The winner of the world’s ugliest dog competition was an eight-year-old Pekingese named Wild Thang, who was announced on Friday, June 21. In the competition, which took place on a fairground in California, the dog—who has been vying for the title for years—bested seven other dogs.
After four previous competitions, the eight-year-old Pekingese from Coos Bay, Oregon was ultimately declared the winner at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma. This was his first victory. It took Wild Thang three attempts to win before this year’s victory.
The dog, who was raised in Los Angeles, moved to Oregon after retiring. The eight-year-old dog was one of eight canines that walked the red carpet at the fair on Friday in an attempt to win the title.
Dogs of “all breeds and sizes” are eligible to compete in this nearly 50-year-old tournament, according to its website.
The website states that the annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest is not about making fun of “ugly” dogs but rather about having fun with some amazing characters and demonstrating to the world how beautiful these canines are.
Ann Lewis, the owner of Wild Thang, will get $5,000. In the meantime, Rome, a 14-year-old pug competing in his first competition, took second place and won $3,000.
Daisy May, a 14-year-old mixed-breed rescue dog with a white coat, took third place and earned $2,000. Daisy May was competing for the first time as well.
A condition that stopped Wild Thang’s teeth from growing has been blamed for his appearance, since his tongue hangs out of his mouth. In addition, the dog has a muscle condition in one of his legs.
In his bio, it states that Wild Thang “barely” survived a puppy distemper infection from a rescue foster. According to his owner, “his right front leg paddles constantly and his tongue stays out because his teeth did not grow in.”
She called Wild Thang a “healthy, happy Glugly (glamourous/ugly) guy” other from that, though.
As per the owner’s statement, Wild Thang has a deep affection for people, other dogs, and his toys. He believes that getting your pets vaccinated is essential and that this is his mission in life.
