Annual event declares the victorious pooch of the "World's Ugliest Dog" competition for the year 2025
Petunia Wins the 2025 World's Ugliest Dog Contest
Petunia, a pooch with a unique charm, has been crowned the winner of the 2025 World's Ugliest Dog contest. The annual event, now in its 49th year, was held at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, California.
The contest, which originated in 1971 as a fundraising event, has been celebrating the unique beauty and special qualities of all dogs for nearly five decades. Petunia, like many contestants, has a compelling story. She and her owner, Shannon Nyman, took home a cash prize of $5,000 and the bragging rights that come with winning this distinctive title.
Before participating in the contest, all dogs are required to undergo a vet check on-site to ensure their health and well-being. This year, the contestants included Jinny Lu, a 5-year-old pug who came in second place, and Poppy, a 7-year-old Chinese Crested who finished in third.
Last year's winner, Wild Thang, a Pekingese, made a return to the contest but did not manage to defend his title on his fifth attempt. Wild Thang, who won the title in 2024, is known for his unique features such as a paddling right front leg and a tongue that stays out due to his missing teeth. As a puppy, he contracted distemper, which prevented his front teeth from growing in.
The World's Ugliest Dog contest is more than just a contest. It's a celebration of the imperfections that make all dogs special and unique. The event's website emphasizes this, stating that the contest is about having fun with unique characters and showing the world that these dogs are beautiful.
Animal rescue and adoption groups are also a significant part of the event, offering fairgoers the opportunity to adopt some of the competition dogs who may not have a home. This aspect of the contest aligns with its mission to promote animal adoption and raise awareness about rescues.
Petunia and Nyman will appear on the "Today" show on Monday to discuss their victory and the importance of the World's Ugliest Dog contest. The contest is a testament to the fact that every dog, no matter how they look, has a special place in the world and a potential to win the hearts of many.
[1] Sonoma-Marin Fair. (n.d.). History of the World's Ugliest Dog Contest. Retrieved from https://www.sonomamarinfair.org/worlds-ugliest-dog-contest/history/
[2] World's Ugliest Dog Contest. (n.d.). About the Contest. Retrieved from https://www.worldsugliestdog.com/about/
- "With her unique charm and compelling story, Petunia's victory in the World's Ugliest Dog Contest showcases that every pet, regardless of their appearance, can be a star, proving the event's mission to celebrate the special qualities and unique beauty of all dogs."
- "In addition to entertainment and celebration, the World's Ugliest Dog Contest also serves as a platform for pet adoptions, aligning with its objective to promote animal rescue and raise awareness about the importance of adoption."
