Beauty and the beast - 15th July 2022

Mr Happy Face has been awarded the top prize at the World's Ugliest Dog Contest, beating nine other contestants. The 17 year old Chinese crested dog was crowned the winner at the annual competition in California.

Musician Jeneda Benally adopted the champion 12 months ago.

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."

Although Mr Happy Face has to put up with a range of health problems, he likes nothing more than napping, snoring and barking in his sleep, plus producing peculiar sounds when content. This achievement will be a welcome addition to the list.

Other competitors also set their eyes on the trophy, such as Wild Thang, owned by Ann Lewis, who had high hopes of winning.

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."

Michelle Grady and doggy companion Jinny Lu were first timers at the occasion. Jinny Lu was rescued after being abandoned in a mountain cow shed in South Korea.

Michelle was keeping her fingers crossed that her pet's extraordinary tongue might persuade the judges.

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 organisers welcome all shapes and sizes at the world famous event, which celebrates the imperfections that make each dog unique. This year, one spectator – Cincinnatus Hibbard – found it made him think twice about the meaning of '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."