Wild Thang, an eight-year-old Pekingese, has been crowned as the winner of this year's World's Ugliest Dog competition. The competition was held during the 2024 Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California and included eight contenders, the majority of which were rescues. Wild Thang, from Coos Bay, Oregon, has competed in previous World's Ugliest Dog competitions but this is his first win. His unique looks are due to a case of canine distemper when he was a 10-week-old puppy, which prevented the growth of his teeth and caused a muscular disorder in one of his legs. Despite his physical challenges, Wild Thang is a healthy and happy dog. [ba32cb58]
The World's Ugliest Dog competition aims to celebrate the individual characteristics and quirky traits of dogs and highlight their unique beauty. The event was sponsored by MUG Root Beer and offered a total prize pool of $10,000. Wild Thang and his owner Ann Lewis will receive $5,000 and have the chance to be featured on a limited edition can of the root beer. Second place went to a 14-year-old pug in a wheelchair named Rome, and third place went to a 14-year-old white coated and mixed breed rescue dog named Daisy May. Rome also won the People's Choice Award. The judges for this year's contest included NBC News correspondent Gadi Schwartz, human rights advocate Linda Witong Abrahm, and California 34th Treasurer Fiona Ma. [ba32cb58]
The World's Ugliest Dog competition has been held for nearly 50 years and celebrates the imperfections that make all dogs special and unique. It is a reminder that beauty comes in many forms and that every dog deserves love and care, regardless of their appearance. The competition showcases the resilience and spirit of these dogs, many of whom have overcome adversity and found loving homes. [45805ff6]