5 Shocking Transformations: Meet Wild Thang, The 2024 World's Ugliest Dog Champion And His Unforgettable Predecessors

The search for the "ugliest" dog in the world is not an insult, but a heartwarming, highly-anticipated annual celebration of the unique beauty found in rescue dogs and those with physical quirks. As of today, December 18, 2025, the reigning champion is a charming 8-year-old Pekingese named Wild Thang, who finally claimed the coveted title after years of competition, turning his challenging medical history into a story of triumph and adoration.

The World's Ugliest Dog Contest, held annually at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, is far more than a beauty pageant in reverse; it is a global platform that advocates for pet adoption, celebrating the perfect imperfections of dogs who are often overlooked. Wild Thang's victory in the 2024 contest underscores the event's core message: that every dog, regardless of its appearance or background, deserves to be adored.

Biography and Unique Features of Wild Thang (2024 Champion)

Wild Thang is an 8-year-old male Pekingese who captured the hearts of judges and fans alike with his disheveled, yet majestic, appearance. His journey to the 2024 title was a persistent one, as he had competed in the contest five times previously, often placing second before finally securing the grand prize.

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• Name: Wild Thang
• Breed: Pekingese
• Age: 8 years old (as of 2024 contest)
• Owner: Ann Lewis
• Hometown: Coos Bay, Oregon
• Winning Year: 2024
• Unique Feature: His distinct look is the result of surviving canine distemper as a puppy.

The Distemper Backstory: How Illness Created a Champion

Wild Thang’s unique and endearing features are directly linked to a severe health challenge he faced early in life. At just 10 weeks old, he contracted canine distemper from a rescue litter.

While he survived the highly contagious and often fatal viral disease, the distemper left permanent neurological and physical damage.

The long-term effects of the illness are what make Wild Thang a standout "glugly" (glamorous/ugly) champion:

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• Stunted Teeth: The disease prevented the growth of his teeth, which means his tongue often hangs out of his mouth.
• Muscular Disorder: He suffers from a muscular disorder in one of his front legs, giving him a unique gait.
• The Coat: Despite the underlying physical issues, his coat is described as "ginormous," adding to his shaggy, untamed appearance that contrasts with his small, "decrepit" frame underneath.

His owner, Ann Lewis, has used Wild Thang’s platform to raise awareness about the importance of pet vaccinations, specifically for canine distemper, turning his physical struggles into a powerful advocacy message.

The World's Ugliest Dog Contest: A Tradition of Celebrating Imperfection

The World's Ugliest Dog Contest has been an annual staple at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, for nearly 50 years, dating back to the 1970s.

The event is a joyful celebration of the beauty in all dogs, focusing on inner spirit and the bond between pet and owner, rather than traditional aesthetics. The contest intentionally celebrates dogs with unique features—such as hairless bodies, underbites, floppy ears, or unusual gaits—that often come from being rescued or having survived difficult circumstances.

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The judging criteria are not based on how "ugly" a dog is, but rather on a combination of factors that celebrate their distinctiveness and personality:

• First Impressions: The dog’s overall appearance and presentation.
• Unusual Attributes: The number and severity of their unique, endearing physical traits (e.g., snaggle teeth, excessive hair, tongue out).
• Personality: The dog’s charisma, attitude, and the connection with its handler.
• Audience Reaction: The crowd’s enthusiasm and applause for the contestant.

The contest’s mission is to promote dog adoption and responsible pet ownership, proving that "pedigree does not define a pet."

From Pekingese to Mastiff: Five Unforgettable Ugliest Dog Champions

Wild Thang is part of a long, distinguished lineage of champions whose unique looks have earned them global fame. These past winners showcase the incredible diversity and "glugly" charm celebrated by the contest.

1. Chi-Chi (The Record Holder)

Chi-Chi, a rare African sand dog, holds the Guinness World Record for the most wins in the contest's history. This incredible dog secured the title seven times, cementing her status as the most decorated champion of the World's Ugliest Dog Contest.

2. Sweepee Rambo (2016)

Sweepee Rambo was a tiny, 17-year-old Chinese Crested-Chihuahua mix. Her winning look was defined by her tiny, hairless body, a signature tuft of white hair on her head, and her tongue perpetually hanging out of her mouth. She finally won after placing second the year prior, demonstrating the perseverance of a true champion.

3. Martha (2017)

Martha was a massive, 125-pound Neapolitan Mastiff. Unlike many smaller, hairless winners, Martha won with sheer, glorious bulk. Her signature features were her bloodshot eyes and her tremendously sagging jowls, which would droop down over her face when she was relaxed, a truly unforgettable look.

4. Scamp the Tramp (2019)

Scamp the Tramp was a rescue dog of unknown breed whose appearance was defined by his wild, dreadlocked coat and an overall scruffy, charmingly disheveled look. His owner, Yvonne Morones, found him in a shelter, and his win highlighted the contest's dedication to celebrating rescue dogs.

5. Mr. Happy Face (2022)

Mr. Happy Face, a Chinese Crested-Chihuahua mix, won with a combination of a permanently lopsided smile, a mohawk-like tuft of white hair, and a tongue that always hung out. His owner, Janeda Banelly, adopted him from an Arizona shelter where he was described as a dog that "might need a little extra love." His victory was a testament to the power of that love.

The contest serves as a powerful reminder that the most beautiful things in life are often the most imperfect. Wild Thang, the 2024 victor, is a perfect ambassador for this message, proving that a dog’s spirit and unique story are far more valuable than any traditional standard of beauty. Whether it’s a Pekingese surviving distemper or a Chinese Crested with a perpetual smile, these "ugliest" dogs are truly the most glamorous.