Winner of the 2025 'World's Ugliest Dog' contest is crowned: Meet Petunia
Meet Petunia, the 2-year-old pooch crowned the winner of the World's Ugliest Dog contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair on Friday, Aug. 8. The grounds are about 40 miles north of San Francisco.
The annual contest, which judges canines on their extracurricular activities and not-so-cute appearances, helps pet shelters find animals forever homes.
According to its website, the contest has taken place for nearly five decades and many of the contestants "have been rescued from shelters and puppy mills, to find loving homes in the hands of those willing to adopt."
"Dogs of all breeds and sizes have warmed our hearts and filled our lives with unconditional love," the site reads. "This world-renowned event celebrates the imperfections that make all dogs special and unique."
Last year's World's Ugliest Dog contest winner was Wild Thang, a then 8-year-old Pekingese from Oregon.
More dog news: 'Hilarious' video shows toddler, black lab left perplexed after ball vanishes during fetch
Meet Petunia: The World's Ugliest Dog
The fair announced Petunia took home the first-place trophy, according to The New York Times and ABC7 in San Francisco.
Petunia lives in Oregon with her owner, Shannon Nyman, both outlets reported, adding rescuers first found the dog "in the chaos of a backyard breeder and hoarder" in Las Vegas. Luvable Dog Rescue, a non-profit organization in Oregon, relocated her.
"She's the most wrinkled 2-year-old I have ever seen," one of the judges told the TV station.
Her imperfections earned her $5,000 as well as being featured on upcoming limited-edition cans of MUG Root Beer, one of the contest sponsors.
After winning the title, the pooch also appeared live on "Today" on Monday, Aug. 11, alongside handler Shannon Nyman.
USA TODAY has reached out to contest officials and Nyman for comment.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
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