"Long-tongued pooch named Wild Thang crowned as World's Ugliest Dog"
Dinky Dog, an 8-year-old Pekingese, bags the top spot and grabs the $5,000 prize after failing five times prior.
Fiona Ma, one of the judges, confessed to AP, "He was the bridesmaid never the bride, but this time he truly stole our hearts and deserved to win."
As a pup, Dinky Dog once battled a virus that nearly took his life and left him with lifelong distress. His teeth never grew, causing his tongue to dangle, and his right front leg was constantly like a limping paddle.
Ma shared, "He's never been trimmed, so he looks fluffy like that, and (his owner) shaves his belly. He likes to nap on ice packs. He's a lovely dog – I just held him, and he loves being snuggled. Rescue dogs need forever homes, so adopt, don't shop."
The event doesn't aim to make fun of the dogs; instead, it's about celebrating cool characters and making the world see their true beauty.
A 14-year-old, one-eyed pug named Rome, who debuted this year, took the second spot. He now resides at the Pug Hotel Senior Sanctuary in California, where his wobbly legs still manage a tap dance as an expression of pure joy. His bio mentioned, "Despite his crooked legs, he loves showing off with a tippy tap dance." Besides, he's known for visiting hospice patients and contributing to the 2023 Wheeling Pug Relay team, which funds wheelchairs for disabled pups.
Coming back to Wild Thang, he's been instrumental in aiding the evacuation of seven Pekingese dogs from Ukraine. On the other hand, Ozzie, a 10-year-old terrier mix, brightens up senior centers and takes care of foster kittens.
Most of the pooches in this competition have been rescued, including third place Daisy Mae. Despite her declining health over the years, she's gained a big group of friends, confidence, and enthusiasm. Her bio read, "Despite losing hair, teeth, and vision, she has gained friends, confidence, and so much spunk."
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The organizers of the World's Ugliest Dog contest believe that every dog, including Wild Thang and Dinky Dog, deserves a forever home. They encourage potential pet owners to adopt rather than shop.
In the United States, Wild Thang, the crowned World's Ugliest Dog, has been instrumental in rescuing other Pekingese dogs, demonstrating that even the "ugly" can make a difference.
