(NewsNation) — The world’s “ugliest dog” has been named after a competition held in Petaluma, California, that organizers say is to celebrate all dogs, including the less photogenic.
This year’s winner is Wild Thang, a Pekingese whose early bout with distemper caused his front teeth to not grow in, causing his tongue to permanently hang out of his mouth.
Wild Thang’s owner said the pup is fond of people and other dogs and used the platform to advocate for the importance of getting pets vaccinated.
The runner-up and people’s choice award went to Rome, a 14-year-old Pug, and third place was awarded to Daisy Mae, a senior dog of indeterminate breed.
Wild Thang is an eight-year-old Pekinese who was crowned the World’s Ugliest Dog. (World’s Ugliest Dog) 
Second-place winner Rome is a 14-year-old Pug. (World’s Ugliest Dog) 
Third-place winner Daisy Mae is probably around 14. (World’s Ugliest Dog) 
Mochi is a nine-month-old Chihuahua and Jack Russell Terrier mix. (World’s Ugliest Dog) 
Poppy is a five-year-old Chinese Crested mix. (World’s Ugliest Dog) 
Freddie Mercury is a 14-year-old Brussels-Griffin and Pug mix. (World’s Ugliest Dog) 
Twiggy is a Chihuahua mix around 14 or 15-years-old. (World’s Ugliest Dog) 
Ozzy is a ten-year-old terrier mix. (World’s Ugliest Dog) 
Senior Chihuahua Cadence was rescued in Chicago. (World’s Ugliest Dog)
Rome, who lives at a senior sanctuary, visits people in hospice, and Daisy Mae, another rescue, enjoys chasing squirrels and sunbathing.
The contest is also meant to raise awareness about rescue dogs and show even the ugliest dogs can also be beautiful.
