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Ugly is best - 15th July 2022

This dog, Mr Happy Face, has just won the World's Ugliest Dog competition in California. The 17 year old is owned by musician Jeneda Benally. She rescued him last year.

Benally looks for beauty in all things.

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."

The dog has several health issues but he enjoys life, and his hobbies include sleeping and dreaming. When he's happy, he produces unusual sounds. He can now add this achievement to his skills.

Another competitor is Wild Thang. This year, his owner Anne Lewis was hoping to go home with the top prize.

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."

For Jinny Lu, this was her first time. She's a lucky dog because before she wasn't looked after properly. Fortunately, she now belongs to Michelle Grady.

Grady believed Jinny's huge tongue might win the prize for them!

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."

The competition's open to dogs of all shapes and sizes. Instead of celebrating beauty, it celebrates the differences between animals. These dogs may not be perfect, but they're still cute.

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."