Meet Wild Thang: The World's Ugliest Dog Contest Winner

Ann Lewis proudly describes her 8-year-old Pekingese, Wild Thang, as "glugly," a combination of glamour and ugliness. The excessively hairy gray-black pup, hailing from Coos Bay, Oregon, lived up to its name by winning the coveted title of the World's Ugliest Dog at the Sonoma-Marin Fair on Friday. Lewis expressed optimism, stating, "This is our fifth year in the competition, this could be our year!"

Victory at the Sonoma-Marin Fair

Gadi Schwartz, NBC News correspondent, officially declared Wild Thang the ugliest dog in the world, triumphing over seven other competitors, in front of a packed crowd at the fair. The judges, including Schwartz, Linda Witong Abrahm, Brian Sobel, Amy Gutierrez, and Fiona Ma, were captivated by Wild Thang's unique appearance, with Sobel comparing him to a Roomba vacuum cleaner.

A Survivor's Tale

Wild Thang's distinctive appearance can be traced back to a battle with distemper during his puppyhood, from which he barely survived. The virus resulted in the inability to grow teeth, causing his tongue to perpetually hang out of his mouth. Additionally, he has a "wonky" right leg, making it challenging for him to walk long distances.

Charitable Contributions

When not reveling in his newfound celebrity status, Wild Thang and Lewis dedicate their efforts to raise funds for rescuing Pekingese dogs in war-torn areas of Ukraine. Their endeavors have facilitated the relocation of seven dogs to the United States and Canada.

Rewards for the Title

The coveted title of World's Ugliest Dog has rewarded Wild Thang with $5,000, a year's supply of Mug Root Beer, and an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City to appear on the Today show on NBC. Additionally, they have benefited from a media spotlight, contributing to the awareness of their charitable cause.

Continued Media Coverage

With media outlets such as CBS News and NBC featuring Wild Thang, the attention garnered from winning the World's Ugliest Dog title has provided a platform to spread awareness about their charitable work, inspiring others to contribute to their cause.