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Wild Thang, an 8-year-old Pekingese from North Bend, Oregon, has claimed the title of the World's Ugliest Dog at the 2024 contest held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair.
Originally from Los Angeles, Wild Thang has competed five times in this quirky competition but secured his first victory this year. The event saw eight contestants, mostly rescue dogs from shelters, including mixes of Chinese Crested dogs, Pugs, and Chihuahuas.
Wild Thang’s unique appearance is a result of contracting canine distemper at just 10 weeks old. The disease prevented his teeth from growing, causing his tongue to hang out and leading to a muscular imbalance in his leg. Despite these challenges, Wild Thang's bio describes him as a "healthy, happy Glugly (glamorous/ugly) guy."
The World's Ugliest Dog contest, now in its 50th year, aims to celebrate the beauty in imperfections. It highlights the special and unique characteristics that make each dog endearing.
As the winner, Wild Thang and his owner, Ann Lewis, will receive $5,000, and they will be featured on NBC's The Today Show.
Rome, a 14-year-old pug using a wheelchair, took second place and was awarded $3,000. Rome's owner, Michelle Grady, expressed her appreciation for the competition, saying, "I love that [the competition] represents dogs that are imperfect — imperfectly perfect."
Daisy May, a 14-year-old mixed breed rescue dog, finished third and will receive $2,000. She was rescued from the streets at age two and has since lost her vision, teeth, and hair.
Last year's winner was Scooter, a hairless Chinese Crested puppy with a birth deformity, who was saved from euthanasia by the Saving Animals From Euthanasia rescue group and now uses a cart to walk.
The contest highlights the resilience and charm of these extraordinary pets, proving that beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder.
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