World's Ugliest Dog: A Pekingese wins at the fifth attempt

His hair stands on end, his tongue hangs limply from his lips - the eight-year-old Pekingese Wild Thang is truly no feast for the eyes. But it is precisely because of his peculiar appearance that the dog has now won the title of "World's Ugliest Dog" in Petaluma in the US state of California.

Wild Thang had to wait a long time to secure his victory. His owner Ann Lewis had already taken part in the competition four times with the visually striking Pekingese. Three times he finished in second place. This year, on his fifth attempt, he has now made it to the top of the podium.

Place 1: The survivor

Wild Thang was given little in his life. As a puppy, he suffered the viral disease distemper at a foster home (see box). The Pekingese barely survived. However, he was left with some damage. Not only does he limp with his right front leg, but his teeth also never fully developed. This is the reason why his tongue hangs out of his mouth.

According to his owner, he is otherwise a healthy and happy dog. He loves people, dogs and especially his toys. Ann Lewis shares his experiences with the whole world on her Instagram account. She also stands up for other four-legged friends. For example, she uses the publicity generated by her male dog to raise money to bring other Pekingese dogs to safety in the Ukrainian war zone. Seven dogs have found new homes in Canada and the USA as a result.

This is exactly what the "World Ugliest Dog Contest" is all about: The competition, which has been running for almost 50 years, aims to promote adopting four-legged friends with a dismal past, for example from animal shelters. The second and third-placed dogs also have a serious past.

Place 2: The roller pug

Rom, a 14-year-old one-eyed pug who is usually confined to a wheelchair, took second place. He was brought to The Pug Hotel rescue centre in Rohnert Park, California, by his owner because she could no longer care for him. His new owners gave him a new home and brought him to the Wheeling Pug Relay Team, where they raise money to buy wheelchairs for dogs. They also take him to hospice patients, where children are taught the importance of adopting older pets from shelters.

Place 3: The street gangster

14-year-old Daisy Mae came in third place. Her owners describe her as "the reigning queen of unconventional beauty in Lafayette, California". The dog lived on the streets for two years and is said to have roamed the streets with a gang of cats before she was rescued. Over the years, she lost her hair, teeth and eyesight. But she still chases squirrels and loves to cuddle. Maybe she'll win next year!

Finally, the winner Wild Thang has shown with his five participations that patience pays off - and that his appearance makes him peculiar, but also unique.

What do you think of the "World's Ugliest Dog Contest"? Would you adopt a handicapped dog?