“Happy Face” certainly didn’t understand all the fuss around him and maybe it’s better that way. With his punk hairstyle and his tongue permanently hanging from his muzzle, he was named the ugliest dog in the world this Friday, during a competition organized in Petaluma, California. The 17-year-old “Chinese Crested” dog beat nine other competitors in this annual competition, which has been held for several decades.
Adopted by a musician
The champ was adopted last year during the coronavirus 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 going to see. I saw a creature that was indeed old, needed a second chance and deserved to be loved,” the proud owner said.
Vets had warned that due to health issues, the dog could only live for a few weeks. But “mum’s love, kindness and kisses helped” overcome these problems, added Jeneda 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.
