The results of the highly anticipated 2024 World’s Ugliest Dog contest are in, and the winners have been crowned. The contest, taking place annually at the Sonoma-Marin Fair, celebrates the unique beauty and charm of these extraordinary canines. This year’s competition showcased a diverse group of contestants, each with their own remarkable story to tell.
Taking home the coveted title of this year’s World’s Ugliest Dog is Wild Thang, owned by Ann Lewis of North Bend, Ore. Wild Thang is an eight-year-old Pekingese who has become a familiar face in the contest. This marks Wild Thang’s fifth time participating. Despite facing numerous challenges, including surviving distemper as a puppy, Wild Thang has emerged as a healthy and happy Glugly (glamorous/ugly) guy. His mission in life is to raise awareness about the importance of pet vaccinations. He uses his Instagram account, @Wildthangofficial, to spread his message far and wide.
In second place and winner of the People’s Choice award is Rome, owned by Michelle Grady of Rohnert Park, Calif. Rome is a 14-year-old Pug from The Pug Hotel in Rohnert Park, Calif. He’s a sweet old man in a tiny pug body who has captured the hearts of many with his endearing personality and happy feet. Despite his bowed legs, Rome’s zest for life is evident in his tippy tap dance moves. Beyond the contest, Rome actively contributes to his community as a member of the 2023 Wheeling Pug Relay team that travels across America, raising funds to provide wheelchairs for differently-abled dogs. He also brings joy to hospice patients and educates children about the importance of adopting senior rescue pets.
Securing the third-place position is Daisy Mae, owned by Elizabeth Whitehouse. A 14-ish-year-old beauty hailing from Lafayette, Calif. Daisy’s unconventional looks have made her a true queen of unconventional beauty. Rescued from the streets at a young age, Daisy has overcome adversity and blossomed into a confident and spunky pup. Her favorite pastimes include snuggling, annoying her older sister Harriet, and engaging in intense squirrel-chasing sessions. Daisy’s journey serves as an inspiration, reminding us that true beauty lies within.
Wild Thang, the 2024 World’s Ugliest Dog, were featured on the Today Show on June 24. Additionally, MUG Root Beer, a new sponsor of the World’s Ugliest Dog contest, has upped the ante this year, offering a total prize pool of $10,000 to the top three winners. First place received $5,000, second place $3,000, and third place $2,000. Wild Thang also will be featured on limited-edition cans of MUG Root Beer.
The cans featuring the World’s Ugliest Dog will be released via social media by mid-July, with consumers able to enter to win one of the limited-edition cans via @mugrootbeer on Instagram and Tik Tok.
