Meet the world’s ugliest dog

(NewsNation) — The world’s “ugliest dog” has been named after a competition held in Petaluma, California, that organizers say is to celebrate all dogs, including the less photogenic.

This year’s winner is Wild Thang, a Pekingese whose early bout with distemper caused his front teeth to not grow in, causing his tongue to permanently hang out of his mouth.

Wild Thang’s owner said the pup is fond of people and other dogs and used the platform to advocate for the importance of getting pets vaccinated.

The runner-up and people’s choice award went to Rome, a 14-year-old Pug, and third place was awarded to Daisy Mae, a senior dog of indeterminate breed.

Rome, who lives at a senior sanctuary, visits people in hospice, and Daisy Mae, another rescue, enjoys chasing squirrels and sunbathing.

The contest is also meant to raise awareness about rescue dogs and show even the ugliest dogs can also be beautiful.