Meet Harvey the happy hound crowned 'Britain's smiliest pet' thanks to gleaming grin

 
All smiles: There were hundreds of entries to the 'Smiliest pet of the year' contest
A happy Staffy has won the hearts of judges to be named 'Britain's smiliest pet'.
Ten-year-old pooch Harvey was awarded the title after his toothy grin beat off competition from hundreds of other animals - including dogs, cats, parrots and even a sheep.

But proud owner April Gargiulo, from Horley, Surrey, claims Harvey is no poser and can be seen bearing a broad smirk as he wanders around the family home.

She said: "We’re so excited that Harvey has won this prize and is getting some recognition for how amazing and happy he is – he really deserves it.

"Even though he’s getting on a bit, at the grand old age of 10 Harvey still runs around like a puppy and is in amazing shape for his age."
Grinning: Harvey beat Cassie the samoyed to the prize

April continued: “He is a 'fetch' fanatic and will keep going for hours if given the opportunity.

"He enjoys long walks and is also a fantastic swimmer, regularly fetching sticks from our local doggie-dip pond."

The expert judging panel for the National Office of Animal Health award included celebrity vet Marc Abraham.

The award is part of the organisation's 'I heart my pet' campaign - designed to encourage owners to think about the health of their pets and seek independent advice.