The 7 Most Hilariously Ugly Dogs That Will Win Your Heart: Meet Wild Thang, The 2024 Champion

As of December 12, 2025, the world continues to celebrate the charmingly unconventional, and no event captures this spirit better than the annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest. This competition isn't about cruelty; it's a heartwarming celebration of the wonderful characters, unique quirks, and unconditional love offered by dogs who might not fit the traditional mold of canine beauty. It’s a powerful reminder that true beauty is found in personality, resilience, and the sheer joy of a snaggletooth smile. This year, the spotlight shines brightest on a resilient champion who finally claimed his crown after years of trying. The contest, held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair, is a global phenomenon, turning "ugly" into an accolade and celebrating the imperfections that make these dogs truly magnificent. Get ready to meet the reigning champion and the other famously goofy dogs that prove charm is the ultimate beauty standard.

Wild Thang: The Reigning World's Ugliest Dog Champion 2024

The 2024 World's Ugliest Dog Contest saw a long-time contender finally emerge victorious. After four previous attempts, the 8-year-old Pekingese named Wild Thang took home the coveted title. His story is one of perseverance and enduring charm, making him an instant global sensation.

Biography and Unique Profile

• Name: Wild Thang
• Breed: Pekingese
• Age: 8 years old (as of 2024)
• Owner: Ann Lewis
• Hometown: Coos Bay, Oregon
• Winning Year: 2024 (after 4 previous entries)
• Signature Look: A long, shaggy coat that often covers his eyes, and a tongue that frequently hangs out, giving him a perpetually goofy expression.
• Health History: Wild Thang contracted the deadly canine distemper virus as a 10-week-old puppy. While he survived, the virus left him with permanent issues, including a twitch in one leg and a tooth that never fully grew, contributing to his famously adorable snaggletooth look.
• Mission: His owner, Ann Lewis, uses Wild Thang's platform to advocate for pet adoption and to raise awareness about the importance of canine distemper vaccinations.

Wild Thang's victory is a testament to the competition's ethos: celebrating wonderful characters over conventional looks. His unique appearance, a result of a difficult start in life, is now the source of his fame and his ability to spread joy. He embodies the perfect blend of funny and ugly, proving that resilience is truly beautiful.

The Goofy Dog Breeds That Redefine "Ugly" Charm

While the World's Ugliest Dog Contest highlights individual champions, several dog breeds consistently produce the most wonderfully unconventional contestants. These breeds are known for their odd looks, pure charm, and the ability to make their owners—and the world—burst into laughter.

1. The Chinese Crested: The Hairless Marvel

The Chinese Crested is arguably the most famous breed associated with the "ugly dog" craze. They are frequent winners and runners-up in the contest, and for good reason. Their appearance is striking: a hairless, spotted body with tufts of fur on their paws ("socks"), head ("crest"), and tail ("plume"). This combination often gives them a punk-rock or mad-scientist look that is undeniably funny. Despite their fragile appearance, they are lively, affectionate, and incredibly loyal companion dogs. Past winners like Mugly (2012) have cemented the breed's legacy as the epitome of goofy, hairless charm.

2. The Pug: The Master of Funny Faces

Pugs are not typically considered "ugly," but they are masters of the funny face. Their wrinkled brows, short muzzles, and large, expressive eyes give them a permanently concerned or confused expression that is hilarious to behold. The breed's signature look—a flat face and curled tail—makes them incredibly endearing. Pugs are known for their comical snorting, wheezing sounds, and playful personalities. They are true clowns of the canine world, constantly providing entertainment with their head tilts and dramatic sighs. They are a perfect example of a dog whose "ugliness" is purely in the most charming and funny sense.

Why We Love the Snaggletooth and Goofy Dog Breeds

The appeal of "funny and ugly dogs" goes far beyond a simple laugh. It touches on deeper themes of acceptance, rescue, and celebrating individuality. These dogs, often mixes like Chihuahua Mixes or Bulldog Mixes, frequently come from rescue backgrounds, carrying the physical scars or quirks of a difficult past.

The Power of the Imperfect Smile

One of the most common and endearing traits among these champions is the "snaggletooth." This is often a result of congenital issues or injuries where one or more teeth protrude, preventing the mouth from closing properly. * Snaggletooth Charm: Dogs with this feature, like Wild Thang, often have their tongue lazily hanging from their mouth, which instantly gives them a goofy, lovable look. It's a physical trait that makes them look permanently surprised or amused. * The "Head-Turning" Factor: Breeds like the Brussels Griffon, with their prominent underbites and almost human-like, bearded faces, are natural head-turners. Their unique facial structure makes them look like a grumpy old man, which is a constant source of humor for their families.

The Emotional Connection to Unconventional Dogs

The phenomenon of celebrating the ugliest dogs is a powerful cultural statement. It encourages people to look past superficial physical traits when choosing a pet. Many of the dogs in the contest are mixed breeds, adopted from shelters, or have special needs. Their stories highlight the importance of adopting dogs that might otherwise be overlooked due to their appearance. The owners of these famously goofy dogs often speak about their pets' incredible personalities. They are typically: * Affectionate: Often making up for their unusual looks with an abundance of cuddles. * Comical: Their quirks—from a funny walk to an odd bark—provide endless entertainment. * Resilient: Many have overcome significant health challenges, like Wild Thang and his distemper recovery.

The Legacy of the World's Ugliest Dog Contest

The World's Ugliest Dog Contest, held annually at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, has been running for decades. It is more than just a competition; it is a global platform for animal welfare and a celebration of the inner beauty that shines through any external oddity. The contest has crowned many memorable champions over the years, including various Chinese Crested dogs, Pugs, and mixed-breed dogs with severe underbites, missing fur, or unusually long tongues. Each winner, from Wild Thang to previous champions, becomes an ambassador for rescue and adoption, proving that every dog deserves a loving home, no matter how "ugly" or funny they may look. The prize money is often donated to animal charities, further cementing the event's positive impact on the canine community. Ultimately, these hilarious and unconventional dogs teach us a valuable lesson: the most beautiful dogs are the ones who are happy, healthy, and loved. Their goofy expressions and unique features are not flaws, but badges of honor that make them one-of-a-kind. If you’re looking for a pet that guarantees laughter and unconditional love, consider adopting a dog with a little extra "character"—you might just find your own World's Ugliest (and Funniest) Dog champion.