Wild Thang, an eight-year-old Pekingese from Oregon, finally won first place in the World’s Ugliest Dog contest after competing for five years and coming in second three times.

@wildthangofficial / InstagramWild Thang , the eight - year - old Pekingese who won first place in this year ’s man ’s Ugliest Dog contest .

On June 21 , 2024 , judges at the yearly World ’s Ugliest Dog contest in Petaluma , California , announced this year ’s winners . The first - place trophy survive to an eight - twelvemonth - old Pekingese nominate Wild Thang .

Wild Thang , who has competed in the rival five time , suffer a serious illness as a puppy that led to his unequaled appearance . Now , his possessor hopes that his newfound celebrity will spotlight their philanthropic oeuvre , include promote borrowing from pet shelters and raising funds to void wiener from war zones .

Worlds Ugliest Dog

@wildthangofficial/InstagramWild Thang, the eight-year-old Pekingese who won first place in this year’s World’s Ugliest Dog contest.

Wild Thang Wins First Place At The World’s Ugliest Dog Competition

Wild Thang , an eight - year - old Pekingese from Coos Bay , Oregon , was named this yr ’s creation ’s Ugliest Dog . The competition has been take for over 50 year and serves to “ celebrate the imperfections that make all hound special and unique , ” according to theofficial websiteof the Sonoma - Marin Fair , where the competition takes position .

The undivided - day challenger begin with pre - contest amusement and the chance to dramatize dogs . Owners with competing pups then show off their pooch to the justice for rating and receive their awards .

Wild Thang had competed for the past five days , earning 2nd home three time . This twelvemonth , the doggy take the spotlight .

Wild Thang

@wildthangofficial/InstagramWild Thang socializing with his fans in his home state of Oregon.

@wildthangofficial / InstagramWild Thang socialize with his fan in his home state of Oregon .

“ He was a sports fan favorite … he ’s kind of like the bridesmaid and never the bride , ” judge Fiona Ma tell theAssociated Press . “ He really tugged at our heartstrings and deserved to win . ”

After his winnings , Wild Thang ’s owner , Ann Lewis , collected the $ 5,000 prize and made an appearance with him onThe Today Showin New York . Wild Thang also score a deal with Mug Root Beer to print his brass on limited version stool .

Wild Thang With His Owner

@wildthangofficial/InstagramWild Thang with his owner, Ann Lewis.

All of the new pressure has given Wild Thang and his owner the chance to raise awareness for Pekingese domestic dog stuck in warfare zone around the world . So far , Lewis has raise funds to evacuate seven Pekingese puppy from Ukraine .

But how did Wild Thang become the world ’s “ ugliest ” cad ?

Wild Thang Overcomes Struggle And Becomes A Star

Wild Thang ’s unique show is a result of an malady he contracted as a puppy from a foster dog . At just 10 weeks old , Wild Thang was diagnosed with canine ill humor , a dangerous virus that preclude the growth of his teeth and induce a muscular upset in one of his legs .

Because he has no teeth , Wild Thang ’s tongue permanently hang out of his mouth , and his veracious front leg constantly waddle . His owner hopes that Wild Thang serves as a monitor for multitude to immunise their dogs to prevent them from endure the effects of serious illness .

@wildthangofficial / InstagramWild Thang with his possessor , Ann Lewis .

Despite his battle , Wild Thang is reportedly a very happy doggy who enjoys hoi polloi , toys , and other dogs . He even has an Instagram bill where his fans can keep up to date with his public appearance and admire his unique feeling .

“ He ’s never had a hair cut , so that is the way he is , ” judge Fiona Ma noted . “ He is just a sweet click — I was just nurse him and he have sex to be held and cuddled . That ’s part of it , these rescue dogs , they just involve constantly home , so please take over , do n’t shop class . ”

After reading about Wild Thang , dive into the stories of11 far-famed frump who earned the rubric “ humans ’s best friend . ”Then , read about theblobfish , the “ ugliest animal in the populace . ”