World's Least Aesthetically Pleasing Petunia Crowned
World's Ugliest Dog 2025: Petunia, the Bulldog Mix from Northern California, Takes the Crown
Petunia, a 2-year-old hairless English-French bulldog mix from Eugene, Oregon, has been crowned the "World's Ugliest Dog" at the annual competition held in Santa Rosa, California. The event, now in its 32nd year, celebrates the unique imperfections of dogs and encourages the adoption of unusual-looking pets.
Petunia's owner, Shannon Nyman, received a $5,000 prize for her winning dog. Jinny Lu, a five-year-old Pug, came in second place, with its owner, Michelle Grady, receiving a $3,000 prize. The third place and Spirit Award winner was Poppy, a seven-year-old Chinese Crested. Poppy's owner also received a $2,000 prize.
The competition aims to highlight the lovable and beautiful qualities of the participating dogs, not to laugh at their perceived ugliness. Many of the dogs come from shelters, and the event encourages people to adopt abandoned animals.
Petunia and Jinny Lu will travel to New York for an appearance on the NBC morning show, with the flight to New York included in their prize. The dogs competed in the contest by strutting their stuff on stage in front of cheering spectators. The panel of judges considered the dogs' appearance, personality, and audience reaction to decide the winners.
Notable competitors like Wild Thang, a repeated contestant and Pekingese who overcame severe illness, use their platform to promote pet health awareness and rescue efforts. Wild Thang's distinctive features included stormy fur and a tongue hanging out to the side. The dog had been infected with distemper as a puppy and retained some physical deformities.
The World's Ugliest Dog competition is held annually in Santa Rosa, California. It is a unique event that showcases the importance of giving all dogs, regardless of appearance, a loving home. The event advocates for adoption by showcasing that all dogs, no matter how unconventional their looks, deserve love and appreciation.
Petunia's unique lifestyle, being a prized pet and the World's Ugliest Dog, will undoubtedly attract attention in its entertainment-filled travel to New York. Jinny Lu, the second-place Pug with distinctive looks, might also find a new audience for its entertaining antics in the entertainment industry.
