Why in the world is there The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest? In a world where beauty is celebrated, and most people expect nothing less, it’s nice to know that doesn’t necessarily apply to our 4-legged friends. Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and there are various breeds with many attributes. The features that one person desires in a dog may be something irrelevant to another. Some people insist on a purebred, while many like a mixed breed or mutt. While there are many ways we like to show off our furry companions on social media, a contest is the ultimate way to brag!
Why A Contest For Ugly Dogs?
![https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/mixed-breed-dog-named-icky-looks-on-during-the-2017-worlds-news-photo/800227642?adppopup=true](https://totalapexentertainment.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/gettyimages-800227642-594x594-1-300x218.jpg)
The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest began in the 1970s as a way to generate revenue for the Old Adobe Association in Petaluma, California. What began as a pet parade was turned into a contest per the suggestion of member Ross Smith, who is widely credited as the creator of this event. The contest then became a part of the Sonoma-Marin Fair in 1988. In 2006, Animal Planet became the contest sponsor and began filming the competition. The dogs who have worn the ugliest title from 2006-2017 are highlighted in a 2023 article by People Magazine.
This contest celebrates the “inner beauty” of the contestants and embraces their differences. Many of the dogs were stuck in a shelter waiting for their forever home. This contest shines a light on dogs in need of homes and helps the adoption process. Peanut, named the World’s Ugliest Dog in 2014, was himself a victim of abuse and injured in a fire. After winning the 26th annual contest, his mom, Holly, donated the $1,500 cash prize to help pay veterinary bills for other companion animals in need.
Spotlight On Adoption
Dogs in the contest are divided into pedigreed and mutt divisions, with the winner of each competing for the title. The Sonoma-Marin Fair has partnered with the Sonoma County Humane Society in an effort to educate the public about dog rescue and adoption. The Sonoma-Marin Fair trademarked the World’s Ugliest Dog phrase in 2009.
![PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 21: Ann Lewis holds her dog Wild Thang after winning the World's Ugliest Dog contest at the Marin-Sonoma County Fair on June 21, 2024 in Petaluma, California. A Pekingese dog named Wild Thang won the 34th annual World's Ugliest Dog contest and was awarded $5,000. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)](https://totalapexentertainment.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/gettyimages-2158671452-594x5941-1-300x212.jpg)
Wild Thang, an eight-year-old Pekingese who had competed in the contest five previous times, was crowned the 2024 winner on Friday, June 21st. Wild Thang, born in Los Angeles, contracted distemper as a puppy and suffered permanent damage. His teeth didn’t grow, which caused his tongue to stick out and his right front leg paddle. His owners entered him in the contest to help raise money for the safe return of other Pekingese dogs stranded in the war zone in Ukraine. Owner Ann Lewis and Wild Thang have been awarded $7,500, along with an appearance on The Today Show on Monday, June 24th.
It’s All About Embracing Differences
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Some dogs just turn out a little different than others, like Quasi Modo, the 2015 winner. Quasi Modo was born with short spine syndrome, which causes her to look more like a hunchback than a pit bull-Dutch shepherd mix. Her bio stresses the importance of acceptance:
“I love to meet new people and teach them about diversity. I have become a great ambassador for teaching people about acceptance and tolerance for things that are different. You should never judge a book by its cover! Just because an animal or person looks different doesn’t mean they’re any less deserving of love. It’s OK to be different.”
Well said, Quasi Modo. More proof that beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder.
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