'World's Ugliest Dog' Contest Crowns New Winner
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Petunia, a rescue dog from California, was crowned the 2025 winner of the "World's Ugliest Dog" contest on August 8 at the Sonoma-Marin Fair.
Standing alongside her owner Shannon Nyman, Petunia claimed the top prize in the nearly 50-year-old competition that celebrates unconventional-looking canines.
Petunia and owner Shannon Nyman, right, celebrate winning first place in the World's Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025.
Petunia and owner Shannon Nyman, right, celebrate winning first place in the World's Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025.
AP Photo/Noah Berger
Why It Matters
The contest serves a deeper purpose beyond entertainment, advocating for dog adoption and celebrating the beauty in all animals regardless of their appearance.
The competition highlights rescue dogs and shelter animals, many of whom have overcome significant challenges including puppy mill backgrounds. This platform helps shift public perception about what makes dogs worthy of love and homes, potentially influencing adoption decisions nationwide. As organizers emphasize, the event demonstrates that "pedigree does not define the pet."
Petunia celebrates winning first place in the World's Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025.
Petunia celebrates winning first place in the World's Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025.
AP Photo/Noah Berger
Little Prince Wonder, an 8-year-old Chinese Crested, gets love during the World's Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025.
Little Prince Wonder, an 8-year-old Chinese Crested, gets love during the World's Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025.
AP Photo/Noah Berger
What To Know
The "World's Ugliest Dog" contest welcomes canines of all breeds and sizes with unconventional appearances, following rigorous health protocols. All participants must provide veterinary paperwork confirming their health status prior to arrival, with additional on-site veterinary checks conducted before the competition begins, according to event details. The day features pre-contest entertainment, pet care information sessions, and adoption resources, creating a comprehensive celebration of animal welfare.
Participants often include animals with missing teeth, dangling tongues, fur challenges, missing eyes, and deformed limbs. Each contestant and handler take center stage to showcase their unique beauty to judges, media, hosts, and fans in what organizers describe as "a wonderful show of pageantry and pride."
Animal rescue and adoption groups maintain booths on-site, providing information about adoptable pets and raising awareness for animals still seeking homes.
Jinny Lu, a 5-year-old pug who was rescued from Korea, prepares to compete in the World's Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. Jinny went...
Jinny Lu, a 5-year-old pug who was rescued from Korea, prepares to compete in the World's Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. Jinny went on to win second place and a spirit award. More
AP Photo/Noah Berger
What People Are Saying
Sonoma Marin Fairgrounds Event Center: "For nearly 50 years, the World's Ugliest Dog Contest has been a testament that the pedigree does not define the pet. This world-renowned event celebrates the imperfections that make all dogs special and unique."
A dog named Merle Haggard competes in the World's Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025.
A dog named Merle Haggard competes in the World's Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025.
