A 17-year-old Chihuahua mix from Arizona, the United States, has been named the “Ugliest Dog in the World”. Held during the Sonoma-Marin Fair in California, the event has been around for nearly 50 years. The competition was held after a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The winner, Mr Happy Face, has tumors and neurological problems, needs a diaper, has difficulty standing or walking and has a tilted head.
According to the winner’s description on the event’s website, the Chihuahua once lived in an abusive and neglectful state. Still, the dog reached the age of 17. Mr. Happy Face has a natural Mohawk and makes a sound “like a Dodge Ram diesel truck” that revs its engine when satisfied, according to the description online.
The winner’s appearance completely blew the judges away. Of the other contestants who defeated Mr Happy Face, one was a “hairless mutant” with no teeth, another who looked like “a hyena” and one with a “gorilla-like head”.
The event website also has a quote from Mr Happy Face owner Jeneda Benelly. She said the dog was adopted by the family from an Arizona shelter in August 2021.
“When I got to the shelter, I asked to see a certain dog that, luckily for me, had just been adopted. I asked if there were any other dogs that looked like that dog. Indeed, there was another dog there who was much older and had health issues and I was warned he could be inbred because he was so ugly. The shelter staff tried to prepare me for what I was going to see,” she said.
“I saw a creature that was indeed old, that needed a second chance and deserved to be loved,” Ms Benelly continued.
She remembered that a vet had told her that Mr. Happy Face would survive “just a few weeks, maybe a month” because of the tumors and multiple health problems.
“Love, kindness and mommy kisses have helped him brave the expected short life we all expected from him with our family,” she added. “His hobbies are sleeping, snoring, sleeping in his sleep, and making strange noises when he’s happy.”
Mr. Happy Face and his owner received a $1,500 prize and a trip to New York City after winning the competition.
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