An 8-year-old Pekingese named Wild Thang is making our hearts sing. This little fluff has been named the World's Ugliest Dog. The honor was bestowed upon the canine at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, on June 21, 2024.
This is Wild Thang's fifth year competing for the crown. The pooch was in it to win it. 2024 was his year to win the annual contest.
Wild Thang's owner Ann Lewis couldn't be prouder. The pup was born and raised in Los Angeles. Ann and Wild Thang now live in North Bend, Oregon.
A press released for the contest celebrates Wild Thang's win. “Despite facing numerous challenges, including surviving distemper as a puppy, Wild Thang has emerged as a healthy and happy Glugly (glamorous/ugly) guy,” it reads.
Wild Thang also dabbles in philanthropy. The pup promotes pet vaccinations on his Instagram account @wildthangofficial. The virus from his puppy years left him with quirks. The dog's teeth never grew in so as a result, his tongue is always sticking out. His right leg is constantly paddling as well.
More from LittleThings: Adopted Dog Brutus Wakes Mom Up In The Night To Take Her To Baby Who Was Having A Seizure
While the calling a dog ugly might seem mean, the spirit of the contest — which began 20 years ago — is anything but. It celebrates rescue pets and their unique personalities. “The World's Ugliest Dog contest continues to celebrate the beauty of individuality and the unbreakable spirit of these remarkable canines,” the press release explains. “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.”
The second place title went to Rome, a 14-year-old pug. In third place was a mixed breed dog named Daisy Mae, who is around 14 years old.
To see Wild Thang in action, watch this video.
