The world’s ugliest dog competition won by Wild Thang

Wild Thang, an eight-year-old Pekingese, has been crowned the winner of this year’s World’s Ugliest Dog competition.

Held during the 2024 Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, this year’s competition included eight contestants – the majority of rescues came from shelters before being reunited with their forever families.

Wild Thang, of Coos Bay, Oregon, has competed in previous World’s Ugliest Dog competitions five times, but this is his first win.

Wild Thang’s unique appearance is due to a case of distemper that occurred when he was a 10-week-old puppy.

The disease prevented the growth of his teeth, hence the hanging tongue and muscular disorders in one of his legs.

The World’s Ugliest Dog competition has been running for nearly 50 years and “celebrates the imperfections that make all dogs special and unique,” according to its website.

Wild Thang and his owner Ann Lewis will receive $5,000 and be featured on NBC’s The Today Show.

A 14-year-old wheelchair-bound pug named Rome came in second place and is receiving a $3,000 prize. It was Rome’s first participation in the competition.

“I love that (the competition) represents imperfect, imperfectly perfect dogs,” Rome owner Michelle Grady said.

Another first-time entrant, a 14-year-old white-coated, mixed-breed rescue dog named Daisy May, won the third-place title and will receive $2,000.

She was rescued from the streets at the age of two. She lost her hair, teeth and vision.

Daisy May owner Elizabeth Whitehouse said it was a surprise to make it to the podium.

“I thought she would be the most beautiful ugly dog, but it turns out other people don’t see the beauty in her that I see,” she said.

Voting was also open online to allow fans to select a special dog to receive the People’s Choice Award, which went to jury finalist Rome.

The annual competition emphasizes the importance of adopting all animals.

It’s not about making fun of “ugly” dogs, according to the contest, but rather about “having fun with wonderful characters and showing the world that these dogs are truly beautiful!”

This year’s judges included NBC News correspondent Gadi Schwartz, human rights advocate Linda Witong Abrahm and California’s 34th Treasurer Fiona Ma.

Entries this year included Chihuahua mixes, Chinese Crested mixes and Pug mixes.

One of the contestants who missed out on an award, Freddie Mercury, is a lifeguard who made his competition debut this year.

Fred, who is described as having “a face like a forklift,” spends his days as a mascot for the local Petaluma ice cream truck.

He also attends youth soccer games and is a special request at birthday parties..