The World’s Ugliest Dog contest has once again made headlines with the crowning of a new winner – an eight-year-old Pekingese named Wild Thang. This year’s event brought together eight dogs, including seven rescues that had once lived in shelters before being adopted by families. The contest took place at the 2024 Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California.
Wild Thang hails from Coos Bay, Oregon, and has previously entered the World’s Ugliest Dog competition five times but had not been successful until this year. His distinctive appearance helped him win the crown, $5,000, and a trip to New York for an appearance on NBC’s “The Today Show.
Born with a rare condition that prevented his teeth from growing and caused his tongue to dangle from his mouth, Wild Thang also has a muscle ailment in one of his legs. Despite these challenges, the Pekingese has remained full of spirit and energy, winning over the hearts of dog lovers everywhere.
In addition to Wild Thang’s victory, Rome, a 14-year-old pug who competes using a wheelchair, secured second place and won a prize of $3,000. The contest not only celebrates unique looks but also highlights the importance of adopting rescue dogs and giving them loving homes.
These canines’ stories serve as a reminder that beauty comes in all forms, and sometimes what we may consider “ugly” can be just as lovable – if not more so – than their conventionally attractive counterparts. The World’s Ugliest Dog contest continues to provide a platform for these remarkable animals to shine while raising awareness about the importance of pet adoption and providing support for shelters around the world.
