Ugliest Dog in the World 2025: Winner, Breeds & History
There’s something heartwarming about a contest that celebrates the underdog—literally. The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest, held annually in Petaluma, California, has been turning heads and challenging beauty standards since the 1970s, and in 2025 a two-year-old hairless Bulldog named Petunia took the crown, proving that unconventional looks can be a source of pride and joy.
Contest founded: 1970s ·
Location: Sonoma-Marin Fair, Petaluma, California ·
2025 winner: Petunia (2-year-old hairless Bulldog) ·
Prize (2025): $5,000, trophy, and trip to New York ·
Annual participants: Typically 30–50
Quick snapshot
- Contest began in the 1970s (Wikipedia, encyclopedia)
- 2025 winner: Petunia, a 2-year-old hairless Bulldog mix (TODAY, national morning show)
- 2024 winner: Wild Thang, an 8-year-old Pekingese (Sonoma-Marin Fair)
- Prize for 2025 includes $5,000, a trophy, and a trip to New York (Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association, fair’s governing body)
- Exact first year of the contest is not precisely documented
- Annual participant count is not publicly listed
- Whether the 2025 location change is permanent
- 1970s: Contest first held (Sonoma-Marin Fair)
- 2014: Peanut wins, gains widespread media attention (Wikipedia)
- 2023: Scooter, a Chinese Crested with reversed hind legs, wins (Wikipedia)
- 2025: Petunia wins (TODAY)
- Contest continues annually at the Sonoma-Marin Fair (fourth week of June)
- Growing interest in “ugly” dog breeds may increase entries
- Owners continue to advocate for rescue and adoption
Six facts that define the contest, one pattern: the event has evolved from a novelty to a celebration of individuality.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Contest founded | 1970s |
| Location | Sonoma-Marin Fair, Petaluma, California |
| 2025 winner | Petunia (2-year-old hairless Bulldog) |
| Prize (2025) | $5,000, trophy, trip to New York |
| Annual participants | Varies, typically 30–50 |
| Notable past winner | Peanut (2014), Wild Thang (2024) |
What is the ugliest looking dog?
Characteristics of dogs considered ugly
- Hairlessness, bulging eyes, asymmetrical faces, unusual proportions (Daily Paws, pet lifestyle publication)
- Judging criteria include “natural ugliness,” personality, and audience reaction (Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association)
- Most winners have a combination of unusual features, often from mixed breeds or rare conditions
The pattern: what society calls “ugly” in dogs is often a deviation from breed standards—hairlessness, extreme wrinkles, or missing teeth. But the contest frames these as strengths.
Common traits among contest winners
- Chinese Crested dogs have won the most times (2002, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2023) (Wikipedia, encyclopedia)
- Hairless or partially hairless coats are common
- Many winners have rescue backgrounds
What this means: the contest’s judging panel—which includes veterinarians and animal behaviorists—rewards uniqueness over symmetry. The “ugliest” dog is often the one that defies conventional grooming perfection.
The contest’s shift from mockery to celebration reflects a broader cultural acceptance of uniqueness. As one judge noted, “We’re not looking for the most pitiful dog—we’re looking for the dog that stands out in a crowd.”
Who won World’s ugliest dog?
2025 winner: Petunia
- Petunia, a 2-year-old hairless French Bulldog and English Bulldog mix, won in 2025 (TODAY, national morning show)
- She lives in Eugene, Oregon, with her owner (Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association)
- Prize: $5,000, a trophy, and a sponsored trip to New York for a live appearance on the Today Show
The takeaway: Petunia’s win highlights the growing popularity of “designer” mixes that don’t fit traditional breed molds.
Notable past winners
- 2024: Wild Thang, an 8-year-old Pekingese from Coos Bay, Oregon (Sonoma-Marin Fair)
- 2023: Scooter, a Chinese Crested with reversed hind legs (Wikipedia)
- 2017: Martha, a Neapolitan Mastiff (TIME, news magazine)
- 2014: Peanut (also called Opossum), a Chihuahua-Shih Tzu mix (Wikipedia)
Why this matters: the winners span a wide range of sizes and breeds, proving that “ugly” is not limited to one type. The contest has become a platform for rescue dogs, many of whom were overlooked for their appearance.
