Categories: PETS

Eight-year-old Pekingese Wild Thang wins World’s Ugliest Dog Contest 2024


Wild Thang, an eight-year-old Pekingese, was declared the winner of the World's Ugliest Dog competition on Friday, June 21. This long-awaited victory took place at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, after years of competing. Wild Thang, hailing from Coos Bay, Oregon, had participated four times before, securing second place three times.

The competition, which has been running for nearly 50 years, features dogs of all breeds and sizes, celebrating their unique characteristics rather than mocking their appearances. According to the contest's website, the event aims to show “that these dogs are really beautiful.”


NBC news

Wild Thang's journey began in Los Angeles, where he was born and raised before retiring to Oregon. This year, he finally claimed the title, walking the red carpet alongside seven other competitors. His owner, Ann Lewis, expressed pride in his achievement, stating that despite his health challenges, he is a “healthy, happy Glugly (glamourous/ugly) guy.”

Wild Thang's distinctive appearance results from a disease that prevented his teeth from growing, causing his tongue to hang outside his mouth. Additionally, he suffers from a muscular disorder in one of his legs. According to his bio, he contracted distemper as a puppy from a rescue foster and “barely” survived. Ann Lewis explained, “His teeth did not grow in, causing his tongue to stay out and his right front leg paddles 24/7.”

Also Read: People create human chain to save dog trapped in water reservoir

In addition to the title, Wild Thang and his owner received a $5,000 prize. A 14-year-old pug named Rome, participating for the first time, secured second place and a $3,000 prize. Daisy May, a mixed-breed rescue dog also aged 14, won third place and received $2,000.

Eight-year-old Pekingese Wild Thang wins World's Ugliest Dog Contest 2024Eight-year-old Pekingese Wild Thang wins World's Ugliest Dog Contest 2024
Photo credit: Sonoma-Marin Fair

Also Read: Telangana police honour retiring sniffer dog with ceremonial send-off after 12 years of service

Ann Lewis highlighted Wild Thang's love for people, other dogs, and toys. She emphasized his mission to “promote the necessity of getting your pets vaccinated,” showcasing his positive impact beyond his unique looks.

The annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest continues to be a fun and heartwarming event, celebrating the individuality and beauty of all dogs, regardless of their appearance.

(With agency inputs)

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.



Source link

Doggone Well Staff

Recent Posts

They’re hot too: Keeping pets safe amid excessive heat

JACKSON, Tenn. — High temperatures have been common over the last few days and we…

56 minutes ago

Good Karma Pet Rescue starts foster search for dog pulled from Fort Lauderdale canal – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - An animal shelter has started a foster search hoping to…

1 hour ago

The Pets Table Dog Food Review 2025

As a reporter and tester of pet products, I've tried many of the best fresh…

2 hours ago

Trainer reveals how to teach your dog to greet people calmly

Does your dog love greeting people? If your dog gets a bit too overexcited when…

8 hours ago

Humane Society of Yuma’s summer camp teaches kids to be ‘good to our pets’

Summer’s meant to be a break from school but it doesn’t have to be a…

8 hours ago

Pet-friendly travel surges in China as pet economy booms

Chinese pet owners are increasingly choosing to bring their pets along on vacation, fueling a…

12 hours ago