A Pekingese Named Wild Thang Wins the 2024 World's Ugliest Dog Contest

The 2024 World's Ugliest Dog winner is a familiar face.

An 8-year-old Pekingese named Wild Thang took top honors at this year’s competition, held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, on Friday, June 21. It was his fifth time as a contender in the annual contest.

A press release for the event calls Wild Thang’s victory “a testament to his undeniable charm and resilience.”

“Despite facing numerous challenges, including surviving distemper as a puppy, Wild Thang has emerged as a healthy and happy Glugly (glamorous/ugly) guy,” the release adds, noting that the canine’s mission is to raise awareness for the importance of pet vaccinations, spreading his message on his Instagram account, @Wildthangofficial.

According to Wild Thang’s contestant bio, the virus prevented his teeth from growing in, which causes his tongue to stay out. It also left him with a right leg that “paddles 24/7.” 

The pooch, owned by Ann Lewis, was born and raised in Los Angeles and now resides in North Bend, Oregon.

The contest began over 20 years ago and was created to inspire love for all animals, especially rescue pets.

“The World's Ugliest Dog contest continues to celebrate the beauty of individuality and the unbreakable spirit of these remarkable canines,” says the release. “These dogs remind us that true beauty is not defined by conventional standards but rather by the love, joy, and resilience they bring into our lives.”

Wild Thang wasn’t the only contestant to leave the event with a prize.

A 14-year-old pug named Rome, owned by Michelle Grady of Rohnert Park, California, took second place, while also winning the People's Choice Award.

Rome is described as “a sweet old man in a tiny pug body” who’s known for his “his tippy tap dance moves” despite having bowed legs. He’s also a member of a pug relay team that raises funds to provide differently-abled dogs with wheelchairs.

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A “14-ish"-year-old dog named Daisy Mae from Lafayette, California, took third place honors.

The “true queen of unconventional beauty,” owned by Elizabeth Whitehouse, enjoys “snuggling, annoying her older sister Harriet, and engaging in intense squirrel-chasing sessions.”

Mug Root Beer, a sponsor of the contest, is offering $5,000 to the first place winner, $3,000 for second place and $2,000 for third place. Wild Thang will also be featured on limited-edition cans from the brand.

Wild Thang is in good company, joining other impressively unique canines in the Ugliest Dog Contest winner's circle.

Last year’s grand prize winner was a hairless Chinese Crested dog named Scooter, while the 2022 victor was a dog named Mr. Happy Face, with a crooked grin and stark, white mohawk.