Who won the title of Britain’s ugliest dog?
2024 winner: Peggy
- Peggy, a pug cross, won Britain’s Ugliest Dog competition in 2024 (Wikipedia, encyclopedia)
- Her owner is Megan Peat (BBC, established news outlet)
The UK competition is separate from the World’s Ugliest Dog contest but shares the same philosophy: celebrating imperfections.
Other UK winners
- Previous UK winners include a variety of breeds, often with wrinkled faces or unusual gaits
- The competition is less formalized than the US version but similarly draws media attention
The pattern: both contests underscore a global trend toward embracing dogs that don’t fit the “ideal” pet aesthetic.
What are the top 10 ugliest dog breeds?
Chinese Crested
- Often cited as the most “ugly” breed due to hairlessness and prominent teeth (Daily Paws)
- Has won the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest numerous times
Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless)
- Ancient breed, naturally hairless, often appears in “ugly” lists
- Known for its calm temperament and historical significance
Pug
- Extreme brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure causes breathing issues, but also a distinctive “ugly-cute” look
Bedlington Terrier
- Unusual lamb-like appearance, with a curved back and topknot
Other breeds
- Brussels Griffon, Dogue de Bordeaux, Bulldog, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Brussels Griffon often appear in top 10 lists
- Daily Paws lists 17 breeds; the top 10 are commonly discussed (Daily Paws)
The trade-off: breeds labeled “ugly” often have unique health needs—hairless dogs need sunscreen, flat-faced dogs need respiratory care. Owners must be prepared for these challenges.
Who owns the ugliest dog?
Owners of famous ugly dogs
- Petunia’s owner lives in Eugene, Oregon, and describes her as “a total sweetheart” (TODAY)
- Peanut’s (2014 winner) owner frequently emphasized the dog’s personality over looks (Wikipedia)
- Megan Peat, owner of Britain’s Ugliest Dog 2024 winner Peggy, told the BBC: “She’s a beautiful little girl to me” (BBC)
How owners care for them
- Many owners emphasize regular vet visits, skin care, and dental hygiene
- Hairless breeds require sunscreen and moisturizing
- Owners often face public scrutiny but defend their dogs’ unique beauty
What this means: the “ugly” label is often a source of pride for owners, who see their dogs as ambassadors for rescue and acceptance.
For owners like Megan Peat, the “ugly” label is a badge of honor that highlights a dog’s personality over appearance. “She’s a beautiful little girl to me,” Peat told the BBC. The contest gives these dogs a platform to be celebrated, not pitied.
Timeline of the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest
- 1970s: Contest first held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair, Petaluma, California. (Sonoma-Marin Fair)
- 2002: Rascal, a Chinese Crested, wins. (Wikipedia)
- 2007: Elwood (Chinese Crested-Chihuahua mix) wins. (Wikipedia)
- 2008: Gus, a Chinese Crested, wins. (Wikipedia)
- 2009: Pabst (boxer mix) wins overall; Miss Ellie (Chinese Crested) wins pedigree category. (Wikipedia)
- 2011: Yoda (Chinese Crested-Chihuahua mix) wins. (Wikipedia)
- 2012: Mugly, an 8-year-old Chinese Crested, wins. (Wikipedia)
- 2014: Peanut (mutt) wins, gains widespread media attention. (Wikipedia)
- 2016: SweePee Rambo (Chinese Crested) wins. (Wikipedia)
- 2017: Martha, a Neapolitan Mastiff, wins. (TIME)
- 2018: Zsa Zsa, an English bulldog, wins. (TIME)
- 2019: Scamp the Tramp wins. (Getty Images, photo agency)
- 2023: Scooter, a Chinese Crested with reversed hind legs, wins. (Wikipedia)
- 2024: Wild Thang, an 8-year-old Pekingese, wins. (Sonoma-Marin Fair)
- 2025: Petunia, 2-year-old hairless Bulldog, wins. (TODAY)
The pattern: the contest has evolved from a local fair novelty to an international media event, with coverage from BBC, TIME, and TODAY. Each year, the narrative shifts further from “ugly” as a pejorative to “ugly” as a celebration of individuality.
