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World’s Ugliest Dog Winner Petunia Lands MUG Root Beer Merch Deal and Launches Rescue Fund Venture

The limited-edition MUG Root Beer merchandise featuring Petunia illustrates how the contest’s pageantry drives adoption awareness.

Petunia, the two-year-old pup from Oregon, lives with her owner, Shannon Nyman.
Dog named Petunia wins the annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Santa Rosa, California, on Aug. 8, 2025.

Overview

  • Petunia, a rescue hairless English–French bulldog mix, captured the 2025 World’s Ugliest Dog title on Aug. 8 at the Sonoma-Marin Fair, earning a $5,000 prize.
  • She appeared on NBC’s Today show on Aug. 11, showcasing her post-rescue transformation and endearing personality to a national audience.
  • Contest sponsors announced limited-edition MUG Root Beer cans and branded apparel featuring Petunia, set to hit the market soon.
  • Handler Shannon Nyman plans to launch Wonky Dogs, a for-profit philanthropic venture aimed at partnering with brands to raise funds for rescue organizations.
  • Now in its fifth decade, the contest continues to spotlight adoption advocacy, highlight breed-related health issues and condemn unethical breeding practices.