AP Photo/Noah Berger
What Happens Next
Petunia's victory tour begins with a TODAY show appearance on August 11.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
29 minutes ago
- Newsweek
John Cena Shuts Down WWE Rumor Ahead Of Retirement Match
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. As his legendary career winds down, John Cena has revealed how his final opponent will be chosen, and the answer is simple: he will not be the one to choose. Appearing on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, the 17-time world champion reiterated his career-long philosophy of letting WWE decide his path, even for his final match. Cena, who is in the midst of his 2025 farewell tour, confirmed that he has just 11 dates left before he hangs up his boots for good. His last match is expected to take place in Boston this December. John Cena: "I've Never Operated Like That" When host Jimmy Fallon asked if he had a final opponent in mind, Cena was definitive in his response. He explained that he has never hand-picked his opponents and will not start now, as his goal is to serve the business. "No, no. I've never operated like that," Cena said. "My goal has always been to leave WWE better than I found it. So whoever they deem appropriate to get that energy, man, I'm cool with that." The Ultimate WWE Man Cena's philosophy is a perfect example of the "company man" reputation he has built over two decades. As the face of WWE, he was known for his incredible work ethic and his willingness to do whatever was asked of him, both in and out of the ring. John Cena during WrestleMania Goes Hollywood at SoFi Stadium on April 01, 2023 in Inglewood, California. John Cena during WrestleMania Goes Hollywood at SoFi Stadium on April 01, 2023 in Inglewood, California. Photo byThis stance is highly unusual for a legend of his stature on a retirement tour, a time when most icons would be hand-picking a "greatest hits" of dream opponents. Cena's humble approach is a testament to the professionalism that made him the top star for so long. Making Way For A New WWE Generation Cena also explained that a major reason for his retirement is his desire to not take screen time away from the next generation of superstars. He recalled his own early days in 2002, when he was a "young, hungry" kid looking for a chance to make an impact. More news: WWE Superstar Announces Retirement Match "I think if I hang around any longer than now, I'm just taking time away from those young guys who can be the next chance to make an impact," he said. "It's time, man. It's time." John Cena's Legendary Final Stretch While Cena may not be choosing his opponents, WWE is ensuring his farewell tour is a legendary one. His next major match is scheduled for the Clash in Paris premium live event on August 31, where he will face the current United States Champion, Logan Paul. Following that, he is slated to headline a new premium live event in Indianapolis on September 20. At that show, he will write the final chapter in his rivalry with the returning Brock Lesnar. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Owner Asks Internet Why Dog Is 'So Sneaky,' What They Capture Goes Viral
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A "terrifying" dog sneaking up on his owner has captivated—and spooked—internet viewers. A dog owner, Nicole, who uses the TikTok tag @nicocohoh0, posted a video of her pet's unusual—and slightly scary—behavior. The clip has received over 572,000 likes and more than 2.8 million views on the platform. Overlaying the footage, Nicole wrote: "Can someone explain to me why my dog is so sneaky?" In the caption, she added: "It's actually a little terrifying …" The video shows the blond dog, Milo, peeking around the side of a door frame, staring intently at their owner, and sticking one leg out. TikTok users were quick to respond to the peculiar scene. "Have you heard of skinwalkers?" asked Brandon Vega. "He looks like the skinwalker dog," posted Harper. "My girl does this too! She drops a Frisbee, runs behind a bush and peeks. Such a little weirdo," shared one user. "The leg is fryyying me," added another. Stock image: A golden retriever peeks from behind the door. Stock image: A golden retriever peeks from behind the door. chendongshan/iStock / Getty Images Plus What Are Skinwalkers? Experts at HowStuffWorks say that, in Navajo (Diné) folklore, a skinwalker is an evil witch who can transform into, possess, or disguise themselves as an animal. Known as yee naaldlooshii—meaning "with it, he goes on all fours"—skinwalkers are often said to take the form of coyotes, wolves, foxes, or bears, though they can appear as any animal. Skinwalkers are believed to possess supernatural powers, including extreme speed, mimicry, mind control, and the ability to place curses. In animal form, their eyes may glow red when illuminated, adding to their fearsome reputation. More TikTok Reactions "I wasn't scared until I saw how long he is," posted user Demi. "We had a Doberman who did this, she used to hide behind the garage and sneak around when she'd hear my husband coming. He used to try to sneak down to her, but he never caught her out. She'd jump out and come with the tail wagging and jump up on him," commented Angela. "The