Grotesque champion Petunia scoops first place at the 'World's Least Attractive Dog' competition
The World's Ugliest Dog contest took place at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, California, and this year, the title was won by Petunia, a 2-year-old hairless French bulldog mix[1].
Petunia, with her short, stunted legs and wrinkled face, captured the hearts of the judges and the audience alike[1]. She was joined on stage by other unique and charming contestants, including Jinny Lu, a 5-year-old pug with a crooked, protruding tongue, and Poppy, a 7-year-old Chinese crested dog with little hair and a lot of bare skin[1].
Despite its name, the contest is not just about finding the ugliest dog. It aims to promote adoption and celebrate the unique beauty, diversity, and resilience of dogs[1][2]. The judges consider not only the dogs' appearance, but also their personality and the audience's reaction[1].
Second place was won by Jinny Lu, who had previously competed unsuccessfully in the 2023 contest[1]. Her owner, Michelle Grady, took home $3,000 as the runner-up[1]. Poppy won the third-place prize of $2,000, but no information was provided about her owner[1].
The winners of the contest, Petunia and Poppy, will appear on NBC's "Today" show on Monday, along with the second-place winner, Jinny Lu[1]. They will also receive cash prizes – $5,000 for Petunia, $2,000 for Jinny Lu, and $1,000 for Poppy[1].
Many of the contest dogs come from animal shelters, providing them with a platform to gain positive attention and increase their chances of being adopted[1][2]. The contest also serves as a platform to advocate for animal welfare and celebrate the idea that all dogs, regardless of appearance, deserve love and homes[1][2].
The World's Ugliest Dog contest has been held in Santa Rosa since the 1970s, and it continues to be a celebration of the unique, unconventional, and lovable dogs that grace its stage each year[1].
[1] Source: Sonoma County Fair [2] Source: World's Ugliest Dog
Showcasing a blend of unique pets and heartwarming personalities, the World's Ugliest Dog contest at the Sonoma County Fair offers an unusual platform for pet adoption, promoting the celebration of diverse canine beauty. This year, it highlights the adoption-worthy Jinny Lu, a pug with a distinctive crooked tongue, and entertainer Poppy, a Chinese crested dog, alongside winner Petunia, a hairless French bulldog mix.
