'Glugly' pooch wins World's Ugliest Dog

Eight-year-old Pekingese Wild Thang has claimed barking rights for the next year after taking home the the ugliest dog trophy in California, USA.

It was his fifth attempt at what would otherwise be an unwanted title but the owners of the "Glugly" (glamourous/ugly) pooch couldn't be prouder after the obstacle he has overcome.

Contracting distemper from a rescue foster dog as a puppy, Wild Thang almost didn't survive, leaving him with permanent damage.

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

On his official Instagram account, where he fundraises for his fellow Pekingese in war gripped Ukraine, his family thanked all those who have supported him on the way to the prize.

First place delivered a trophy more than three times his size and a cash prize of $5000.

Runners up were a Pug named Rome in second place and Daisy Mae in third.

The contest has op-paw-rated for nearly 50 years and aims to celebrate all dogs and the imperfections that make them special.