Petunia’s journey to stardom started far from the spotlight. The 2-year-old rescue dog spent her early life in Las Vegas with a backyard breeder and hoarder, until rescuers from Luvable Dog Rescue in Oregon stepped in.
They brought her north, where she received long-overdue medical care, a spay, and surgery to correct an elongated palate, a painful condition that made every breath a struggle, as reported by The New York Times.
Petunia also happens to be a rare hairless French bulldog mix — and now, the proud winner of the 2025 World’s Ugliest Dog Contest.
A celebration of ‘imperfect’ perfection
Every summer at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, California, dogs from around the country gather for a celebration like no other. The 2025 contest took place this past Friday, marking nearly 50 years of this tradition.
The event’s mission is clear: to prove that “a dog’s pedigree does not define the pet.” The contest isn’t about poking fun at these dogs. It’s about celebrating the traits that make them one-of-a-kind — the bald patches, snaggle teeth, tongue lolls and googly eyes that tell a story.
Organizers emphasize that the event is not about mocking appearances, but honoring the quirks that make every dog unique. “Dogs of all breeds and sizes have warmed our hearts and filled our lives with unconditional love,” the group website reads. “This world-renowned event celebrates the imperfections that make all dogs special and unique.”
The group’s note continues, “the annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest is not about making fun of ‘ugly’ dogs, but having fun with some wonderful characters and showing the world that these dogs are really beautiful!”
Every entrant must provide veterinary paperwork confirming they’re healthy, followed by an on-site checkup. Last year’s winner, Wild Thang, an 8-year-old Pekingese, proved that charm comes in all shapes (and fur levels) who won the title on his fifth try.
As The New York Times put it: “in this competition, the missing fur, the misaligned teeth, the eyes that wander in different directions — they are not flaws, but badges of honor."
More about Petunia
After healing from her surgeries and learning to walk on Oregon trails, Petunia made the journey to California to enter the contest.
The 2-year-old rescue was one of 10 contestants in this year’s competition as she and her owner sought to join the legacies of misfits past. With her smooth skin, soulful eyes and charisma, Petunia captured the hearts of judges and audiences.
By the end of the competition, Petunia and her owner walked away from the competition with $5,000, a merchandise deal with Mug Root Beer and bragging rights as reported by CNN.
Petunia walked away having shown the world that beauty isn’t just in the eye of the beholder. Sometimes, it’s in the patchy fur, the proud posture and the heart of a rescue dog who won’t give up.
