A truly unique competition that is held every year in Petaluma, California, and which saw the participation of numerous canine “beauties” from every corner of America. The winners were Ann Lewis from Oregon with her eight-year-old dog, Wild Thang: it was their fifth time competing. The real purpose of this contest is certainly not to mock our four-legged friends, but to raise awareness of their stories and important issues such as abandonment and adoption
by Pietro Santini
In the world of animal lovers, there is an event that celebrates the unique and unconventional beauty of our four-legged friends: the “World’s Ugliest Dog” contest. This year, a little furry hero has won everyone’s hearts, proving that true beauty goes far beyond the exterior.
Wild Thang, an eight-year-old Pekingese from Coos Bay in Oregon, triumphed in the 2024 edition of this unique competition, held during the Sonoma-Marin Fair, the agricultural fair, in Petaluma, California. Don’t be fooled by the title: this event, now in its fiftieth edition, absolutely does not aim to mock the participants, but rather to celebrate their uniqueness and promote the importance of adoption.
The competition saw the participation of eight dogs, many of which came from shelters and were rescued from difficult situations. Second place went to Rome, a 14-year-old pug, while the third step of the podium was conquered by Daisy Mae, a 14-year-old white-coated mixed-breed, rescued from the streets at the age of two and who lost teeth , fur and sight.
The peculiar appearance of the champion, Wild Thang, long hair in a combination of white and gray and an unforgettable muzzle, caught the attention of the jury. But what truly sets him apart is his indomitable spirit and affectionate nature, qualities that go beyond any standard of conventional beauty.
Wild Thang’s story is a perfect example of canine resilience. At just ten weeks old, the puppy was struck by a serious form of distemper, a disease that left indelible marks on his body. This condition stunted the growth of his teeth and caused a muscle disorder in one of his paws. Despite the challenges that put him to the test, Wild Thang and his human never gave up and fought together for eight long years.
The jury, made up of experts and prominent personalities, carefully evaluated each competitor.
However, the public also had its say, voting online for the “People’s Choice” award and declaring the elderly pug Rome the winner.
But Wild Thang’s triumph is not limited to the title. He and his owner, Ann Lewis, also received a $5,000 cash prize and the opportunity to appear on NBC’s popular “The Today Show.” A worthy reward for a couple who presented themselves five times at the highest canine “beauty” competition.
This competition, born in 1971 as a fundraising initiative for the local community, has evolved over the years, becoming an event that celebrates diversity and promotes an important message: every dog, regardless of its appearance, deserves love and a home .
The story of Wild Thang and his fellow competitors teaches us a valuable lesson: true beauty is not measured by aesthetic standards, but by strength of character, resilience and the ability to give and receive unconditional love. These dogs, with their unique stories and their unconventional “looks”, remind us that there is beauty in every creature in the world, if only we know how to look with our hearts.
Top: A close-up of the champion of “beauty” Wild Thang, an eight-year-old Pechinse with long white and gray hair.
Photo: Facebook / Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds & Event Center
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