THIS smiley Hampshire pup could be given a special award by a welfare charity.

Instead of celebrating the traditional dog beauty pageants, RSPCA is celebrating the clever canines who are the picture of pet welfare and happiness.

They are bringing back the competition Ruffs for the second year running, which is open to all dogs.

Bear from Portsmouth is a finalist for the Happiest Hound category and it is up to the public to decide whether he takes home the crown.

Ruffs organiser, Violet Owens said: “Have you ever seen a dog smile quite like Bear's? Despite his happy face and love of humans, Bear had already has already had two other homes in his short life after he was handed into rescue for being 'too affectionate.'

“While Bear's past is unknown, he has several scars on his head believed to be attained as a young pup. Bear's new family say when he smiles he has genuine dimples. He's so fun and he is crazy in love with people. We adore him, and he probably loves you very much.”

Also up for a prize is 12-year-old Marilyn who is in the final for the Golden Oldies category.

She was adopted six months ago after being saved from a pound in Serbia six years ago, she had puppies but none survived and was known as the saddest dog in the shelter when she arrived at the RSCPA centre.

Violet said: “She's been through so much in her life but she's making up for lost time and loving every second of her new life.

“She waited for five long years until finally, she was noticed and adopted her new owner says Marilyn has settled into her new life with hardly a hitch. She is happy, friendly and loves absolutely everything.”

Voting for Ruffs opens on Monday, March 2 and each category will go up in an album on the RSPCA Official Facebook page from 10am.

There are six categories in total and five finalists in each category and people can vote by 'liking' a photo, the winner will have the most likes and be announced later that day.