8-Year-Old Pekingese Wild Thang Wins 2024 World's Ugliest Dog Contest

In an event that celebrates the quirks and uniqueness of our four-legged friends, an 8-year-old Pekingese named Wild Thang has finally clinched the title of the World's Ugliest Dog for 2024. 

This victory marks a significant achievement for Wild Thang, who has been a dedicated participant in the annual contest held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, for the past five years.

Wild Thang, who hails from Los Angeles but now resides in North Bend, Oregon, has previously placed second three times before finally winning the top prize this year. 

His owner, Ann Lewis, received $5,000 in prize money. 

With his long, fluffy coat and permanently stick-out tongue, Wild Thang captured the hearts of the judges and the audience alike.

This year’s contest saw eight unique contestants vying for the prestigious title. Although there were initially ten contestants, two dropped out, and Wild Thang was a late entry. 

Despite this, he quickly became a fan favorite. California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, one of the judges at the event, expressed the judges' affection for Wild Thang, saying, "The fact that he had been competing for five times and only came in second [until now], kind of like the bridesmaid and never the bride, really tugged at our heartstrings. He deserved to win."

Wild Thang's story is as endearing as his appearance. 

According to his biography on the fair's press site, Wild Thang contracted distemper from a rescue foster when he was young. 

Although he survived, the illness left him with permanent damage, including teeth that never grew in, causing his tongue to stick out permanently. 

Additionally, his right front leg paddles continuously. Despite these challenges, Wild Thang's resilient spirit and sweet nature have endeared him to many.

Fiona Ma also shared some charming details about Wild Thang, noting that he has never had a haircut and enjoys sleeping on ice packs. 

These quirky traits, combined with his distinctive look, made him a standout contestant.

The World's Ugliest Dog Contest, which has been a tradition since the 1970s, is not about mocking the dogs but celebrating their unique imperfections and highlighting the beauty in all canines. 

Most of the dogs in the contest are rescues, emphasizing the importance of adopting and loving dogs regardless of their appearance. 

As the contest's website states, "The annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest is not about making fun of 'ugly' dogs, but having fun with some wonderful characters and showing the world that these dogs are really beautiful!"

This year’s runner-up was Rome, an elderly pug in a wheelchair, who won $3,000. Third place went to Daisy Mae, a mixed-breed dog with a white coat, who took home a $2,000 prize. 

Last year’s winner, Scooter, an almost-bald 7-year-old Chinese Crested dog with reversed hind legs, highlighted the diverse and delightful array of contestants that participate in this heartwarming event.

Wild Thang’s victory in the 2024 World's Ugliest Dog Contest is a testament to the charm and spirit of these unique animals. 

It’s a celebration of their individuality and a reminder that every dog, no matter how unconventional their looks, deserves love and recognition. 

Congratulations to Wild Thang and all the contestants who remind us that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.