Every year, the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, hosts a one-of-a-kind competition: the World’s Ugliest Dog contest. Unlike other dog shows that focus on beauty, this event judges dogs based on their leash holders. This year, an 8-year-old Pekingese from Oregon named Wild Thang finally took home the top prize. Known for his lolling tongue and unruly fur, Wild Thang captured the hearts of both the judges and the fans.
Wild Thang was born and raised in Los Angeles before moving to Oregon. As a puppy, he contracted distemper from a rescue foster, causing his tongue to stick out. Despite this physical issue, Wild Thang is healthy and happy according to his owner Ann Lewis of North Bend. Lewis shared that she has been entering Wild Thang in the competition for years and is thrilled that he finally won first place.
The contest promotes adopting dogs from shelters, especially senior dogs, instead of buying from breeders. Other notable winners of this year’s contest include a wheelchair-bound pug named Rome who came in second place and a mixed breed rescue dog called Daisy May who won the bronze medal. The prizes for the competition were contingent on Lewis giving an exclusive first interview to NBC’s “Today” show. Look for Lewis and Wild Thang to appear on the show live Monday morning.
The World’s Ugliest Dog contest has been a highlight of the fair for almost 50 years and continues to attract attention for its quirky and heartwarming celebration of unique dogs.
