Wild Thang takes the crown in world's ugliest dog contest; Check his photo inside

Meet Wild Thang, the 8-year-old Pekingese who recently clinched the top spot in the 2024 World's Ugliest Dog contest in Petaluma, California. This annual competition, held during the Sonoma-Marin Fair, featured eight contestants, most of whom were rescued from shelters and now have loving homes.

Wild Thang has been a familiar face in the contest, having participated five times. He came close to winning before, securing second place three times, but this year, he finally claimed the coveted title. Originally from Los Angeles, Wild Thang now resides in North Bend, Oregon, where he enjoys his retirement days.

His unique appearance is due to his battle with canine distemper when he was just 10 weeks old. The illness affected the growth of his teeth, causing his tongue to stick out, and also left him with a muscular disorder in one of his legs.

The World's Ugliest Dog contest, nearing its 50th year, celebrates the special qualities that make each dog unique. It's not about poking fun at their looks but rather appreciating their individuality and showing the world that every dog, regardless of appearance, is beautiful in its own way.

The event's website emphasises the importance of embracing imperfections and highlighting the charm and character of these dogs. It's a heartwarming celebration where these wonderful pets get to shine and bring joy to everyone who attends.

Inputs from TOI