Eight-year-old Pekingese Wild Thang has made quite a name for himself in the World’s Ugliest Dog contest, competing five times and finally winning the top prize this year in California. This victory comes after previously coming second three times in the past competitions. Wild Thang’s story includes surviving canine distemper as a puppy, which resulted in permanent damage including having his tongue constantly out due to no teeth growing in and his right front leg paddling 24/7. Despite these physical challenges, Wild Thang is described as a healthy and happy dog, or a “Glugly” guy.
Accompanied by his owner Ann Lewis, Wild Thang took home a $5,000 (£4,000) prize for winning the competition. The annual World’s Ugliest Dog contest, held for nearly 50 years, aims to celebrate the imperfections that make dogs unique and special. The event is not about mocking ‘ugly dogs’ but rather appreciating and having fun with their wonderful characters and showcasing their beauty in their uniqueness. This year, a 14-year-old Pug named Rome came in second place, while a 14-year-old rescue dog named Daisy Mae took the third position in the contest.