8-year-old Pekingese wins world's ugliest dog contest
Wild Thang, an eight-year-old Pekingese, has been named the ugliest dog in the world.
The pup earned the title after winning the 2024 World's Ugliest Dog contest in Petaluma, California, beating out seven other dogs.
After previously competing in the pageant and only bagging second place for three tries, Wild Thang finally took home the grand prize.
The pooch, from Coos Bay, Oregon, contracted distemper when he was a puppy. This prevented the growth of his teeth and other physical issues.
"He survived, but not without permanent damage. His teeth did not grow in, causing his tongue to stay out and his right front leg paddles 24/7," Wild Thang's bio read. "Other than that, he is a healthy, happy glugly (glamourous/ugly) guy."
Wild Thang is also described as a pup who loves people, other dogs, and his toys.
The owner of the dog will receive $5,000 (~P294,000) for winning the contest.
In addition to Wild Thang, this year's world's ugliest dog contest featured a 14-year-old black pug with one eye named Rome, 14-year-old rescue Daisy Mae, nine-month-old Chihuahua/Jack Russell Terrier mix Mochi, Chinese Crested/Gremlin Poppy, 10-year-old terrier mix Ozzie, Chihuahua mix Twiggy, and Brussels-Griffon/Pug mix Freddie Mercury.
Daisy Mae at the World's Ugliest Dog contest. JOSH EDELSON / AFP
Freddie Mercury at the World's Ugliest Dog contest. JOSH EDELSON / AFP
Ozzie at the World's Ugliest Dog contest. JUSTIN SULLIVAN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP
Rome at the World's Ugliest Dog contest. JOSH EDELSON / AFP
Daisy Mae at the World's Ugliest Dog contest. JOSH EDELSON / AFP
Freddie Mercury at the World's Ugliest Dog contest. JOSH EDELSON / AFP
Ozzie at the World's Ugliest Dog contest. JUSTIN SULLIVAN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP
Rome at the World's Ugliest Dog contest. JOSH EDELSON / AFP
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According to its website, the World's Ugliest Dog contest aims to advocate for the "adoration of all animals and the benefits of adopting." The contest has been running for nearly 50 years.