ABC News reports that a Chinese Crested Dog named Mr. Happy Face has been crowned the world’s ugliest dog in an annual competition held in California, USA.
This dog, now 17 years old, is a mix between a Chihuahua and a Chinese Crested Dog. Mr. Happy Face sports a unique hairstyle resembling a crest, with a tongue that constantly hangs to one side and a head that is always tilted.
Mr. Happy Face was adopted by Arizona musician Jeneda Benally (41 years old) from an animal rescue shelter in 2021.
Mr. Happy Face – the ugliest dog in the world.
“During the pandemic, I hoped to either have a child or adopt a dog. Since the appearance of a child is up to God, I chose to adopt a dog,” Benally said while introducing her pet to the judges.
According to Benally, she was introduced to an older, unhealthy dog at the animal rescue shelter.
“The staff at the shelter did their best to prepare me for what I was about to see. I saw a truly old creature, but it needed a second chance and deserved to be loved,” explained the dog’s owner.
Benally noted that before finding a new home, the dog lived in unsuitable conditions, was not cared for, and had been abused.
This dog is a mix between a Chihuahua and a Chinese Crested Dog.
Veterinarians warned Benally that the dog would not live more than a few weeks. “Love, tolerance, and kisses helped me ignore the predictions that the dog would not live long with our family,” the pet owner shared.
It is known that the new champion and her owner will receive $1,500 and a trip to New York City to be featured on NBC.
Before claiming the title, Mr. Happy Face defeated nine other competitors on June 24 in the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest, an event held annually for decades in Petaluma, California.
The organizers stated that this globally recognized competition celebrates the imperfections that make each dog special.
“Dogs of all breeds and sizes have warmed our hearts and filled our lives with unconditional love,” the organizers expressed.
The owners of these dogs shared that they participate in the competition with pride in their pets.
