"And the world's ugliest dog is... Wild Thang!" The crowd roars. The spectators at the Marin-Sonoma County Fair in California could not be happier with their champion.

Wild Thang is an eight-year-old PekingeseA toy dog breed originating from China. They were once favoured as companions by the Chinese Imperial court. with fuzzy fur and a flopping tongue.

So why exactly is Wild Thang considered ugly? It all comes down to a lack of symmetryHaving two matching halves. , say some scientists. 

For a long time, facial symmetry has been held up as a reliable indicator of physical attractiveness, with asymmetryWhen something is not symmetrical. associated with developmental problems, from mutationsChanges to the structure of genes. to disease.

Without even thinking about it, we link symmetry with good genesSections of DNA strands that act as a kind of instruction manual for a human being. There is still a great deal we do not understand about how they work. and physical health, traitsA person's characteristics or qualities. we might want to pass on to our children. 

The symmetry theory has taken off in popular culture, but some scientists remain unconvinced. In real life, perfect symmetry can be boring, even slightly disturbing.

In fact, throughout history, people have added imperfections in order to appear more attractive. In 18th Century Mexico, spots made from tortoiseshell were worn by people on their foreheads, and today, "fake freckles" are a TikTok trend. 

Musicians will sometimes leave flaws in their songs, and in Japan, the practice of kintsugi involves mending broken pots with gold. The object's flaws are not hidden, but highlighted.

Is it more attractive to be imperfect?

Yes! Human beings are by nature imperfect. It is these imperfections that make us organic and real.

No! We are drawn to symmetry and perfection as a sign of good health.