You’ve seen the photos. You’ve probably seen the memes. But honestly, if you haven’t looked into the story of the world's ugliest dog 2025, you’re missing out on the best underdog tale of the year.
Usually, when people hear "ugly dog contest," they think of mean-spirited laughter or poking fun at weird-looking pets. It’s actually the opposite. This thing is a massive celebration of the "wonky" ones. It’s about the dogs that nobody wanted—the ones who spent too long in shelters because they didn't look like a Golden Retriever in a calendar.
The Oregon Underdog: Meet Petunia
Petunia didn’t just win; she owned the stage.
She’s a two-year-old hairless mix—mostly Frenchie and English Bulldog—and she hails from Eugene, Oregon. When her owner, Shannon Nyman, walked her out onto the floor at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, California, on August 8, 2025, the vibe shifted. Petunia doesn’t have the traditional fur coat. Instead, she has skin that requires a very specific skincare routine.
Basically, she gets a daily slathering of coconut oil and sunscreen.
Without it, her skin gets dry and irritated. Because she’s hairless, she’s prone to sunburns, which is why her "beauty regimen" is actually a health necessity. She has a bit of a pinkish hue, which is why her fans sometimes call her "Pinky."
From a Hoarder House to the Today Show
Petunia’s life didn't start with spa days and coconut oil.
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She was rescued from a pretty grim situation—a backyard breeder and hoarder in Las Vegas. When Luvable Dog Rescue in Oregon took her in, she wasn't just "unconventional looking." She was struggling. Like many poorly bred "bully" breeds, she had Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).
She had an elongated palate that made it hard for her to breathe.
Imagine trying to breathe through a straw while running; that was her life. Luvable Dog Rescue paid for her surgeries, fixed her palate, and got her spayed. Now, she’s "breathing easy" and spends her days snuggling with cats and hiking through the Oregon woods.
It’s a literal rags-to-riches story.
What Really Happened at the 2025 Contest
This year was a big one for the event. It was the 50th anniversary, and it moved from its long-time home in Petaluma to the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa.
The stakes were higher too.
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Mug Root Beer sponsored the whole thing, putting up a $10,000 prize pool. Petunia took home the top prize of $5,000, but she also got something way more iconic: her face on limited-edition root beer cans. She’s replacing the brand’s mascot (a dog named "Dog") for a short run of merchandise.
The competition was actually pretty fierce.
- Jinny Lu: A 5-year-old rescue Pug from Korea took second place. She also won the "Spirit Award" because, despite being a senior sanctuary resident at the Pug Hotel in Rohnert Park, she has more energy than most puppies.
- Poppy: A classic Chinese Crested (the breed that usually dominates this contest) took third place.
- Little Prince Wonder: An 8-year-old Chinese Crested who also gave Petunia a run for her money.
People think these dogs are "ugly" because of their tongue-out expressions or lack of fur. But once you see them in person, you realize they’re just... different. They’re "wonky." And honestly, in a world of perfectly filtered Instagram pets, there’s something incredibly refreshing about a dog that looks like a "handsome gargoyle," as one announcer put it.
The Health Reality of "Ugly" Dogs
Let’s get real for a second. While we celebrate these dogs, many of their "unique" features come from bad breeding.
Petunia’s hairlessness and her breathing issues aren't just quirks; they’re the result of "backyard" breeding practices where health is ignored in favor of "exotic" looks. This is why the world's ugliest dog 2025 winner is such an important advocate. Her win isn't just about her face; it’s about highlighting the medical needs of rescue dogs.
Shannon Nyman is even starting an LLC called "Wonky Dogs" to raise money for animal rescue.
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Debunking the Myths
People often think these dogs are in pain or unhealthy because of how they look. While some do have medical histories, the contest has strict veterinary checks.
- They aren't "gross": Most of these dogs are better groomed than your average house pet because their owners are so diligent about their skin and dental care.
- It’s not a joke: The owners are incredibly proud. To them, these aren't "ugly" dogs; they’re the best friends who were overlooked by everyone else.
- The "Ugly" label is a badge of honor: It’s a subversion. By calling the contest "World’s Ugliest Dog," the organizers are actually mocking the idea of "breed standards" and perfection.
Why the World's Ugliest Dog 2025 Still Matters
You might wonder why a contest like this is still a thing in 2025.
It’s because shelter populations are still high. Senior dogs, "wonky" dogs, and breeds with medical needs are the first to be euthanized and the last to be adopted. When a dog like Petunia goes on the Today Show and becomes a national celebrity, it changes the conversation.
It tells people that you don’t need a perfect-looking puppy to have a perfect companion.
Petunia is a gentle soul. She loves everyone—cats, humans, other dogs. She’s a snuggler who happens to look a little different. Her victory is a win for every "misfit" pet sitting in a cage right now waiting for someone to notice their personality instead of their teeth or their lack of fur.
Actionable Takeaways for Dog Lovers
If you’re moved by Petunia’s win, don't just look at the photos.
- Check your local shelter for "long-stayers": Ask the staff which dogs have been there the longest. Often, it's because of a minor physical quirk or age.
- Research "Bully" breeds before adopting: If you love Petunia's look, remember she needed surgery to breathe properly. Be prepared for the medical maintenance that comes with these breeds.
- Support rescue organizations: Groups like Luvable Dog Rescue and Dogwood Animal Rescue rely on donations to pay for the "BOAS" surgeries and skin treatments that dogs like Petunia need.
- Don't buy from backyard breeders: Petunia’s start in life was rough because of "exotic" breeding. If you want a specific look, find a breed-specific rescue instead.
The world's ugliest dog 2025 isn't really about ugliness at all. It's about the fact that love doesn't need a filter.