An eight-year-old Pekingese named Wild Thang was crowned winner at the world’s ugliest dog competition, on Friday (Jun 21). The canine, who has been competing for the title for years now, beat seven other competitors at the event held on a fairground in California, United States.
Wild Thang wins the title
The eight-year-old Pekingese from Coos Bay, Oregon was finally crowned the winner at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, marking his first win after he had competed four times before. Wild Thang had secured second place three times before finally winning this year.
The dog born and raised in Los Angeles recently retired to Oregon. The eight-year-old canine was among eight dogs who were competing for the title and walked the red carpet at the fair on Friday.
According to the contest’s website, the competition has been going on for nearly 50 years and welcomes dogs of “all breeds and sizes”.
“The annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest is not about making fun of ‘ugly’ dogs, but having fun with some wonderful characters and showing the world that these dogs are really beautiful!” the website reads.
Wild Thang, and his owner Ann Lewis, will receive $5,000. Meanwhile, a 14-year-old pug named Rome, who was contesting for the first time, secured second place and received a prize of $3,000.
A white-coated and mixed-breed rescue dog named Daisy May, who is also 14 years old, won third place and received $2,000. It was also Daisy May’s first time at the competition.
‘Glugly’
Wild Thang’s look has been attributed to a disease which prevented the growth of his teeth, leaving his tongue hanging outside his mouth. The canine also suffers from a muscular disorder in one of his legs.
According to his bio, Wild Thang contracted distemper as a puppy from a rescue foster, and “barely” survived. “His teeth did not grow in, causing his tongue to stay out and his right front leg paddles 24/7,” said his owner.
But other than that, she described Wild Thang as a “healthy, happy Glugly (glamourous/ugly) guy”.
According to his owner, Wild Thang “loves people, other dogs and especially his toys” and his “purpose in life is to promote the necessity of getting your pets vaccinated”.
(With inputs from agencies)
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