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Being called the “World’s Ugliest Dog” might sound like a big insult, but at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, it’s one of the most cherished honors.
And this year, the title went to a lovable and unique-looking dog named Wild Thang.
The annual event was held on Friday, June 21, in a tradition that goes back nearly 50 years. While it might seem a bit mean at first, the intent is not to make fun of “ugly” dogs, but to celebrate and promote adopting pets, even the ones that aren’t traditionally cute.
“While fun and entertaining, the contest speaks to the importance of advocating for the adoration of all animals and the benefits of adopting,” the event’s website states. “Many of the contestant dogs have been rescued from shelters and puppy mills, to find loving homes in the hands of those willing to adopt.”
This year’s winner was Wild Thang, an 8-year-old Pekingese. He was born and raised in Los Angeles but now resides in North Bend, Oregon with his owner Ann Lewis.
It was a long-awaited victory: it was his fifth time competing in the contest, and he was the runner-up in several previous contests including last year.
“He was a fan favorite … he’s kind of like the bridesmaid and never the bride,” judge Fiona Ma told the Associated Press. “He really tugged at our heart strings and deserved to win.”
“He got second three years in a row, first year nothing,” Ann Lewis told Today. “So then three years in a row, he got second and we were like, ‘Let’s just go again because it’s so much fun. And if not, we’ll go back the next year.’”
Wild Thang lives up to his name, with a long wild mane of hair and his tongue always sticking out. He certainly has a distinct, funny look and is not your classic beauty.
He contracted distemper as a rescue puppy, barely survived and was left with permanent damage. His tongue sticks out all the time because his teeth never grew in. Despite that rough start to life, Wild Thang is a happy, loving dog.
“He loves people, other dogs and especially his toys,” his bio reads. “His purpose in life is to promote the necessity of getting your pets vaccinated.”
In addition to bragging rights, Wild Thang and his owner received $5,000 for coming in first place, and the dog will also be featured on limited-edition cans of Mug Root Beer, a sponsor of the contest.
Wild Thang has been loving all the attention, and Ann says he was greeted by fans during a trip to NYC.
“We got bombarded. He was just loving it,” she told Today. “He was wagging his tail. He was happy. He was getting head shots with people.”
Second place went to a 14-year-old pug named Rome, who was also named “People’s Choice Winner.” Third place went to a senior dog named Daisy Mae, described as “the reigning queen of unconventional beauty.” They took home $3,000 and $2,000 prizes, respectively.
The winners were chosen by a panel of five judges, which included NBC News correspondent Gadi Schwartz.
Last year, a disabled rescue Chinese Crested dog named Scooter was named “World’s Ugliest Dog.” Like Wild Thang, he has untamed hair and a perpetually stuck-out tongue, but charmed judges enough to take top prize.
In 2022, the honor went to a Chihuahua named Mr. Happy Face.
To participate in the contest, owners need to provide paperwork from a vet asserting that their dog is healthy, and dogs are also checked by an on-site vet right before the contest, according to their website.
Congrats to Wild Thang on finally triumphing in the “World’s Ugliest Dog” contest! Definitely a one-of-a-kind honor!
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