Wild Thang, an 8-year-old Pekingese from Coos Bay, Oregon, earned his name by winning the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California. His owner, Ann Lewis, describes him as “glugly,” a mix of glam and ugly. This year was their fifth time competing, and they finally took home the title.
The judges were won over by Wild Thang’s unique looks, despite his appearance which Lewis attributes to surviving distemper as a puppy. The virus left him without teeth, causing his tongue to always stick out, and with a “wonky” leg that makes walking a challenge. However, Wild Thang’s charm couldn’t be ignored.
Gadi Schwartz of NBC News declared Wild Thang the ugliest dog in the world, beating out seven other competitors. In addition to the title, Wild Thang received $5,000, a year’s supply of Mug Root Beer, and an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City to appear on the Today show.
Despite his unconventional looks, Wild Thang has won hearts and is using his newfound fame to make a positive impact in the world. He and his owner also work together to help rescue Pekingese dogs in war zones like Ukraine, raising funds to relocate them to the United States and Canada.