chances of being stalked by your own golden retriever are low, but never zero," added Kara. "You sure he isn't hunting you," asked another user. Newsweek reached out to @nicocohoh0 for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Dog's Adoption Goes Wrong—Tears at What She Still Does: 'Heart of Gold'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A rescue dog named Bonnie has been making waves online after she was returned to her foster home and whined constantly—sparking concern. Her carer, Amy Waddington (@amywaddington3), posted a TikTok clip showing the beige pooch sitting on the couch and letting out a steady cry. The footage has been liked almost 20,000 times and viewed over 256,000 times on the platform. In text overlay on the video, Waddington said: "Bonnie often seems unsettled. She makes this noise a lot. It's one of the reasons her adoption failed." Waddington later told followers that Bonnie had already played in the garden and had breakfast before the video was filmed. "I'm sat with her, but she seems so unsettled," she said. @amywaddington3 Bonnie is our foster dog from Romania. She was with us for a few weeks in Sept 2024 and then she was adopted for six months. The adoption didn't work out for a number of reasons and she's been back with us for six months now. Bonnie isn't the easiest of dogs but she does have a heart of gold under all the noise and bravado. She often whines when we are sitting and resting. She doesn't seem unhappy but she does seem restless. She's such a busy dog, I often wonder, can dogs have ADHD or is there a canine equivalent? We do play time with her, she has good walks, she's got three other dogs to play with and a heap of enrichment toys. We share lots of fun videos of Bonnie, I thought I'd share something a little different. Helpful and kind thoughts and advice is welcomed 🥰🙏🏻. #Bonnieandme #rescuedog #fyp #dogtraining #bekind ♬ Kitchen Fan Lullaby (Raw) - Claire Boyer Bonnie's journey has been far from straightforward. Waddington said that she is a foster dog from Romania who first stayed with them for a few weeks in September 2024. Bonnie was then adopted for six months, but the placement didn't work out, and she has now been back in Waddington's care for another half-year. "Bonnie isn't the easiest of dogs, but she does have a heart of gold under all the noise and bravado," Waddington said. "She often whines when we are sitting and resting. She doesn't seem unhappy but she does seem restless. She's such a busy dog … Helpful and kind thoughts and advice is welcomed." Amber Batteiger is an animal emergency services and disaster relief expert and PR and communications manager at Embrace Pet Insurance. She told Newsweek that excessive whining or crying is "very common" in newly adopted rescue dogs. Stock image: A brown dog rests on the couch. Stock image: A brown dog rests on the couch. Miguel Romero/iStock / Getty Images Plus She said that vocalization is "rarely just 'for attention'—it's a form of communication rooted in anxiety, uncertainty, confusion, or unmet needs." Batteiger said crying can be triggered by separation anxiety, adjustment stress, or physical discomfort, and, sometimes, it is simply the dog trying to make sense of their new environment. She advised pet parents to observe when the whining occurs—whether it is during transitions, when the dog is left alone, or alongside pacing and panting—which can indicate distress. If the whining is tied to being ignored or wanting interaction, then it may still be a sign of emotional insecurity. Batteiger added that canines thrive on structure and routine, recommending a predictable schedule and a safe space to decompress. Reinforcing calm behavior, practicing low-key arrivals and departures, and following the "3-3-3 rule"—three days to decompress, three weeks to learn the routine, and three months to feel at home—can help. "If the crying is persistent, intense, or accompanied by other signs of distress, like refusal to eat, destructive behavior, or self-injury, the pet parents need to talk to a veterinarian or behaviorist," Batteiger said. She added that rescue dogs may arrive with "emotional baggage" but also have "an incredible capacity to heal and to love deeply." The video sparked a wave of comments from TikTok users offering their experiences and theories. "Our borzoi boy also is a bit whiny and unsettled sometimes when we rest, especially in the evenings. Even when exercised well, fed and happy. We found out that we just need to howl with him for 5 minutes or so. We call them our evening 'complaints' so every evening the whole family howls together and he's happy after," one user wrote. "Maybe she is pining for another dog she was with in her previous country," another posted. "She might not be stimulated enough, I would definitely try and make some brain activities with her. Some dogs just need more stuff to do than others to settle all the way down. My dog does similar when he's bored or he wants to do stuff," said Christinna. "I think she doesn't know how to rest—it's trauma related, humans get it as well. Just be patient and try and have very set routine," Lou commented. Newsweek reached out to @amywaddington3 for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
