A dog in the United States has been crowned the ugliest in the world.
Eight-year-old Pekingese named Wild Thang won the 2024 World’s Ugliest Dog Contest in California on Friday.
The animal has competed in the contest five times, coming second three times before finally taking first prize this year.
Wild Thang and his owner Ann Lewis. Photo: Sumiko Moots/NBC News
Wild Thang contracted the viral disease canine distemper as a puppy, according to his biography.
“He survived, but not without permanent damage,” he says.
“His teeth did not grow, causing his tongue to stay out and his right front leg to swim 24/7.”
Aside from physical problems, he is “a healthy and happy Glugly guy.”
He and his owner, Ann Lewis, took home a check for $5,000 (£4,000).
The World’s Ugliest Dog Competition has been running for almost 50 years and “celebrates the imperfections that make all dogs special and unique,” according to the event’s website.
The event “isn’t about making fun of ‘ugly dogs,'” the site says, “but about having fun with some wonderful characters and showing the world that these dogs are really beautiful.”
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A 14-year-old Pug named Rome came in second place, while a 14-year-old rescue dog named Daisy Mae took third place.
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