Get Ready to Aww at the One-of-a-Kind Champions of the 2023 Most Unusual Pooch Competition

The Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California witnessed an entertaining display of mutts with unique appearances during the 2023 World’s Ugliest Dog Contest on June 23. While numerous attendees gathered to watch the unconventional but adorable canines show off their strut, only a few were declared winners. The contest has been a tradition for over two decades now and aims to celebrate the beauty of all animals, particularly those that have been rescued. It’s always a great time for animal lovers to come together and appreciate the uniqueness of pets.

The 2023 World’s Ugliest Dog Contest was a huge success at the Sonoma-Marin Fair, featuring incredible stories of resilience and beauty found within these special dogs. Tawny Tesconi, the CEO of the fair, expressed her excitement about hosting this unique event and how it celebrates love, compassion, and the indomitable spirit of these amazing animals. Although all the contestants were lovable and captured the hearts of the audience, only four pups received awards. Discover which dogs won big at the competition, including the Grand Prize Winner.

Wild Thang, the Pekingese with a unique sense of style, has recently snagged second place at the 2023 Ugliest Dog Contest. Having been a participant for four consecutive years, this seven-year-old veteran has established himself as a top contender. The organizers of the competition have described Wild Thang’s distinct look as “gugly” – a striking combination of glamorous and ugly. It’s worth mentioning that in addition to coming in second place, Wild Thang also claimed the Spirit Award, which is a great accomplishment.

Harold Bartholomew, a 16-year-old Chihuahua, received two awards at the 2023 World’s Ugliest Dog contest held last Friday. He was awarded the third-place trophy as well as the Spirit Award, which is given to a participating pooch who has triumphed over challenges or has actively contributed to their community. Despite being deaf and blind, Harold Bartholomew was able to overcome his past struggles after being discovered wandering alone in a California park. Today, he uses his spare time to advocate for animal welfare and adoption. Additionally, he won the People’s Choice Award, making him a beloved pup among the attendees.

Rascal Deux, a pooch with a wonky face, mismatched peepers, and no fur, snagged the People’s Choice Award at the 2023 Ugliest Dog Contest. The online poll was conducted among animal enthusiasts and the victor was revealed at the event. Keep up with the latest celebrity gossip and heartwarming tales by subscribing to PEOPLE’s complimentary newsletter.