5 Shocking Secrets Of The World's Ugliest Dog Contest, Including The 2025 Winner Petunia

The World's Ugliest Dog Contest is not a cruel spectacle, but a heartwarming celebration of imperfections, rescue, and the unique beauty of all canines. This annual event, held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, turns traditional beauty standards on their head, focusing instead on personality, spirit, and the endearing qualities that make a dog truly one-of-a-kind. Far from being an insult, winning the title is an honor that brings international attention to the importance of dog adoption, especially for those with "special" looks.

As of December 2025, the contest continues its nearly 50-year tradition of advocacy. The most recent winner, crowned in August 2025, is a dog whose story of overcoming abuse and neglect perfectly embodies the contest’s core message, proving that a dog’s spirit—not its snout, fur, or underbite—is what truly matters.

The Reigning Champion: Petunia's Biography and Profile

The title of the World's Ugliest Dog for 2025 was awarded to Petunia, a 2-year-old hairless English-French bulldog mix. Her victory on August 8, 2025, was a celebrated moment, not just for her unique appearance but for her compelling backstory.

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• Name: Petunia
• Year Won: 2025
• Breed: Hairless English-French Bulldog Mix
• Age at Win: 2 years old
• Location: Eugene, Oregon
• Rescue Organization: Luvable Dog Rescue
• Defining Features: Wrinkly skin, pronounced underbite, and a history of overcoming severe abuse from a Las Vegas breeder.
• Prize: $5,000 and a trip to New York for media appearances.
• Advocacy Role: Her win highlighted the plight of dogs rescued from abusive breeding situations and promoted the adoption of dogs with physical differences.

Petunia's journey from a life of neglect to global fame perfectly encapsulates the contest's mission. Her owner, who works with Luvable Dog Rescue, emphasized that Petunia’s triumph is a testament to the resilience of rescue animals. Her win followed the success of the 2024 champion, Wild Thang, an 8-year-old Pekingese known for his permanently sticking-out tongue and shaggy fur, making him a five-time competitor before finally taking the crown.

Beyond the 'Ugly': The Contest's True Mission and History

The World's Ugliest Dog Contest, often misunderstood as a joke, is a deeply meaningful event with a long history rooted in animal advocacy. The competition's true purpose is to celebrate the unique character of dogs and encourage the adoption of animals that may be overlooked due to their appearance or mixed-breed status.

A History of Heart in Petaluma, California

The contest began in the 1970s as a small, local event to raise money for the Old Adobe Association in Petaluma, California. It quickly grew into an international phenomenon, hosted annually at the Sonoma-Marin Fair. For nearly 50 years, the contest has championed the message that pedigree does not define a pet. It's a powerful platform for rescue organizations and owners to share the often-challenging, yet ultimately rewarding, stories of their beloved companions.

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The Advocacy for Rescue Dogs

A recurring theme among the winners is their status as rescue dogs or mutts. The contest actively promotes the adoption of all dogs, particularly those with physical deformities or unusual attributes. Past winners like Scamp the Tramp, a dreadlocked dog of unknown breed, and Peanut, a two-year-old mutt who won in 2014, have used their titles to become ambassadors for animal welfare. The competition serves as a global reminder that love for a dog is unconditional, regardless of how "ugly" the world might deem them.

What It Takes to Win: Judging Criteria and Notable Competitors

Winning the World's Ugliest Dog Contest is a serious endeavor, evaluated by a panel of three judges using the American System of Judging. The criteria are not based on breed standards but on the dog's unique and endearing qualities.

The Four Pillars of 'Ugly' Judging

The judges look for a combination of physical and personality traits that make the dog stand out. The competition is structured to ensure the focus remains on celebrating the dog's specialness, not mocking its appearance. Owners must also provide a note from their veterinarian to prove their dogs are healthy and "naturally ugly," ensuring no intentional harm or manipulation for the competition.

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The primary judging criteria include:

• Special or Unusual Attributes: This is where features like extreme underbites, asymmetrical faces, unique hair patterns (or lack thereof, as with hairless dogs), and long, drooping tongues score high.
• Personality: The dog’s spirit, enthusiasm, and unique way of interacting with the crowd and judges are crucial.
• Overall Dog Quality: The dog’s health, temperament, and the bond with its owner are considered.
• Audience Reaction: The crowd's cheers and appreciation often play a role in the final decision, demonstrating the dog’s ability to charm and entertain.

The Legacy of Unique Champions

Over the years, the contest has been dominated by a few breeds and mixes, often those prone to the very features the judges celebrate. Chinese Cresteds and various mutt mixes are frequent contenders, showcasing their distinctive looks. The competition’s list of winners reads like a who’s who of lovable oddballs:

• Zsa Zsa (2018): An English Bulldog with a massive underbite and a tongue that perpetually hung out.
• Scamp the Tramp (2019): A dreadlocked dog whose unknown heritage made him a perfect ambassador for mixed breeds.
• Wally: A past winner known for his box-shaped head and unusual gait.

The victory of Petunia, the hairless bulldog mix, in 2025 continues this tradition, cementing the contest's role as a beacon of positivity. It's a quirky, feel-good event that reminds the world that the most beautiful things often come in the most unexpected packages.

The contest is not about finding the most aesthetically displeasing dog; it's about finding the dog whose unique appearance tells the most powerful story of survival, love, and unconditional companionship. The $5,000 prize money and media attention for winners like Petunia are simply the cherry on top of a global celebration of canine individuality.