The $5,000 Underdog: 5 Shocking Secrets Behind Wild Thang, The World's Ugliest Dog Winner 2024
The World's Ugliest Dog Contest is not a mockery of unfortunate-looking canines, but a genuine celebration of the unique beauty, charm, and enduring spirit of dogs that defy conventional standards. As of December 21, 2025, the reigning champion is a majestic, yet delightfully disheveled, Pekingese named Wild Thang, who finally clinched the coveted title in 2024 after years of trying. His victory is a heartwarming tale of perseverance, a triumph over a devastating childhood illness, and a powerful statement about the unconditional love between a dog and its owner.
This article dives deep into the incredible, and sometimes shocking, story behind Wild Thang's journey to the top, revealing the medical condition that gave him his signature look, the fierce competition he faced, and the inspiring way his owner is using the prize money to help other animals in need. Prepare to learn why this eight-year-old underdog from Oregon is much more than just the ugliest dog winner.
Wild Thang: Biography and Unique Characteristics
Wild Thang, an eight-year-old male Pekingese, captured the hearts of the judges and the global audience with his distinctive, shaggy, and slightly bewildered appearance. Hailing from Coos Bay, Oregon, and owned by Ann Lewis, his journey to the 2024 crown was one of resilience, having competed—and narrowly lost—four times previously before his triumphant fifth attempt.
- Name: Wild Thang
- Breed: Pekingese
- Age: 8 years old (as of 2024)
- Owner: Ann Lewis
- Hometown: Coos Bay, Oregon
- Competition History: Five-time contestant; 2024 Winner of the World's Ugliest Dog Contest.
- Signature Look: Long, unkempt, shaggy hair that often obscures his eyes; a perpetually hanging tongue; and a prominent underbite.
- The Cause of His Unique Appearance: Canine Distemper.
Wild Thang's appearance is not a genetic quirk but the result of a serious medical battle. When he was just a 10-week-old puppy, he contracted the highly contagious and often deadly canine distemper virus. Although he survived the ordeal, the disease left him with permanent neurological damage. This damage is what prevented his adult teeth from growing in, causing his tongue to hang out constantly, and also resulted in a muscular disorder in one of his legs.
His owner, Ann Lewis, has embraced every aspect of his unique look, turning what could have been a source of pity into one of celebration. The contest, held annually at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, is designed to highlight these "wonderful characters" and promote dog adoption, rather than simply judging physical flaws.
The Triumphant Victory: Wild Thang’s 2024 World’s Ugliest Dog Contest Win
The 2024 competition was particularly fierce, with eight total competitors vying for the title. However, the crowd at the Sonoma-Marin Fair erupted in cheers when Wild Thang was announced as the winner on Friday, June 21.
For Ann Lewis and Wild Thang, the victory was the culmination of five years of dedication. They had previously placed as runners-up multiple times, proving that perseverance, even in an "ugliness" contest, pays off. The judges — including Ma and NBC News Correspondent Gadi Schwartz — scored the dogs on several categories, focusing on first impressions, unusual attributes, and the dog's personality.
Wild Thang’s shaggy coat, which looks like it was styled by a windstorm, combined with his sweet, gentle demeanor, finally convinced the panel that he possessed the perfect combination of endearing oddity and inner beauty. His story of surviving canine distemper added a powerful narrative of strength and survival to his entry, resonating deeply with the audience and judges alike.
The Prize Money and Philanthropic Plans
Winning the World's Ugliest Dog title comes with more than just a trophy and bragging rights. Wild Thang and Ann Lewis took home a substantial $5,000 cash prize. Furthermore, as part of the contest's sponsorship, Wild Thang will also be featured on a limited-edition product from sponsor MUG Root Beer.
In a truly heartwarming move that exemplifies the spirit of the contest, Ann Lewis announced that a significant portion of the prize money would not be used for personal gain. Instead, the funds are dedicated to supporting dog shelters, rescue organizations, and adoption fairs. Wild Thang himself is an ambassador for pet adoption, frequently making personal appearances at these events to promote the importance of animal rescue and responsible pet ownership.
The Fierce Competition: Notable Runners-Up of 2024
While Wild Thang took the top honor, the 2024 World's Ugliest Dog Contest featured several other incredible canines whose unique looks and stories deserve recognition. The runners-up also received substantial cash prizes, ensuring that the event celebrated all participants.
- Second Place: Rome
Rome, a dog owned by Michelle Grady, secured the second-place spot, earning a $3,000 prize. While specific details about Rome's unique characteristics are less publicized than the winner's, their placement highlights the high level of competition and the celebration of non-traditional beauty.
- Third Place: Daisy Mae
The third-place winner was 14-year-old Daisy Mae, who took home a $2,000 prize. Daisy Mae's advanced age and enduring charm made her a fan favorite, proving that a dog's character and history are just as important as their physical appearance in this unique competition.
The contest serves as a powerful reminder that "ugly" is truly in the eye of the beholder, and that every dog, regardless of its appearance, deserves love, a home, and a chance to shine. The celebration of these imperfectly perfect pets has become a global phenomenon, drawing attention to the plight of rescue animals and promoting the message that flaws are what make a creature truly special.
The Enduring Legacy of the Ugliest Dog Contest
The World's Ugliest Dog Contest, which has been held since the 1970s, has evolved into much more than a quirky fair event. It is now a global platform for promoting animal welfare, celebrating genetic diversity, and encouraging the adoption of rescue dogs.
The dogs who win, like Wild Thang and previous champions such as the Chinese Crested dog Scooter (the 2023 winner, who was born with deformed legs), become international celebrities. They use their newfound fame to challenge conventional beauty standards and raise awareness for various conditions, including canine distemper, a disease that is highly preventable with vaccination.
By focusing on the personality and the inspiring backstories of these canines, the contest successfully shifts the narrative from pity to admiration. Wild Thang's victory, after five years of dedication, is a beautiful symbol of hope and the unconditional bond shared between humans and their pets. His story is a testament to the fact that the most memorable and beloved dogs are often the ones with the most extraordinary, and sometimes the ugliest, features.
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