If there’s one thing that most dog owners will tell you, it’s that their dog is the cutest. And quite frankly, they’re all correct. However, at this year’s Sonoma County Fair, an unusual group of dog lovers took part in the annual World Ugliest Dog competition. This might not seem like the sort of contest you would want your dog to win, but there is something undeniable about these less conventionally attractive canines.
This rather unique event has been a much-loved feature of the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, but this year the contest made its debut at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa on August 8, 2025. Competition was tough, with ten remarkable canines competing to be named ugliest dog. Ultimately, it was a two-year-old hairless Frenchie Bulldog cross, Petunia, who was crowned the overall winner.
Petunia, rescued from a terrible situation in Las Vegas by Luvable Dog Rescue, is described as a gentle soul who adores other dogs, cats, and people. Her favorite pastimes include snuggling and taking trail walks in the Oregon woods. Following her rescue, she received essential veterinary care, including spay and BOAS surgeries to correct an elongated palate common in poorly bred bully breeds.
For the second year in a row, MUG® Root Beer sponsored the World’s Ugliest Dog® Contest, helping raise the total prize pool to $10,000. This year’s awards include $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second, and $2,000 for third place. Petunia will also have her moment of fame as the (temporary) face of MUG Root Beer, with a line of limited-edition MUG merchandise.
“This is one of my favorite events of the year! I am so pleased that we have such amazing partners to work with,” said Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association CEO Mandy Clendenen. “Thanks to both MUG and the Sonoma County Fair, we can keep this fantastic tradition alive.”
Perhaps it was the star turn of Britain’s Ugliest Dog, Peggy, the Chinese Crested Mix, in the most recent installment of Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine, starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, that has elevated the less aesthetically fortunate dogs to the level of adorable. Take note world – ugly is the new cute!
It truly highlights that there is far more to canine companionship than appearances. Many of these less-than aesthetically perfect dogs found loving homes through adoption, proving that giving dogs a second chance can be rewarding for both animal and owner. After all, a puppy’s cuteness is fleeting; ugly is forever!
To support animal rescue projects, MUG will make a one-time donation to the Dogwood Animal Rescue Project located in Santa Rosa, California. “At MUG, we’ve always rooted for the underdog—literally. As a dog-backed brand, we’re proud to show up for canines in need, just like our mascot, Dog, would want. This year, we’re inviting our fans to join us in our mission to root for all dogs, help them find homes, and commemorate the World’s Ugliest Dog with the biggest honor we know: their face on our can” said Michael Smith, Vice President, MUG Root Beer.
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