<p>An eight-year-old Pekingese named Wild Thang was crowned winner at the world’s ugliest dog competition, on Friday (Jun 21). The canine, who has been competing for the title for years now, beat seven other competitors at the event held on a fairground in California, United States.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Wild Thang wins the title</strong></h2>

<p>The eight-year-old Pekingese from Coos Bay, Oregon was finally crowned the winner at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, marking his first win after he had competed four times before. Wild Thang had secured second place three times before finally winning this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The dog born and raised in Los Angeles recently retired to Oregon. The eight-year-old canine was among eight dogs who were competing for the title and walked the red carpet at the fair on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>According to the contest’s website, the competition has been going on for nearly 50 years and welcomes dogs of “all breeds and sizes”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“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!” the website reads.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wild Thang, and his owner Ann Lewis, will receive $5,000. Meanwhile, a 14-year-old pug named Rome, who was contesting for the first time, secured second place and received a prize of $3,000.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A white-coated and mixed-breed rescue dog named Daisy May, who is also 14 years old, won third place and received $2,000. It was also Daisy May’s first time at the competition.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Glugly’</strong></h2>

<p>Wild Thang’s look has been attributed to a disease which prevented the growth of his teeth, leaving his tongue hanging outside his mouth. The canine also suffers from a muscular disorder in one of his legs.</p>

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<p>According to his bio, Wild Thang contracted distemper as a puppy from a rescue foster, and “barely” survived. “His teeth did not grow in, causing his tongue to stay out and his right front leg paddles 24/7,” said his owner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But other than that, she described Wild Thang as a “healthy, happy Glugly (glamourous/ugly) guy”. &nbsp;</p>

<p>According to his owner, Wild Thang “loves people, other dogs and especially his toys” and his “purpose in life is to promote the necessity of getting your pets vaccinated”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An eight-year-old Pekingese named Wild Thang was crowned winner at the world’s ugliest dog competition, on Friday (Jun 21). The canine, who has been competing for the title for years now, beat seven other competitors at the event held on a fairground in California, United States.

An eight-year-old Pekingese named Wild Thang was crowned winner at the world’s ugliest dog competition, on Friday (Jun 21). The canine, who has been competing for the title for years now, beat seven other competitors at the event held on a fairground in California, United States. Wild Thang wins the title The eight-year-old Pekingese from Coos Bay, Oregon was finally crowned the winner at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, marking his first win after he had competed four times before. Wild Thang had secured second place three times before finally winning this year. The dog born and raised in Los Angeles recently retired to Oregon. The eight-year-old canine was among eight dogs who were competing for the title and walked the red carpet at the fair on Friday. Also Read | Shiny monolith removed from Nevada desert days after its mysterious appearance. Here’s why According to the contest’s website, the competition has been going on for nearly 50 years and welcomes dogs of “all breeds and sizes”. “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!” the website reads. Wild Thang, and his owner Ann Lewis, will receive $5,000. Meanwhile, a 14-year-old pug named Rome, who was contesting for the first time, secured second place and received a prize of $3,000. A white-coated and mixed-breed rescue dog named Daisy May, who is also 14 years old, won third place and received $2,000. It was also Daisy May’s first time at the competition. ‘Glugly’ Wild Thang’s look has been attributed to a disease which prevented the growth of his teeth, leaving his tongue hanging outside his mouth. The canine also suffers from a muscular disorder in one of his legs. Also Read | US family claims over $80,000 from NASA after space debris hit their home According to his bio, Wild Thang contracted distemper as a puppy from a rescue foster, and “barely” survived. “His teeth did not grow in, causing his tongue to stay out and his right front leg paddles 24/7,” said his owner. But other than that, she described Wild Thang as a “healthy, happy Glugly (glamourous/ugly) guy”. According to his owner, Wild Thang “loves people, other dogs and especially his toys” and his “purpose in life is to promote the necessity of getting your pets vaccinated”. (With inputs from agencies)

