- They’ll hurt your eyes and capture your heart.
Beauty contests are so shallow. It’s all about what you look like, with no consideration given to the contestant’s personality.
Well, here’s one contest where inner beauty shines. That’s because there sure isn’t any to be found on the outside.
For nearly five decades, the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest has crowned the most repulsively lovable pup of the year. Whether they went through tough times on the street, suffered from debilitating health conditions, or were just born with a mug even a mother couldn’t love, these dogs show that it’s the personality that counts.
At the same time, the contest aims to raise awareness of animal rescue and adoption. Just because the puppy at the shelter is a bit pug-fugly, you shouldn’t hesitate to take it home.
You just might end up with a delightful monstrosity, like this year’s contest winners. Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for the official Top 8 ugliest dogs of 2024.
8) Freddie Mercury
In the eighth place, we have the first-time contestant Freddie Mercury. He was named after the Queen frontman because he has too many teeth in his mouth, like his namesake.
Unlike the human Mercury, they didn’t give the dog a fantastic singing voice. All he got was a horrendous underbite, alongside eye issues that need daily washing.
Freddie is a 14-year-old senior who likes to spend his days riding shotgun on a local ice cream truck and has become something of a mascot. When not at work, he enjoys watching youth sports with his owner.
7) Twiggy
Twiggy’s name is appropriate. When this 14-15-year-old chihuahua mutt was rescued, he was bald and about as skinny as a twig — except for his swollen eyes.
He’s been recovering well after going to a foster home. Although he’s still a gaunt, ghoulish thing, he’s putting on some weight nicely.
Even his fur has started growing back. If this keeps going on, Twiggy’s recovery might disqualify him from participating in future contests on the grounds of being too pretty.
6) Ozzie
This 10-year-old terrier mix never stops wagging his tail. We mean it — he has some kind of issue with his behind that he’s literally incapable of stopping his tail.
That’s what happens when you live in a Mexican landfill for years, we suppose. Despite his hard life, the shaggy Ozzie is full of love and shares it freely.
In particular, he likes kittens. Ozzie’s foster parents also have a litter of kittens and Ozzie frequently grooms them and lets them play with his out-of-control fur.
5) Poppy
Poppy’s not from ‘round these parts. This Chinese Crested/Gremlin mix (how appropriate) was reportedly born in Tbilisi, Georgia — the Caucasian country, not the U.S. state.
She’s about 90% made up of a protruding tongue and has hair only on his toes and head. That said, she sports quite an impressive mohawk.
Despite one of her eyes being virtually blind and forced to wear diapers, Poppy is a playful little thing. She loves to dig the ground, fetch sticks, and get her belly rubbed, like any other dog.
4) Mochi
Mochi stands out from her competitors due to her age. While the other participants are quite elderly, Mochi is only a nine-month-old chihuahua/Jack Russell terrier mix.
Her underbite, however, is worthy of being in the contest. Add in her shaggy fur and Mochi is definitely in the right company.
Ugly though she might be, Mochi is bursting with energy like a puppy should. Just put her on a grass patch and watch her go nuts.
3) Daisy Mae
Over the years, the 14-year-old Daisy Mae has lost a lot of things. Some of those things include large patches of her fur, her teeth, and the use of her eyes.
What she hasn’t lost is her even older sister (although she’s not a patchy-furred goblin). The elderly sisters love cuddling together in sunspots.
Yet, Daisy Mae still has the energy to chase some squirrels off her god-danged lawn. And they’re smart to get lost, too — word has is Mae was tough enough to earn a place in a cat gang in her younger days.
2) Rome
You know that phrase, “pug-ugly?” It may have been invented to describe this one-eyed scar-face.
Rome is a 14-year-old pug residing in The Pug Hotel in Rohnert Park, California. He might be missing and eye and his legs may be horribly bowed, but the old man can still dance.
Literally. Whenever he gets excited — which is often — he breaks into a happy tippy-tapping tap dance routine.
1) Wild Thang
Wild Thang is a real veteran of ugly dog competitions. He has competed in the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest five times — and this year, he finally won.
His looks are a result of suffering from distemper as a puppy. He made it through the disease alive, but he never grew any teeth which led to his tongue hanging out of his mouth at all times.
He also has nerve damage in his right front leg, forcing him to constantly make a paddling motion with it. Despite that, he’s a happy dog who loves toys above all things.