Petunia, a delightfully unconventional pup, captured the crown at the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, during the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, California. Petunia and her owner, Shannon Nyman, earned $5,000 and the year’s bragging rights in a tradition that has celebrated offbeat canine charm for nearly five decades.
More than a novelty, the contest underscores a simple message: pedigree doesn’t define a pet’s worth. Many entrants are rescues from shelters or puppy mills, and organizers aim to spotlight how transformative adoption can be. This year’s field reflected that spirit, featuring pups with distinct looks and big personalities, including Little Prince Wonder, an 8-year-old Chinese Crested; Nezumi, a 13-year-old Chihuahua; and Jinny Lu, a 5-year-old pug rescued from Korea who took second place and also received a spirit award.
Petunia joins a roster of memorable winners, following 2024 champion Wild Thang, an 8-year-old Pekingese from Coos Bay, Oregon. The event, a beloved fixture of the fair, blends humor and heart to celebrate dogs as they are: resilient, loving, and worthy of a forever home.
Why this matters
Contests like this flip the script on perfection. By celebrating dogs with unusual appearances, the event helps potential adopters look beyond looks, focusing on personality, compatibility, and the bond that forms between people and pets. It’s a festive reminder that every dog—no matter how quirky—can be the perfect companion.
Key points
– Petunia won the 2025 World’s Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma County Fair, taking home $5,000.
– The event has run for nearly 50 years and champions the idea that pedigree doesn’t define a pet.
– Many contestants are rescue dogs; this year included entrants like Little Prince Wonder (Chinese Crested), Nezumi (Chihuahua), and Jinny Lu (pug), who placed second and earned a spirit award.
– Last year’s winner was Wild Thang, an 8-year-old Pekingese from Oregon.
A hopeful note
Petunia’s victory is more than a trophy—it’s a feel-good win for adoption advocates and for anyone who believes love, not looks, makes a family.