One of the UK's 'ugliest dogs' adopted by family who 'think she's beautiful'

17 January 2023 , 01:01

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Four-year-old Peggy could be named one of the UK's ugliest dogs (Image: HullLive/Donna Clifford)

A family who adopted one of Britain's 'ugliest dogs' say they believe their new pet is 'beautiful' as she competes for a national award.

Four-year-old Peggy from Leven, East Yorkshire - who is thought to be half pug, half Chinese crested breed - was "the last one left on the shelf", when they took her home, according to owner Holly Middleton.

She told Hull Live that Peggy was six months old when she adopted her, admitting that she made the decision after falling "in love" and also feeling "a bit sorry for her".

Peggy was named after Holly's great-grandmother after the resemblance was spotted by her mum.

Her owner Holly Middleton from Leven, East Yorkshire says she thinks her dog is 'beautiful' despite the nomination (HullLive/Donna Clifford)

Now, Peggy will stand the chance of being crowned the nation's "most hideous" pooch in a contest being run by a photography firm.

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Discussing her pet's entry into the national award, Holly said to the newspaper: "Well, I personally don't think she's ugly. I know she's quirky looking and she is not everybody's cup of tea.

"Not everybody thinks she's beautiful. We do, but I can appreciate why others don't.

Peggy is is thought to be a half pug, half Chinese crested breed  (HullLive/Donna Clifford)

"People have said things like 'How could you enter your dog? It's so cruel. You should think she's beautiful.'

"I think she's adorable. But if she's gonna be one of the ugliest dogs in the UK, so be it. She didn't know any different, she gets told she's beautiful day in day out."

Holly added that she thinks all of the dogs in the contest "are beautiful" and that she would "have every one of them if I could."

The contest is organised by who will offer a professional makeover and photo session prize to the prize pooch.

Holly also revealed that she also frequently enters her into cutest dog contests, although Peggy has never won.

Her owner believes all the dogs in the nationwide 'ugly' competition are beautiful and she would 'have every one of them if I could' (HullLive/Donna Clifford)

Regardless of what happens this award season, Peggy has been a winner with the family and has become best friends with Holly's youngest child, with her calm and laid-back demeanour making her perfect company.

During winter months Peggy needs to be wrapped up in warm layers as she does not have any hair, while during the warmer months she need to be covered with sun lotion so her skin doesn't burn.

She has also suffered lingering health effects from a phantom pregnancy in her younger years.

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But Holly said despite her needs Peggy is everything the family wants, and has found herself to be very happy in the family home.

Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas