The 5 Most Shocking And Adorable Winners Of The World's Ugliest Dog Contest, Including The Latest 2025 Champion

The World's Ugliest Dog Contest is not a mockery of man's best friend, but a heartwarming, hilarious celebration of the unique beauty found in every dog, especially those with a face only a mother could love. As of December 2025, the competition continues its decades-long tradition of shining a spotlight on the wonderfully weird, with the most recent champion proving that unconventional looks are a ticket to global fame and a significant cash prize.

This annual event, held in Northern California, has become a global phenomenon, transforming dogs with crooked teeth, hairless bodies, and pronounced underbites into international celebrities. The contest's true mission is to champion dog adoption and prove that every dog, regardless of its "flaws," deserves a loving home.

The Reigning Champion: Petunia's Biography and Unconventional Charm

The 2025 World's Ugliest Dog title was claimed by a pup whose unique features captured the hearts of the judges and the global audience. The most recent winner exemplifies the spirit of the contest: celebrating the perfectly imperfect.

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• Name: Petunia
• Winning Year: 2025
• Breed: Hairless English-French Bulldog Mix
• Age: 2 years old (at the time of winning)
• Origin: Rescued and cared for by Luvable Dog Rescue in Eugene, Oregon
• Winning Features: A distinctly hairless body, a pronounced underbite, and a perpetually surprised expression. Her wrinkled skin and unusual gait were key to her victory.
• Prize: Petunia and her owner received a $5,000 cash prize, a trophy, and a trip to New York City for media appearances.
• Contest Location: Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, California.

Petunia's victory in the 50th annual competition was a testament to her "natural ugliness," one of the key judging criteria. Her journey from a rescue dog to a global icon perfectly encapsulates the contest's advocacy for adopting dogs that might otherwise be overlooked.

How the "Ugliest" Dog is Judged: Criteria for Unconventional Beauty

The World's Ugliest Dog Contest is far more sophisticated than a simple beauty pageant in reverse. The judging process is rigorous, focusing on a dog's unique characteristics and overall personality. The event promotes the idea that "natural ugliness" is a form of exceptionalism.

The Five Pillars of Ugliest Dog Judging

Judges—often comprised of celebrities, veterinarians, and animal advocates—score the contestants on a sliding scale across five main categories. The dogs must also be certified by a veterinarian as healthy, and owners must prove that the dog's appearance was not intentionally altered to enhance its "ugliness."

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1. First Impressions: This is the initial reaction a dog evokes. It's about shock value and immediate visual impact.
2. Unusual Attributes: Judges look for unique physical traits. This includes extreme underbites, drooping tongues, mismatched eyes, excessive wrinkles, unique hair patterns (or lack thereof), and physical deformities.
3. Natural Ugliness: The dog must be genuinely, naturally ugly. Dogs with genetic issues, birth defects, or those who have survived trauma often score highly in this category.
4. Personality: A dog's confidence, enthusiasm, and overall character are crucial. A winning dog is often one who embraces their unique look with a joyful, resilient spirit.
5. Audience Impression: The crowd's reaction and engagement with the dog play a significant role. The most beloved contestants are often those who are the most endearing.

The competition's emphasis on natural attributes and personality transforms a potentially mean-spirited contest into a celebration of diversity. It highlights the wonderful characters that make these dogs so special to their owners.

A Hall of Fame: Memorable and Unforgettable Past Winners

Petunia is just the latest in a long line of champions who have redefined canine aesthetics. Since the contest began in the 1970s at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, it has crowned dozens of unforgettable winners. These dogs have gone on to become spokes-pups for rescue organizations and living proof of the beauty in imperfection.

1. Wild Thang (2024 Winner)

Wild Thang, an 8-year-old Pekingese, finally claimed the crown in 2024 after competing five times. His signature look was a mop of hair that permanently covered one eye and a tongue that perpetually lolled out of his mouth. He was a fan-favorite for years, proving that persistence—and a very unique coif—pays off.

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2. Zsa Zsa (2018 Winner)

Zsa Zsa, a majestic English Bulldog, won with her dramatic and pronounced underbite, a barrel-chested physique, and a very long, drooping tongue that often hung out sideways. Her appearance was described as "regal yet grotesque," earning her a massive following and the 2018 title.

3. Scamp the Tramp (2019 Winner)

Scamp the Tramp, a rescue dog of unknown breed, was instantly recognizable by his "dreadlocked" coat of fur and his signature "side-eye" look. His shaggy, unkempt appearance and inspiring rescue story made him a powerful advocate for adopting mutts.

4. Quasi Modo (2015 Winner)

Quasi Modo, a Pitbull-Dutch Shepherd mix, won the title with a striking appearance caused by multiple birth defects to his spine. His owner described him as looking like a "hyena." Despite his physical challenges, his sweet, resilient personality earned him the top honor and helped raise awareness for dogs with physical disabilities.

5. Walle (2013 Winner)

Walle, a Beagle, Boxer, and Basset Hound mix, was a Frankenstein of dog breeds. His large head, short, duck-like waddle, and disproportionate body made him look like he was assembled from spare parts. He was a clear example of how a mix of unusual attributes can lead to a championship title.

The Heartwarming Mission Beyond the Crown

While the World's Ugliest Dog Contest provides endless entertainment, its underlying purpose is profoundly important. The contest serves as a powerful platform for animal welfare, promoting the adoption of rescue dogs and purebreds with unique physical challenges.

Many of the contestants, including the 2025 winner Petunia, are rescue dogs who were once considered unadoptable due to their looks. The contest flips the script, celebrating these "flaws" and demonstrating that every dog is worthy of love and a forever home.

By focusing on the dog's personality and the bond with its owner, the event encourages people to look beyond superficial appearances. It’s a global reminder that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder, especially when that beholder is a loving pet parent.