The 2024 Winner of the World's Ugliest Dog Contest Has Been Named

Here at Woof Republic, we believe that all dogs are beautiful!

However, we appreciate the World’s Ugliest Dog contest, held annually in Petaluma, California, as it promotes the adoption of furry friends, who may be overlooked because of their physical differences.

On June 21, a gorgeous Pekingese, named Wild Thang, took home the title of the 2024 winner of the World’s Ugliest Dog contest and a prize of $5000.

Photo by Matt Nelson on Unsplash

While speaking to CBS News, Wild Thang’s owner, Ann Lewis, shared that her furry friend has been trying to win the competition since he was 3.

"This is our fifth year in the competition," revealed Lewis.

During a June 2024 interview with KTVU FOX 2 San Francisco, Lewis shared what has caused her pup’s physical differences.

“His teeth never grew in and his right leg paddles,” said the pup parent.

Photo by Spencer Davis on Unsplash

One of the competition’s judges, Fiona Ma, California's state treasurer, explained why she believed Wild Thang deserved to win the contest while speaking to The Sunday Project.

“Wild Thang was a fan favorite. And the fact that he has been competing five times. And it’s kind of like the bridesmaid and never the bride,” said Ma. “I think really tugged at our heartstrings. And you know, he deserved to win.”

Congratulations Wild Thang!