Super Fluffy Pekingese Wild Thang Wins World's Ugliest Dog Contest 2024

Wild Thang, an 8-year-old Pekingese, wins World's Ugliest Dog Contest after five tries, capturing hearts with fluffy coat and tongue.

The World's Ugliest Dog Contest crowned an 8-year-old Pekingese named Wild Thang as this year's champion. Wild Thang, a five-time competitor in the event held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, finally took home the top prize after placing second three times before.

With his long and fluffy coat and signature stick-out tongue, Wild Thang, originally from Los Angeles but now residing in North Bend, Oregon, was one of eight dogs competing for the prestigious title. Despite not being featured on the main web page due to being a late entry, Wild Thang quickly became a fan favorite and captured the hearts of the judges.

California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, one of the judges, shared some fun facts about Wild Thang, including his love for sleeping on ice packs and his sweet nature. Most of the dogs in the contest are rescues, including Wild Thang, who survived distemper as a young pup but suffered permanent damage, causing his unique appearance.

The World's Ugliest Dog Contest, which has been running since the 1970s, celebrates the imperfections that make all dogs special and unique. It is not about poking fun at "ugly" dogs but rather embracing their individuality and showcasing their beauty in a fun and light-hearted manner.

In addition to Wild Thang, an elderly pug named Rome in a wheelchair took second place, while Daisy Mae, a mixed-breed dog with a white coat, claimed third place. The contest highlights the beauty in diversity and the special qualities that make each dog a winner in their own right.