The 8-year-old Pekingese from Oregon was crowned the World’s Ugliest Dog on Friday, confirming that when the looks are, well, lacking, there’s something to be said for persistence.
“His victory is a testament to his undeniable charm and resilience,” said a statement released by the competition following Wild Thang’s big win.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Wild Thang’s life got off to a difficult start, according to his biography (yes, he has one).
As a puppy, he contracted distemper, an infectious disease caused by a virus that attacks dogs’ respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems.
He barely survived, and his biography notes that Wild Thang was left permanently affected by the disease: “His teeth did not grow in, causing his tongue to stay out and his right front leg paddles 24/7.”
Persons:
“, ”, distemper
Locations:
Oregon, Los Angeles