Britain's ugliest dog has officially been announced and it's no surprise, as Peggy the five-year-old crossbreed stood out as a top contender right from the start. After sifting through entries from dog owners who were all convinced their pooch was the worst looking in the country, judges from ParrotPrint.com have named their winner.
Peggy is a much-loved cross between a pug and a Chinese crested breed and ever since she entered the competition, Brits have fallen head over heels in love with her peculiar face. Peggy has taken everything in her stride, from appearing on BBC Breakfast to ITV's This Morning and Channel 5 News - this pup was destined for stardom.
Peggy started out as the runt of an accidental litter and was the last one to be rehomed after all her brothers and sisters were selected for adoption.
Then her luck finally changed when Holly Middleton, from East Yorkshire, came to look at the puppy no one wanted - and fell in love at first sight.
Proud owner Holly said: "We loved her the instant we laid eyes on her with her big brown eyes, little tuft of white hair and her tongue lolling out to one side. I just felt sorry for her, sat there with no hair and her tongue out.
"We didn't set out to get a quirky dog, an underdog. I hope it encourages people to overlook the little oddities of those dogs left on the shelf."
Peggy is a completely healthy and happy dog who has to wear jumpers for warmth in the winter and sun cream for protection in the summer.
"From the moment Peggy arrived, she's been a beloved addition to our family. She has grown up alongside our two boys and is the most loving, laid back and gentle dog we could ever ask for," Holly said.
"She's a total creature of comfort and loves nothing more than snuggling up on the sofa under her blanket after a walk, although sometimes her loud snoring can be quite disruptive if we're trying to watch something on TV.
"We entered Peggy to Britain's ugliest dog competition after multiple friends and family members told us she was probably in with a good chance.
"We tend to forget Peggy isn't your standard looking dog and we are very aware some people would refer to Peggy as ugly, it's always in a humorous way and we don't take offence, and neither does she!
"Even though some people find Peggy's unusual appearance strange, and in rare cases off-putting and despite Peggy winning the ugliest dog in the UK title, we think she is beautiful both inside and out, and wouldn't change her for the world."
Peggy has won a pampering session and beauty treatments at an exclusive doggie spa, along with a photo session and framed canvas portrait.
Chief judge Matt Dahan commented: "We all absolutely adore Peggy. When we launched this contest I never once thought we'd find a dog like her who manages to be both ugly and so, so cute all at the same time."
Do you think your dog is uglier than Peggy? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
