A dog named Mr Happy Face was crowned the World's Ugliest Dog this week, earning his owner £1,230 in prize money. The 17-year-old pooch is a rescue and is a Chinese crested-chihuahua mix, according to owner Janeda Banelly.
Mr Happy Face was apparently a survivor of abuse, and was thought to be inbred by the shelter that took him in because of how strange he looked. Janeda, however, said she saw an animal who was old, but needed a second chance at life and deserved to be loved by someone.
Speaking to NBC ahead of competition, Mr Happy Face's owner said: "This is his first competition and so he is a little overwhelmed. He's wondering whether there are any treats that are part of this!" The chances are, there were a few treats, as the senior pup ended up taking home the first place prize.
After the competition, owner Janeda appeared on This Morning saying: "I describe him as the most glorious creature ever created." The pup has also earned himself some fans along the way with Twitter users rushing to shower the dog with affection, despite his odd look.
One said: "Mr happy face is adorable", while another added: "I would 100% adopt all the dogs like Mr Happy Face". A third user said: "I love Mr Happy face, he is gorgeous. I would look after a dog like that."
Meanwhile Olympic 400m medallist Katharine Merry said: "Arhhhh bless …" and called the 17-year-old Mr Happy Face "cute" and "unique".
One more Twitter user said: "I think that beauty is in the eye of the beholder!" and added: "I think he looks like Gismo from Gremlins...am I alone?"
What do you think about Mr Happy Face? Let us know in the comments.
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