World’s Ugliest Dog Contest 2024: Wild Thang, an eight-year-old Pekingese, crowned winner

<p>A 17-year-old Chinese crested called Mr Happy Face, who participated in the World's Ugliest Dog Contest, has been crowned the world's homeliest pooch in an event held annually in California.</p>

<p>Jeneda Benally, a 41-year-old musician from Arizona had adopted the dog, with a tuft of punk-style hair and a tongue sticking perennially out the side of his mouth, as a rescue last year.</p>

<p>While introducing the dog during the contest, Benally said ''I had hoped to either have a baby or adopt a dog. Since having a baby would have been an act of God, I opted to adopt a dog.''</p>

<p>But instead of buying a dog, she wanted to adopt one and so went to a shelter where she was told about an older dog with health problems.</p>

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<p>She was not deterred when she told that the creature "could be inbred because he was so ugly".</p>

<p>The proud owner said that although Mr. Happy Face had previously lived with a person for several years vets said that with his poor health the dog might only live a few weeks.</p>

<p>Calling the dog a survivor of abuse and neglect, Benally said Mr. Happy Face was resilient and ''kindness has helped him defy the anticipated short life that we all expected him to have with our family.''</p>

<p>"His hobbies include sleeping, snoring, woofing in his sleep and making odd sounds when he is happy," she added.</p>

<p>"Dogs of all breeds and sizes have warmed our hearts and filled our lives with unconditional love. This world-renowned event celebrates the imperfections that make all dogs special and unique," the organisers said about the contest.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>Watch WION's live TV here:</strong></p>

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A 17-year-old Chinese crested called Mr Happy Face, who participated in the World's Ugliest Dog Contest, has been crowned the world's homeliest pooch in an event held annually in California.

A 17-year-old Chinese crested called Mr Happy Face, who participated in the World's Ugliest Dog Contest, has been crowned the world's homeliest pooch in an event held annually in California. Jeneda Benally, a 41-year-old musician from Arizona had adopted the dog, with a tuft of punk-style hair and a tongue sticking perennially out the side of his mouth, as a rescue last year. While introducing the dog during the contest, Benally said ''I had hoped to either have a baby or adopt a dog. Since having a baby would have been an act of God, I opted to adopt a dog.'' But instead of buying a dog, she wanted to adopt one and so went to a shelter where she was told about an older dog with health problems. × She was not deterred when she told that the creature "could be inbred because he was so ugly". The proud owner said that although Mr. Happy Face had previously lived with a person for several years vets said that with his poor health the dog might only live a few weeks. Calling the dog a survivor of abuse and neglect, Benally said Mr. Happy Face was resilient and ''kindness has helped him defy the anticipated short life that we all expected him to have with our family.'' "His hobbies include sleeping, snoring, woofing in his sleep and making odd sounds when he is happy," she added. "Dogs of all breeds and sizes have warmed our hearts and filled our lives with unconditional love. This world-renowned event celebrates the imperfections that make all dogs special and unique," the organisers said about the contest. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Mr Happy Face, 17-year-old chihuahua mix, wins the world’s ugliest dog

<p>Martha the Neapolitan Mastiff, a sluggish 125 pound (57 kg) dog won first place among the 14 contestants who had participated in the World&#39;s Ugliest Dog Competition, organised in Petaluma, California.</p>

<p>The 3-year-old dog walked onstage lazily and snored loudly when she was supposed to be showing off at the Sonoma-Marin Fair.</p>

<p>Impressing the judges with what appeared to be her &quot;300 pounds&quot; of droopy skin on her long bones, she won the crown along with a trophy, a trip to New York and $1500 (USD).&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Martha shakes water off her head after winning this year&#39;s World&#39;s Ugliest Dog Competition (AFP)</p>
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<p>Martha used to be among the thousands of neglected large breed dogs, whose owner was trying to sell her on Craigslist (an American version of Olx)&nbsp;when her current handler Shirley Zindler took her in. Zindler is the founder of the animal fostering group, &#39;Dogwood Animal Rescue Project&#39;, the New York Times reported.</p>

