Diapered, Cross-Eyed Dog Wins Contest

The chihuahua mix named Mr. Happy Face has issues. The little guy has tumors, neurological problems that make standing or walking a struggle, has to wear a diaper, and holds his head at an odd angle. In spite of these medical problems – or because of them – Mr. Happy Face is a winner: he just took the World’s Ugliest Dog honors in Petaluma, California.

The contest, which has been held since the 1970s, raises awareness for dog shelters and promotes adoption. According to the contest website, the event declares that “all dogs do not have to meet AKC pedigree standards to be man’s (or woman’s) best friend … despite missing fur, crossed eyes, duck waddles or mismatched ears.”

The 17-year-old Mr. Happy Face prevailed in a field that included a toothless distemper survivor, a Chinese pug with “an impressive underbite and gorilla-looking head,” and a “naturally hairless mutant.” Very good dogs every one.

The winner’s owner, Jeneda Benally, described meeting Mr. Happy Face in his online bio. “The shelter staff tried to prepare me for what I was about to see. I saw a creature who was indeed old, needed a second chance and deserved to be loved.”

And now he’s a champion. Beautiful.

Photo credit: Josh Edelson / Agence France-Presse — Getty Images