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.
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.
Audience members cheer during the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. Audience members cheer 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
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