Need some heartwarming news? Well, a competition to find the UK's Happiest Hound has proved a howling success for one owner in Oxfordshire.

Dogs are a source of constant happiness for owners – and this happiness goes both ways, clearly. Even just seeing a happy dog can make a grown adult beam.

To celebrate the precious relationship between humans and their furry friends, national pet company Trusted Housesitters launched a competition across the UK to find the official Happiest Hound, inviting owners and pet sitters to submit their most adorable, happiest pooch pics.

An influx of entries and countless tail wags later, the hilarious winner and runners-up have been decided. 

Oxford Mail: Meet Paris the retired yet happiest dog in the UKMeet Paris the retired yet happiest dog in the UK (Image: Newsquest)

The official top dog in the Happiest Hound competition is Paris from North Oxfordshire – who, as you can see, is clearly living life on cloud nine.

Paris is a happy older lady whose owner, Kara, says, "Retirement definitely suits her – she doesn't look her age at all!"

Paris melted the judges' hearts due to her young-at-heart energy and infectious grin. Judges said: "Congratulations to Paris and her pawsome owner for taking home the crown and showing us what true canine happiness looks like!"

How to keep your dog happy

PetPlan says: "Making sure your dog is happy and healthy is one of the most important aspects of being a responsible pet owner."

Here are eight good ways:

  1. Praise your pet for good behaviour.
  2. Change up your daily exercise routine.
  3. Rotate dog toys to keep them exciting.
  4. Play games together.
  5. Give your dog a job to do.
  6. Make the indoors fun.
  7. Keep dogs entertained when home alone.
  8. Explore new dog treats.

"Keeping your furry friend feeling paw-sitive is all about spending quality time together and giving them plenty of love, attention and mental stimulation," they continued.