Bulldog Petunia, Stripped of Hair, Named World's Most Unattractive Dog, Wins a Prize of 400,000 Indian Rupees
A New Champion Crowned in the World's Ugliest Dog Contest
The World's Ugliest Dog contest, an annual event that celebrates the unique and unconventional, has been held for nearly 50 years at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, California[1]. This year, the title went to Petunia, a two-year-old hairless English-French bulldog mix, who beat 10 other competitors to claim the coveted title[1].
Petunia, a gentle soul who adores other dogs, cats, and people, was rescued from a backyard breeder and hoarder in Las Vegas and brought to Oregon by Luvable Dog Rescue[1]. Her unusual appearance, characterised by short stunted legs and a wrinkled face, won her the hearts of the judges and the audience[1].
The contest aims to advocate for the adoration of all animals and the benefits of adopting[1]. Many of the dogs participating in the contest are rescued from shelters and puppy mills[1]. The event serves as a great rehabilitation exercise for the participating dogs[1].
The idea for the contest was conceived by Petaluma resident Ross Smith in 1971 as a means to generate revenue for the community[1]. Over the years, the contest has grown in popularity, with the Sonoma-Marin Fair hosting the event since 1988[1].
The runner-up in the competition was a 14-year-old pug named Rome[1]. Last year, an old Pekingese named Wild Thang won the contest, having already participated in five editions of the competition previously[1].
The winner of the World's Ugliest Dog contest this year, Petunia, will appear on limited-edition cans of Mug Root Beer, a sponsor of the contest[1]. As a testament to the contest's mission, Petunia won a prize of Rs 4.3 lakh ($5,000) during the event[1].
The World's Ugliest Dog contest promotes the adoption of animals, celebrating the imperfections that make all dogs special and unique[1]. By showcasing these unique dogs, the contest raises awareness about shelter dogs and encourages people to consider adopting unique pets[1]. The contest continues to be a fun and meaningful event, bringing together a community that appreciates the charm found in imperfections.
[1] World's Ugliest Dog contest: A celebration of imperfections and a call for adoption. (2025). The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/23/worlds-ugliest-dog-contest-celebration-imperfections-adoption
Amidst the joyous crowd, Petunia, the newly crowned World's Ugliest Dog, might also find herself a mascot of sorts for the unique pets deserving love and care. In her downtime, one might picture her lounging regally, adding a quirky edge to an otherwise typical lifestyle filled with pets and entertainment.
