Latest news with #Sonoma-MarinFair
Indianapolis Star
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
Winner of the 2025 'World's Ugliest Dog' contest is crowned: Meet Petunia
A hairless English-French bulldog mix is now the world's ugliest dog. 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 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.
USA Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Winner of the 2025 'World's Ugliest Dog' contest is crowned: Meet Petunia
A hairless English-French bulldog mix is now the world's ugliest dog. 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@ and follow her on X @nataliealund.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
'World's Ugliest Dog' Contest Crowns New Winner
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. 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.
San Francisco Chronicle
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Photos: World's Ugliest Dog Contest winner a hairless pooch named Petunia
A hairless pooch named Petunia was declared the world's ugliest dog at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa. The French bulldog mix, described by owner Shannon Nyman of Eugene, Ore., as a 'world-class snuggler,' took the $5,000 top prize Friday at the World's Ugliest Dog Contest, a popular annual event with global appeal that previously was held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma. Petunia, set to appear with Nyman on NBC's 'Today' show, will also have her own limited-edition merchandise sponsored by root beer maker Mug. The pooch's face will be printed on T-shirts, dog toys and a custom Mug can available for purchase on the TikTok shop Monday. Because of her hairlessness, Petunia requires a daily treatment of coconut oil and sunscreen, Nyman told the judges. Second place went to Jinny Lu of Sonoma County, a 5-year-old pug whose owner, Michelle Grady, is director of the Pug Hotel in Rohnert Park, a sanctuary for senior and traumatized pugs. Jinny Lu, who was rescued from Korea, also took the Spirit Award, given to a dog and owner who have overcome obstacles or provide service to their community. Other competitors included Merle Haggard, a 4-pound mutt from Long Beach; Chula the Chupacabra from Foster City; and Little Prince Wonder, an 8-year-old Chinese crested from Los Angeles. Last year's winner was Wild Thang, an 8-year-old Pekingese from North Bend, Ore., competing for the fifth time. The contest's purpose is not to make fun of ugly dogs, but to show the world 'that these dogs are really beautiful,' organizers said.
