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The Unconventional Crowns: Meet The World's Ugliest Dog Contest Winners From 2025, 2024, And Beyond

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The annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest is not a mockery of man's best friend; it is a heartwarming celebration of inner beauty, resilience, and the power of animal rescue. Held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, this unique competition has been running for nearly 50 years, championing the message that a dog's pedigree or appearance is secondary to the love and joy they bring to their owners. As of this current date in December 2025, the latest winners showcase a stunning array of lovable quirks and incredible survival stories.

Far from being an insult, the title of "World's Ugliest Dog" is a badge of honor, bringing instant fame, a cash prize—often $5,000—and a platform to advocate for pet adoption and responsible ownership. The most recent champions, from the hairless wonders to the perpetually disheveled, have captured the world's attention with their unconventional charm and the profound love stories they share with their human families.

The Reigning Champions: A List of the Most Recent World's Ugliest Dogs

The contest routinely draws dogs with a variety of "imperfections," including pronounced underbites, permanent tongues sticking out, scraggly tufts of hair, and unusual gaits. The common thread is almost always a story of rescue, survival, and a second chance at life. Here are the most recent dogs to claim the coveted, if dubious, title.

Petunia (2025 Winner): The Wrinkly Wonder

  • Year Won: 2025
  • Breed: Hairless English-French Bulldog Mix
  • Unique Features: Hairless, extremely wrinkled, rescued from a life of abuse.
  • Story: Petunia, a two-year-old dog hailing from Oregon, was crowned the winner of the 50th annual contest in August 2025. Her journey began in Las Vegas, where she was rescued from a breeder who subjected her to abuse. Her victory, which came with a $5,000 prize, highlighted the importance of rescuing animals from neglectful situations. Her combination of a wrinkly face and a nearly hairless body made her a standout favorite with the judges.

Wild Thang (2024 Winner): The Perpetual Puppy

  • Year Won: 2024
  • Breed: Pekingese
  • Unique Features: Permanent tongue hanging out, shaggy coat, toothless, and a perpetually youthful appearance.
  • Story: Wild Thang, an eight-year-old Pekingese from Coos Bay, Oregon, finally clinched the title after competing unsuccessfully for four previous years. His distinct look is the result of a severe bout of canine distemper he contracted as a rescue puppy, which left him with permanent nerve damage. This condition prevented his adult teeth from growing and caused his tongue to stick out permanently. His owner, Ann Lewis, celebrates his spirit and perseverance, proving that even a dog with a challenging past can become a global sensation.

Scooter (2023 Winner): The Resilient Roller

  • Year Won: 2023
  • Breed: Hairless Chinese Crested
  • Unique Features: Two hind legs that face backward, uses a custom mobility cart for walking, spiky "mohawk" crest of hair.
  • Story: Scooter’s victory in June 2023 was a powerful testament to survival. As a puppy, he was nearly euthanized due to his birth defect of backward-facing hind legs. Fortunately, he was rescued by a member of the Saving Animals From Euthanasia (SAFE) organization and adopted by Linda Elmquist. Scooter's ability to navigate the world with his unique mobility cart and his cheerful disposition made him an instant fan favorite and a symbol of acceptance and love.

Mr. Happy Face (2022 Winner): The Elder Statesman

  • Year Won: 2022
  • Breed: Chinese Crested-Chihuahua Mix
  • Unique Features: A scraggly white mohawk, a crooked head, and a tongue that perpetually hangs out of the side of his mouth.
  • Story: Mr. Happy Face, a 17-year-old senior dog, was rescued from a hoarding situation in Arizona. His owner was told he might only have a few weeks to live due to his advanced age and medical issues, but his fierce will to survive and his happy demeanor defied the odds. His win highlighted the beauty of adopting senior pets and those with special needs, proving that even the oldest and most unconventional dogs have immense love to give.

The Enduring Legacy of the World's Ugliest Dog Contest

The tradition of celebrating these uniquely charming canines began in the 1970s at the Sonoma-Marin Fair. Over the decades, the contest has evolved from a quirky local event into a globally recognized phenomenon. It’s more than just a beauty pageant in reverse; it’s a powerful platform for animal welfare organizations.

The event’s true intention is to promote the adoption of rescue animals, particularly those who may be overlooked because of their age, breed, or physical deformities. The stories of dogs like Scooter, who was saved from euthanasia, and Petunia, who overcame abuse, resonate with millions and encourage people to look beyond superficial appearances when choosing a pet. The contest reminds us that "ugly" is merely a subjective term for "unconventional" or "perfectly unique."

Why Do Certain Breeds Dominate the Competition?

When reviewing the list of past champions, a few specific breeds and mixed breeds appear consistently. The Chinese Crested is arguably the most dominant breed in the contest's history. Their genetic predisposition for hairlessness, often paired with a dramatic "crest" of hair on their head and "socks" of fur on their paws, naturally gives them a distinct and often-judged appearance.

Other breeds frequently seen in the running include the Pekingese, often characterized by their long, shaggy coats and flat faces, and various terrier mixes and Chihuahua mixes. These dogs often exhibit the endearing physical quirks that judges look for, such as extreme underbites, mismatched eyes, or bodies disproportionate to their heads. However, the contest is not limited to purebreds; many winners are mutts with a charming mix of genetic anomalies that make them one-of-a-kind.

The Criteria for Unconventional Stardom

Winning the title requires more than just a few physical oddities. The judges evaluate several categories, blending the dog's physical uniqueness with their personality and backstory. The main judging criteria include:

  • Natural Ugliness: This is the most subjective category, focusing on the dog's natural imperfections like crooked teeth, unusual hair patterns, skin conditions, and facial structure.
  • Personality: A dog's ability to charm the judges and the crowd is crucial. Confidence, enthusiasm, and a playful spirit are highly valued.
  • Backstory/Audience Reaction: The dog's rescue story and the bond with its owner are heavily considered. The most compelling stories of overcoming adversity, like Scooter’s use of a mobility cart or Wild Thang’s fight with canine distemper, often sway the vote.

Ultimately, the World's Ugliest Dog Contest is a powerful reminder that every creature, regardless of its appearance, deserves a loving home. The champions of 2025, 2024, 2023, and 2022—Petunia, Wild Thang, Scooter, and Mr. Happy Face—are global ambassadors for adoption, proving that true beauty is found in the love shared between a pet and its owner, not in a mirror.

The Unconventional Crowns: Meet the World's Ugliest Dog Contest Winners from 2025, 2024, and Beyond
worlds ugliest dogs
worlds ugliest dogs

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