Petunia, Rescue Bulldog Wins 2025 World’s Ugliest Dog Contest
Move over Westminster — this is where drool, underbites, and glorious grunge reign supreme. The National Ugliest Dog Show isn’t about pedigree or poise — it’s a celebration of canine charisma in its most gloriously unconventional form.
Meet the Winner!
$5,000 cash and bragging rights
Petunia — a 2‑year‑old hairless English‑French bulldog mix from Eugene, Oregon — was crowned the 2025 winner of the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest on August 8 at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, California
🌟 Why Petunia Stole the Show
Rescue to Royalty – She was saved in May from a backyard breeder/hoarding situation in Las Vegas where over 50 dogs were kept in crates.
Health Comeback – She underwent surgery to fix breathing issues from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) and now enjoys daily coconut oil rub‑downs for her skin.
Judges’ Impressions – One judge described her as “a mix between Yoda, a hippo, and a bat — she’s got it all”.
🏆 Prizes & Perks
$5,000 cash and bragging rights
Her face on limited‑edition Mug Root Beer cans
A victory lap appearance on the TODAY show
The nearly 50‑year‑old contest celebrates “the imperfections that make all dogs special and unique,” while promoting dog adoption over buying from breeders — and Petunia’s win is a perfect embodiment of that mission.
