Wild Thang, an 8-year-old Pekingese, recently won the title of World’s Ugliest Dog in the 2024 contest held in Petaluma, California. This was his fifth time participating in the contest, having placed second three times before finally winning. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Wild Thang now resides in North Bend, Oregon. His bio reveals that he contracted distemper as a puppy from a rescue foster, leading to permanent damage such as the lack of teeth, causing his tongue to stick out, and his right front leg paddling 24/7. Despite his physical issues, Wild Thang is described as a healthy and happy “Glugly” (glamorous/ugly) pup. He and his owner Ann Lewis received a $5,000 prize for their win in the contest.
Last year’s winner of the World’s Ugliest Dog contest was a hairless Chinese Crested pup named Scooter, who was born with deformed back legs. Scooter’s breeder initially intended to euthanize him, but he was rescued by the Saving Animals From Euthanasia rescue group, of which his owner is a member. Now, Scooter uses a cart to help him walk. The contest, which has been running for almost 50 years, takes place at the Sonoma-Marin Fair and celebrates the uniqueness of all dogs and promotes the benefits of adoption. According to the fair’s website, the contest is meant to showcase the beauty of these dogs and have fun with their unique characters, rather than making fun of their appearance.
The judging panel for the 2024 contest included NBC News’ Gadi Schwartz, along with Linda Witong Abrahm, Brian Sobel, Amy Gutierrez, and Fiona Ma. Wild Thang’s heartwarming story and unique appearance clearly captured the judges’ attention, leading to his well-deserved victory. Wild Thang and his owner Ann Lewis took home a $5,000 prize for winning the contest. Despite his physical challenges, Wild Thang exudes happiness and health, showcasing that true beauty comes in all shapes and forms, even in unconventional appearances like his.
The World’s Ugliest Dog contest, which has been a popular event for almost half a century, provides a platform for celebrating the individuality and charm of each participating dog. It also aims to raise awareness about the importance of animal adoption, highlighting that every dog, regardless of their appearance, deserves love, care, and a forever home. The contest is not about mocking or making fun of the dogs’ looks but rather about appreciating and loving them for their unique qualities and personalities. The event brings together dog lovers from all over to enjoy the presence of these special pets and show the world that beauty truly lies in the eye of the beholder.
Wild Thang’s journey from a rescue foster to becoming the World’s Ugliest Dog is a testament to his resilience and the love and care provided by his owner, Ann Lewis. Despite facing challenges due to distemper as a puppy, Wild Thang has thrived into a happy and healthy pup, capturing the hearts of many with his unique appearance and joyful spirit. Winning the contest is not only a recognition of Wild Thang’s distinctiveness but also a celebration of his inner beauty and the unwavering bond between him and his owner. The story of Wild Thang and other contestants in the contest inspires compassion, empathy, and appreciation for the diversity and beauty found in every dog, regardless of their outward appearance.
In a world where beauty standards often dictate our perceptions of worth and acceptance, events like the World’s Ugliest Dog contest serve as a reminder that true beauty is not skin deep. These dogs, with their quirks and imperfections, showcase the profound impact of love, care, and acceptance in transforming lives and demonstrating the power of resilience and inner strength. Wild Thang’s triumph in the contest symbolizes the triumph of love and compassion over judgment and prejudice, proving that every dog, no matter how unconventional their appearance may be, deserves a chance to shine and be celebrated for who they are. Through this event, the importance of embracing diversity and valuing all forms of beauty is highlighted, inspiring others to look beyond outward appearances and appreciate the unique qualities that make each dog special.
