A competition to find Britain’s “ugliest” dog that will make your “eyes hurt to look at” has hit a snag, after entrants turned out to be “too cute”.
Organizers behind the competition, which launched last month, criticized Britons for their pet photos, saying the flood of entries simply wasn’t ugly enough.
Matt Dahan, founder of photography company ParrotPrint.com, which runs the contest, said it was only open to pets that were “ugly ass” and “made your eyes hurt to look at.”
Previous winners of the unfortunate title include Peggy, the four-year-old pug and Chinese Crested cross, who recently starred alongside Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in Deadpool and Wolverine.
In a bid to define what is considered “ugly”, pageant bosses are appealing to less photogenic dogs like Muppet, a rat-like pup from Peterborough.
Is YOUR dog so “ugly” that it could “make your eyes hurt”? Email your photographs and a short review to tom.cotterill@mailonline.co.uk
The search for Britain’s “ugliest” dog is on. Previous winners of the title include Peggy, a pug, and a Chinese crested cross, or pugese.
Peggy rose to fame after appearing alongside Ryan Reynold and Hugh Jackman in Deadpool And Wolverine earlier this year. Peggy pictured at the film’s premiere in New York.
Cast members Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds, holding Peggy, Britain’s ugliest dog.
In a bid to establish what is considered “ugly”, pageant bosses are appealing to less photogenic dogs such as Muppet (pictured), a rat-like pup from Peterborough.
Brother to the world’s ugliest dog in 2012, Muppet has lost some of his teeth and his tongue hangs out most of the time. It also sports a white central stripe of hair on its head.
The Chinese crested dog was originally named Gollum after the Lord of the Rings character, but his new owner changed his name to ‘Muppet’ thanks to his ‘cheeky smile and playful nature.’
The head judge has asked Brits to stop sending photos of dogs like Glasgow’s Ivy, who is considered too pretty to have any chance of winning.
The photogenic Chihuahua currently represents 90 percent of all contest entrants, a situation organizers say they want to change.
Head judge Mr Dahan said: “We love dogs and it’s fantastic that so many owners are willing to submit their beloved pets for our competition, but we must be clear: this is a competition to find the ugliest dog in Great Britain”.
‘So far we’ve had a great response, but 90 per cent of the entries have been cute dogs like little Ivy from Glasgow, who is clearly adorable but has no chance of winning.
“While it’s fantastic that so many people want to take part, we must ask people not to send photographs unless they honestly consider their dog to be one of the ugliest in the country.
Judges look for “ugly” dogs like Muppet (left) rather than dogs that look “too cute” like Ivy of Glasgow (right)
The Muppet dog, pictured, would be among the favorites for this year’s contest.
In the photo appears the dog Goose, another participant in this year’s contest.
“We’re looking for dogs that make your eyes hurt when you look at them and we think Muppet has the looks to compete for the title. This is definitely not a competition for cute dogs or cute pets.
‘If you think your dog is ugly, we want to hear from you. The winning dog will receive a professional grooming and a before and after photo session.
“Let’s see if we can transform an ugly dog into a beautiful dog and at the same time brighten the life of its owner.”
Peggy took the title of Britain’s ugliest dog after an official poll last year.
Since then, he has achieved global stardom, starring in the Marvel blockbuster Deadpool and Wolverine, even wearing his own costume.
Reynolds appears to be protective of little Peggy, and is seen jokingly shielding her from the cameras.
Peggy was recruited to join the cast of the upcoming Marvel movie when Reynolds saw the dog. She is seen in a scene from the upcoming movie.
The pup is no stranger to the spotlight and has earned strange looks, gasps and comments when walked around the neighborhood.
She began life as the runt of an accidental litter, before being adopted by Holly Middleton, from Leven, East Yorkshire, when she was six months old.
Instead of feeling self-conscious about her peculiar appearance, Peggy, encouraged by her loving owner, struts around with pride.
Peggy’s owner entered the dog in Britain’s ‘ugliest dog’ contest and won the prize of a grooming session and photo shoot.
He even appeared at a red carpet event earlier this year to mark the release of Deadpool and Wolverine, with actor Reynolds, 47, posing with the dog for photos.
The previous winner of Britain’s Last Ugliest Dog was Chase, another Chinese Crested mix with no teeth, cataracts and a crab-like gait.
The “unique” dog lived with his owner Storm Shayler in South Wales and came third in the World Ugly Dog Competition in California in 2017.
Dog Chase (left) had originally been rescued from a puppy mill by his owner Storm Shayler (pictured right with Chase)
Dog Chase (left) had originally been rescued from a puppy mill by his owner Storm Shayler (pictured right with Chase)
Chase, described by his owner as “beautiful on the inside,” died two years later in 2019, aged 16, after a battle with pancreatitis.
Speaking at the time, owner Storm said the dog was a “unique dog”, adding: “He had so much personality and I took him everywhere with me.”
Anyone who wants to enter Britain’s ugliest dog contest should email Parrot Print before October 31. A shortlist will be announced in early November and the winner will be crowned in December. Entries can be sent to feodog@parrotprint.com
For more information about Britain’s Ugliest Dog Competition 2024, visit: https://parrotprint.com/blog/ugly-dog/