WITH scruffy tufts of white hair, blotchy pink skin and his tongue constantly hanging out, Muppet is a dog some might say only a mother could love.
But this 12-year-old Chinese Crested canine could become the poster boy for quirky hounds after being crowned the UK’s ugliest pooch.
The ParrotPrint.com contest was won last year by Peggy, who found global fame in summer movie blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine.
Fans said the Chinese Crested mix “stole Ryan Reynolds’ thunder” in the superhero flick and on the red carpet.
Peggy, from East Yorks, now boasts 1.17million Instagram followers and Muppet is tipped to follow suit.
His owner Bev Nicholson, 62, from Peterborough who runs a pet shop, tells The Sun: “I am aware he’s an odd one, but all I see is Muppet and I think he is quite gorgeous.
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, after all.
“There are ugly humans, aren’t there?
“The difference is Muppet has inner beauty.
“He’s not just a pink dog with a comb-over.”
Bev reckons walkies will take longer than ever as passers-by stop them to meet Muppet.
She adds: “People often take selfies with him with their tongues sticking out, too.”
Muppet was among hundreds of entries whittled down to seven finalists who, according to Parrot Print founder and competition judge Matt Dahan, “made our eyes hurt” to look at.
Some of the finalists appeared on This Morning last month, including Muppet, who won over viewers with his cute appearance.
Bev says: “When I was told Muppet had won, it gave me the giggles. I am happy for him.
It’s nice that a little wonky rescue dog has ended up with this dubious title
Bev Nicholson
“He knows no different and it’s nice that a little wonky rescue dog has ended up with this dubious title.”
To celebrate, Muppet was treated to a pampering session at a luxury doggie spa, where he enjoyed a mud bath and thalassotherapy, before a makeover for a Christmas-themed photoshoot.
Bev says: “Muppet loved his mud bath and, apart from a naughty poop at the photography studio, he behaved perfectly and the photos look fabulous. It’s been a great experience.”
Matt adds: “We didn’t think we would find another dog like Peggy, but Muppet manages to be cute and ugly at the same time and we think he has the same star quality.
“He is so loved and pampered by Bev.
“We are looking forward to finding out what the future holds for them both.”
