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…