The 5 Most Shocking World’s Ugliest Dog Contest Winners And Their Heartwarming Stories

The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest is not a mockery of canine appearance; it is a profound celebration of the unique, the imperfect, and the incredible spirit of rescue dogs. As of this year, December 18, 2025, the contest continues its decades-long tradition of highlighting that true beauty comes from within, rewarding the dogs with the most endearing "unique attributes" and heartwarming stories of survival and love. The most recent winner, a Pekingese named Wild Thang, perfectly embodies this mission, proving that a dog’s spirit can shine brighter than any conventional beauty standard.

Held annually at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, the competition has been a global phenomenon since the 1970s, drawing attention to the importance of pet adoption and celebrating the so-called "underdogs." The contest’s focus is on personality and connection, not just a physical score, with the grand prize now including a trophy, a significant cash award, and worldwide fame for the winning dog and its dedicated owner.

The Reigning Champion and Recent Hall of Famers: Full Winner Profiles

The history of the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest is filled with tales of resilience, odd genetics, and owners who saw past the unusual to find profound love. Here are the full profiles of the most notable and recent champions, showcasing the diversity of the competition.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

1. Wild Thang: The 2024 Champion (Pekingese)

• Year Won: 2024
• Breed: Pekingese
• Age at Win: 8 years old
• Owner: Ann Lewis (Coos Bay, Oregon)
• Unique Attributes: Wild Thang's distinct look is a result of a severe case of distemper he contracted as a 10-week-old puppy while in foster care. The virus left him with permanent neurological damage. This damage prevented his adult teeth from growing, causing his long, floppy tongue to perpetually hang out of his mouth. He also maintains a frizzy, untamable puppy coat, giving him a truly one-of-a-kind appearance.
• Story: After competing four times previously without a win, Wild Thang's 2024 victory was a testament to perseverance and his undeniable charm. His owner, Ann Lewis, has used his fame to raise awareness about pet vaccinations and the severity of distemper.

2. Scooter: The 2023 Champion (Chinese Crested)

• Year Won: 2023
• Breed: Chinese Crested
• Age at Win: 7 years old
• Owner: Linda Elmquist (Tucson, Arizona)
• Unique Attributes: Scooter’s most striking feature is his reversed hind legs, which grew backward. This condition makes walking difficult, requiring him to use a custom-made mobility cart to get around. He has the classic Chinese Crested hairless body, with tufts of white hair on his head and feet.
• Story: Scooter was rescued from a high-kill shelter, where he was almost euthanized due to his birth defect. His win highlighted the incredible potential of rescue dogs with special needs, proving that physical challenges do not diminish a dog's capacity for love and joy.

3. Mr. Happy Face: The 2022 Champion (Chinese Crested-Chihuahua Mix)

• Year Won: 2022
• Breed: Chinese Crested-Chihuahua Mix
• Age at Win: 17 years old
• Owner: Janeda Banelly (Sierra Vista, Arizona)
• Unique Attributes: Mr. Happy Face is a very old and frail dog with several unique features, including a crooked head, a tuft of white hair on his head, and a tongue that often hangs out. His body is largely hairless, typical of the Chinese Crested breed.
• Story: Janeda Banelly adopted him in 2021 from an animal shelter, specifically seeking out the oldest, most medically needy dog to give him a loving final home. His win was a powerful tribute to senior dog adoption and the beauty of unconditional love, even in the final years of a pet's life.

4. Scamp the Tramp: The 2019 Champion (Mixed Breed)

• Year Won: 2019
• Breed: Mixed Breed (Likely a combination of several terriers)
• Age at Win: Unknown (Adult)
• Owner: Yvonne Morones (Santa Rosa, California)
• Unique Attributes: Scamp the Tramp is known for his signature "untamable" dreadlock-like hair that stands straight up, making him look perpetually windswept. He has bowed legs and a generally unkempt, scruffy appearance.
• Story: Scamp was a former stray found by Yvonne Morones on a pet-finder website. His victory brought attention to the vast number of mixed-breed dogs and mutts in shelters that deserve a loving home. His owner used his prize money to help other rescue animals.

5. Zsa Zsa: The 2018 Champion (English Bulldog)

• Year Won: 2018
• Breed: English Bulldog
• Age at Win: 9 years old
• Owner: Megan Brainard (Anoka, Minnesota)
• Unique Attributes: Zsa Zsa was a massive, drooling English Bulldog whose "ugliness" came from her severely underbitten jaw, which allowed her tongue to hang out to the side of her mouth. Her pronounced jowls and heavy wrinkles added to her distinctive look.
• Story: Zsa Zsa was a rescue dog who spent five years in a puppy mill before being rescued and adopted by her loving family. Her win was a celebration of the unique, droopy charm of the Bulldog breed and a reminder of the need to support organizations that rescue dogs from commercial breeding facilities.

The Hidden Purpose: Why the Contest Matters

Far from a superficial spectacle, the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest serves a critical, positive purpose in the animal welfare community. The event, hosted by the Sonoma-Marin Fair, is an annual platform to promote pet adoption, celebrate the beauty of all dogs regardless of breed or appearance, and advocate for rescue organizations.

The attention generated by the contest—which includes a cash prize of around $1,500 to $1,600 for the winner, media appearances, and a trophy—is used by the owners to support animal charities and raise awareness for specific medical conditions.

Judging Criteria: It's Not Just About Looks

The judging process is surprisingly holistic and focuses on more than just physical abnormalities. The panel of judges, often composed of celebrities, veterinarians, and animal experts, evaluates three main categories:

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

• Unusual Attributes: This is where the dog's unique physical characteristics shine, such as unusual hair (or lack thereof), crooked teeth, underbites, overbites, or unique mobility issues like Scooter's reversed legs.
• Personality: The dog's demeanor, stage presence, and interaction with the crowd and judges are crucial. A cheerful, loving, and engaging personality can easily outweigh any physical flaw.
• Audience Connection: The bond between the dog and its owner, as well as the dog's ability to win over the audience with its charm and story, plays a major role in the final score.

There is also a special "Spirit Award" given to a dog that embodies the contest's mission, showcasing an exceptional will to live and a positive attitude despite a difficult past. This focus on "inner beauty" is what separates this event from any other pet competition.

The Breeds of the Champions: A Study in 'Ugly-Cute'

While the contest is open to all dogs, two breeds consistently dominate the winner's circle due to their naturally unique and often bizarre physical features: the Chinese Crested and the Pekingese.

The Chinese Crested Dominance

The Chinese Crested breed, exemplified by 2023 winner Scooter and 2022 winner Mr. Happy Face, is a perennial favorite. They are naturally hairless (or "powderpuff" with soft hair) and often feature tufts of hair on their head, paws, and tail, giving them a distinct and often comical look. Their genetic predisposition to dental issues and unique skin textures makes them frequent contenders in the competition.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

The Pekingese Charm

The Pekingese, like 2024 winner Wild Thang, often wins with its fluffy, long coat that can appear unkempt, a flat face, and a tendency for their tongue to hang out. Their unique facial structure and expressive eyes give them a look of permanent, endearing bewilderment that judges find irresistible.

The common thread among all winners, regardless of breed, is their background as a rescue dog. The contest is a powerful vehicle for promoting the adoption of dogs with special needs and non-traditional appearances. Every champion, from the toothless Pekingese to the mobility-challenged Chinese Crested, proves that a dog's value is in its heart, not its looks. The contest is a joyful reminder to look past the superficial and embrace the unique, loving companions that enrich our lives.