<p>&quot;She knocks over every water bucket no matter how securely attached to the fence,&quot; said owner Shirley Dawn Zindler of her homely hound. &quot;She bosses the other dogs around and makes sure all guests are suitably slimed on arrival.&quot;</p>

<p>Martha will now live with Ms&nbsp;Burkard, who reached out to Dogwood via Facebook, reported the New York Times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The competition was stiff: Moe, a lackadaisical, scraggly-haired mutt whose tongue generally hangs out the side of his mouth nabbed second place.</p>

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<p>Miriam Tcheng holds her Brussel Griffon Pug &#39;Moe&#39; during The World&#39;s Ugliest Dog Competition (AFP)</p>
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<p>Precious, a rat-like, wide-eyed Chihuahua claimed the spirit award.</p>

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<p>Precious the Chihuahua faces off with Martha the Neapolitan Mastiff during The World&#39;s Ugliest Dog Competition (AFP)</p>
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<p>The small coastal city of Petaluma has been hosting an annual ugly dog contest for more than 50 years, organisers said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This year&#39;s event included a red carpet walk and a &quot;fashion faux paw show&quot; -- complete with ugly sweaters -- allowing the less aesthetically pleasing canines of the world the chance to strut their stuff.</p>

<p>&quot;We celebrate the spirit and imperfections that make these dogs lovable,&quot; said event marketing director Karen Spencer.</p>

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<p>A Chinese Crested dog named Chase walks on stage during The World&#39;s Ugliest Dog Competition (AFP)</p>
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<p>Josie, a Chinese Crested, waits to compete in the World&#39;s Ugliest Dog Competition (AFP)</p>
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The World's Ugliest Dog Competition is organised annually in Petaluma, California for the past 50 years

Martha the Neapolitan Mastiff, a sluggish 125 pound (57 kg) dog won first place among the 14 contestants who had participated in the World's Ugliest Dog Competition, organised in Petaluma, California. The 3-year-old dog walked onstage lazily and snored loudly when she was supposed to be showing off at the Sonoma-Marin Fair. Impressing the judges with what appeared to be her "300 pounds" of droopy skin on her long bones, she won the crown along with a trophy, a trip to New York and $1500 (USD). Martha shakes water off her head after winning this year's World's Ugliest Dog Competition (AFP) × Martha used to be among the thousands of neglected large breed dogs, whose owner was trying to sell her on Craigslist (an American version of Olx) when her current handler Shirley Zindler took her in. Zindler is the founder of the animal fostering group, 'Dogwood Animal Rescue Project', the New York Times reported. "She knocks over every water bucket no matter how securely attached to the fence," said owner Shirley Dawn Zindler of her homely hound. "She bosses the other dogs around and makes sure all guests are suitably slimed on arrival." Martha will now live with Ms Burkard, who reached out to Dogwood via Facebook, reported the New York Times. The competition was stiff: Moe, a lackadaisical, scraggly-haired mutt whose tongue generally hangs out the side of his mouth nabbed second place. Miriam Tcheng holds her Brussel Griffon Pug 'Moe' during The World's Ugliest Dog Competition (AFP) × Precious, a rat-like, wide-eyed Chihuahua claimed the spirit award. Precious the Chihuahua faces off with Martha the Neapolitan Mastiff during The World's Ugliest Dog Competition (AFP) × The small coastal city of Petaluma has been hosting an annual ugly dog contest for more than 50 years, organisers said. This year's event included a red carpet walk and a "fashion faux paw show" -- complete with ugly sweaters -- allowing the less aesthetically pleasing canines of the world the chance to strut their stuff. "We celebrate the spirit and imperfections that make these dogs lovable," said event marketing director Karen Spencer. A Chinese Crested dog named Chase walks on stage during The World's Ugliest Dog Competition (AFP) × Josie, a Chinese Crested, waits to compete in the World's Ugliest Dog Competition (AFP) ×

Martha: The beauty that won the Ugliest Dog award