Watch CBS News

'World's Ugliest Dog' Dies Less Than A Month After Winning Title

(CBS News) --Zsa Zsa, the English Bulldog whose long, floppy tongue and protruding underbite earned her the title of 2018's "World's Ugliest Dog" last month, died on Tuesday, her owner says. She was 9.

Zsa Zsa died in her sleep, according to her owner, Megan Brainard of Anoka, Minnesota, who called the pup's death "devastating." The news of the dog's death was first reported by TODAY.com.

Zsa Zsa
Zsa Zsa, an English Bulldog, stands on stage after winning The World's Ugliest Dog Competition in Petaluma, north of San Francisco, California on June 23, 2018. - The winner is awarded $1500, a trophy, and is flown to New York for media appearances. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo credit should read JOSH EDELSON/AFP/Getty Images)

The average life expectancy for bulldogs is eight to 10 years, according to the American Kennel Club.

One June 23, Zsa Zsa -- with her barrel chest, slobbering tongue and a pink manicure -- won the 30th annual World's Ugliest Dog contest in California. She bested 13 other dogs to claim the top spot. Zsa Zsa's fans even wore shirts with her face on them.

Zsa Zsa, who is named after actress Zsa Zsa Gabor, spent five years in a puppy mill in Missouri before being adopted by Brainard and her husband. They drove 30 hours from their home in California so Zsa Zsa could compete for the crown.

"From the moment we saw her beautiful face, we knew we would be her forever home," her owners said in a statement on the contest's website.

© 2018 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.

H/T CBS News

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.