Pekingese named Wild Thang crowned World’s Ugliest Dog

PETALUMA, Calif. (Gray News) – An 8-year-old Pekingese named Wild Thang has been crowned the World’s Ugliest Dog in California on Friday.

The World’s Ugliest Dog contest is held every year at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma.

Wild Thang, this year’s champion, has finished in second place in the contest three times in previous years.

The dog’s appearance is characterized by a lolling tongue and unruly fur.

He was born and raised in Los Angeles until recently moving to Oregon with his owner Ann Lewis.

He and his owner took home the top prize, a $5,000 check.

According to Wild Thang’s bio, he contracted distemper as a puppy from a rescue foster, which caused his tongue to stick out.

Despite his physical issues, Wild Thang’s owner said he is happy and healthy.

The World’s Ugliest Dog contest has been a highlight at the fair for almost 50 years.

It promotes adopting dogs, especially senior dogs, from shelters instead of breeders.

Copyright 2024 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.