With his punk hairstyle and tongue permanently hanging from his muzzle, ‘Happy Face’ was voted the ugliest dog in the world at a competition held in Petaluma, California.
The 17-year-old Chinese crested dog beat nine other competitors on Friday in the annual competition that has been held for several decades.
The champ was adopted last year during the COVID-19 pandemic by 41-year-old Arizona musician Jeneda Benally.
She said that at the kennel, she was told about an elderly dog with health problems.
“The kennel staff tried to prepare me for what I was about to see. I saw a creature that was indeed old, that needed a second chance and deserved to be loved,” said the proud owner.
The vets had warned her that due to health issues, the dog could only live for a few weeks.
But ‘mom’s love, kindness and kisses helped’ him overcome those issues, Ms.me Benally.
“His hobbies include sleeping, snoring, moaning in his sleep and making weird sounds when he’s happy,” she explained.
“This world-renowned event celebrates the imperfections that make all dogs special and unique,” organizers said.