MUG Swaps its Bulldog Mascot for the World’s Ugliest Dog

Dog, the bulldog mascot of MUG Root Beer since 1986, is being a good boy and temporarily letting another pup shine as the face of the brand on a limited edition run of cans.

Wild Thang, a floofy eight-year-old Pekingese, was recently crowned this year’s World’s Ugliest Dog in an annual contest that promotes pet adoption by celebrating one-of-a-kind pups including those rescued from shelters and puppy mills.

In addition to winning the coveted title, a $5,000 prize and an appearance on NBC's Today Show, Wild Thang’s reign includes being honored with his likeness appearing on a limited edition run of 1,000 cans. The cans are set to launch in mid-July and will be available exclusively through a giveaway contest held exclusively on MUG’s TikTok and Instagram social media channels.

Winner Wild Thang and companion Ann Lewis win $5,000. Image: Will Bucquoy/NPR

“We want to give the World’s Ugliest Dog their own chance to be commemorated as top dog,” says Patrick Gamble, MUG Root Beer senior brand marketing manager. He adds that putting the winning dog on cans is a way of "encouraging others to adopt their own canine best friend.”

Wild Thang’s charm and resilience come despite surviving numerous health challenges. According to owner Ann Lewis of North Bend, Oregon, he'll use his new-found fame to raise awareness about the importance of pet vaccinations.

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Wild Thang’s charm and resilience come despite surviving numerous health challenges. According to owner Ann Lewis of North Bend, Oregon, he'll use his new-found fame to raise awareness about the importance of pet vaccinations.