Confirmed facts and what’s still unclear
Confirmed facts
- Contest started in the 1970s (Sonoma-Marin Fair)
- Petunia won in 2025 (TODAY)
- Wild Thang won in 2024 (Sonoma-Marin Fair)
- Peggy won Britain’s Ugliest Dog in 2024 (BBC)
- Chinese Crested dogs have won 7 times (Wikipedia)
What’s unclear
- Exact year the contest began (documented as “1970s” but not specific)
- Annual number of contestants (not publicly listed)
- Whether the 2025 location change is permanent
- How many dogs are entered each year in the UK competition
The pattern: known facts outnumber gaps, but several details remain unverified.
Quotes from the people behind the dogs
“She’s a beautiful little girl to me. I don’t see her as ugly at all.”
— Megan Peat, owner of Peggy, Britain’s Ugliest Dog 2024 (BBC)
“Petunia is a total sweetheart. She has the best personality—she’s funny, cuddly, and loves everyone.”
— Petunia’s owner, 2025 World’s Ugliest Dog winner (TODAY)
“We’re not looking for the most pitiful dog—we’re looking for the dog that stands out in a crowd. It’s about personality and character.”
— Contest judge, World’s Ugliest Dog Contest (Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association)
These testimonials show that owners and judges see beyond appearance.
What it all means
The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest is more than a quirky California tradition—it’s a mirror for how we view beauty, worth, and acceptance. The dogs that win are not the ones who conform to breed standards; they are the ones who defy them. In a world obsessed with Instagram-perfect pets, the contest reminds us that personality, resilience, and a little bit of weirdness can be the most lovable traits of all. For the dogs themselves, the contest often leads to fame, adoption opportunities, and a platform to advocate for rescue animals. For the owners, the “ugly” label is a source of pride—a way to say that beauty is not one-size-fits-all. The contest’s growing popularity suggests that more people are ready to embrace that message.
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The 2025 winner Petunia, a hairless Bulldog from Oregon, stole hearts in the ugliest dog contest with her unconventional charm.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ugliest dog breed?
There is no official “ugliest” breed, but Chinese Crested, Xoloitzcuintli, Pug, and Bedlington Terrier are often cited. The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest has seen Chinese Crested dogs win the most times.
How much does the world’s ugliest dog cost?
There is no standard price for an “ugly” dog. Most winners are rescues or mixed breeds, and adoption fees vary. The question likely refers to a viral story about a $1,000,000 dog, but no verified record exists.
Where can I see pictures of the ugliest dog?
Many photos are available from the Sonoma-Marin Fair website, Getty Images, and news outlets like TODAY and BBC. The contest’s official page often features galleries.
What is the history of the ugliest dog contest?
The contest began in the 1970s at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California. It has grown from a local event to an international media phenomenon, with winners featured in TIME, TODAY, and BBC.
Who was the ugliest dog in 2023?
Scooter, a Chinese Crested with reversed hind legs, won the 2023 World’s Ugliest Dog Contest.
Why are Chinese Crested dogs considered ugly?
Chinese Crested dogs often have hairless bodies, prominent teeth, and large ears, which deviate from traditional “cute” standards. Their unique appearance makes them frequent winners in ugly dog contests.
How do owners deal with the ‘ugly’ label?
Most owners embrace the label as a badge of honor. They emphasize their dogs’ personalities, health, and rescue stories, and use the contest to advocate for adoption and acceptance of all dogs.
The FAQ answers common queries about the contest and breeds.
Related reading
- World’s Ugliest Dog Contest winners history and breeds – A broader look at unusual animal contests and their impact.
- World’s Ugliest Dog Contest winners history and breeds – Explore how unique landmarks and events shape cultural perceptions.
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