A dog in the US has been crowned the ugliest in the world.

The eight-year-old Pekingese called Wild Thang won the 2024 World’s Ugliest Dog contest in California on Friday.

The animal has competed in the contest five times, coming second three times before finally taking the top prize this year.

Wild Thang contracted the viral disease canine distemper as a puppy, according to his biography.

“He survived, but not without permanent damage,” it says.

“His teeth did not grow in, causing his tongue to stay out and his right front leg paddles 24/7.”

Apart from the physical issues, he is “a healthy, happy Glugly (glamorous/ugly) guy”.

He and his owner Ann Lewis took home a cheque for $5,000 (£4,000).

The World’s Ugliest Dog competition has been held for nearly 50 years and “celebrates the imperfections that make all dogs special and unique,” according to the event’s website.

The event “is not about making fun of ‘ugly dogs’,” the site says, “but having fun with some wonderful characters and showing the world that these dogs are really beautiful.”

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A 14-year-old Pug named Rome came second, while a 14-year-old rescue dog named Daisy Mae took third place.

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