PETALUMA, Calif. — The world’s ugliest dog was crowned Friday night in Petaluma, California.
According to Today, the 2024 winner was an 8-year-old Pekingese named Wild Tan. Wild Tan has participated in the contest about four times, coming in second place three times.
Wild Sun was born in Los Angeles but eventually moved to North Bend, Oregon, Today reported.
According to the BBC, Wild Sun’s appearance was the result of contracting canine distemper when he was 10 weeks old, which caused him to lose his teeth, develop a drooping tongue, and develop muscle problems in one of his legs.
“He survived with no permanent damage,” his biography said, according to Today. “His tongue remains out because his teeth hadn’t yet erupted, and his right front paw flaps around the clock.”
Wild Tan’s owner, Ann Lewis, and Wild Tan will receive a $5,000 prize and will appear on the Today show, the BBC reported.
Last year, a 7-year-old Chinese Crested dog named Scooter won the Ugliest Dog contest, according to KNTV.
The contest has been running for almost 50 years. According to the Sonoma-Marin Fair’s website, the contest “celebrates the imperfections that make every dog special and unique,” according to Today. According to The Guardian, the fair said, “The contest promotes the importance of loving all animals and highlighting the benefits of animal ownership.”
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