Check Out the Entry Photo for Petunia, the Newly Crowned “World’s Ugliest Dog”

On August 8, the Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association in California crowned the winner of its 2025 “World’s Ugliest Dog” contest. Petunia, a charismatic-looking hairless French bulldog–English bulldog mix from Eugene, Oregon, took home first prize.

To get the obvious out of the way: Petunia may not have hair, and resembles a gargoyle, but she is still quite cute. Looking at her entry photo, it’s easy to see why she won so many hearts and minds. She is clearly a star (more photos on Luvable Dog Rescue’s Instagram page).

Eugene-based photographer Grady Herndon, of Salty Pet Portraits, took Petunia’s portrait. “Just learned the most amazing thing!! One of [our] favorite little Gargoyle girls won The Worlds Ugliest Dog Contest!!! [sic]” Herndon wrote on Instagram. “She’s one of the silliest and sweetest little things and so deserving of it!!”

While the photo is compelling enough, Petunia’s story and personality also contributed to her win. She’s been through quite a bit during her two years of life. She’s a rescue from a “backyard breeder/hoarder situation” in Las Vegas, according to a fair spokesperson. Luvable Dog Rescue brought her to Oregon, where she lives with volunteer Shannon Nyman. The organization describes her as a “gentle soul” who gets along well with people and other animals. 

After she was rescued, Luvable Dog got Petunia spayed and paid for surgery to treat her brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS). This surgery corrected an elongated soft palate, which is often a feature in brachycephalic breeds. Her breathing has now improved, and she enjoys hiking in the woods of Oregon—a well-deserved extended victory lap for a very good girl.