Grumpy dog becomes the new grumpy cat after internet falls in love with images of sulky puppy Earl

Look at that grumpy face! Photo / Facebook

With his permanent scowl, googly eyes and glum expression, this may be the world's grumpiest dog.

Earl the five-month-old dog became an interview sensation when his owners posted pictures of his gloomy face on Reddit.

It quickly gained more than two million views and attracted a series of internet memes, accompanied with jokes such as "say fetch one more time" and "this dog looks like it pays taxes".

His grumpy face is quickly picking up steam on Instagram and Facebook.

Despite his sullenness, his owner Derek Bloomfield said he was an energetic dog who enjoyed eating snacks, sunbathing and chasing balls around the park.

Earl is a second generation puggle - meaning both his parents were also crossbreeds.

Mr Bloomfield, 25, from Iowa, who lives with girlfriend Christie, 30, said: "He had the grumpy expression from day one. The vet said he's as healthy as any other puppy. He just looks grumpy because of his underbite, wrinkles, and dark complexion.

"He is the most relaxed, content puppy either one of us has ever seen. Whenever he wants something he'll calmly sit down and stare at us until we ask him the right question. Then he wags his tail in approval.

"He's constantly trying to snuggle up to one of us and has us in constant fits of laughter through his facial expressions and mannerisms. He's a daddy's boy and loves to pick on his momma."

He added: "People usually say 'Oh my god, he is so cute' or 'is he always that grumpy?' It's normally a combination of those two phrases and laughter.

"We were both surprised at how quickly he went viral."

Earl may bring some competition to Grumpy Cat who has inspired countless memes, a best-selling series of books and a movie.

Grumpy Cat - real name Tardar Sauce - has even amassed a $100 million fortune, earning more than Hollywood stars Nicole Kidman, Cameron Diaz and Matthew McConaughey.

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- Daily Mail