Ugly is best - 15th July 2022

This dog's name is Mr Happy Face. He's 17 years old. He won a competition in California. The competition is for the world's most ugly dog.

His owner's name is Jeneda Benally.

Jeneda Benally: "Every dog deserves their day and I think that it's a huge win. Not just for Mr Happy Face, but I think, I think that so many times in this world we see the ugly in things. And with some kindness and compassion, we can make this world so beautiful."

Mr Happy Face isn't just ugly. He's got lots of health problems. But he enjoys sleeping and dreaming. If he's happy, he makes strange noises.

Another dog in the competition was Wild Thang. Anne Lewis owns him. She wanted to win first prize this year.

Ann Lewis: "Yea, he's a 'glugly' dog, a glamorous ugly dog. They should have a coated and non-coated competition. But he's, we, this is our 3rd competition. Last year he got second, and so he's going to go for first this year."

This was Jinny Lu's first competition. In the past, this dog had a sad life. But now Michelle Grady owns her. Grady hoped Jinny Lu might win. Her dog has a big, pink tongue!

Michelle Grady: "Her tongue is great, and we're hoping it will win, it will win her the award. Yeah, so we're excited to be here, it's our first time."

This competition in California is different. Some dogs don't look pretty. But they're still special. The competition makes people think again. Ugly dogs can be cute too.

Cincinnatus Hibbard: "It really, it really is stretching, expanding my whole concept of cute. And I think, I think any one of us can be cute, you know - ugly or beautiful."