was recently retired to North Bend, Oregon.
Wild Thang’s unique features make him stand out from other dogs. He contracted distemper as a puppy from a rescue foster, resulting in permanent damage. His teeth did not grow in, causing his tongue to stick out, and his right front leg paddles constantly. Despite these physical challenges, Wild Thang is described as a healthy, happy Glugly (glamorous/ugly) pup. His owner Ann Lewis was awarded a $5,000 check for their win.
Last year, a hairless Chinese Crested dog named Scooter won the title of ugliest dog in the world. Scooter was born with deformed back legs and was rescued from euthanasia by the Saving Animals From Euthanasia (SAFE) rescue group, of which his owner is a member. The annual contest, hosted by the Sonoma-Marin Fair, has been celebrating the uniqueness of all dogs and promoting the benefits of adoption for nearly 50 years.
The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest is not about making fun of ‘ugly’ dogs but rather about having fun with unique characters and showing the world that these dogs are truly beautiful. Through this event
