Man's happiest friend: Harvey the terrier is named Britain's Smiliest Pet

No wonder Harvey the Staffordshire bull terrier is smiling - he's beaten competition from more than 200 other animals to be crowned Britain's Happiest Pet.

Judges pored over hundreds of entrants, including dogs, cats, parrots and even a sheep, before voting the ten-year-old black and white family pooch top dog.

Proud owner April Gargiulo 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.’

The competition, run by the National Office of Animal Health, aims to celebrate how the UK's pet owners feel for their animals and to promote pet health.

April, from Horley, Surrey, was happy to reveal the secret behind Harvey's happy smile.

She said: ‘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.

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‘We feed him a varied diet of quality dog food and fruit and veg to keep him happy and healthy.’

Judges included celebrity vet Marc Abraham and other happy contenders included Twix, a chocolate Rex rabbit, Esme the content Shetland sheep and Buster and Chick, two smiling African grey parrots.