The World's Goofiest Dog Is Attracting Thousands Of Online Fans

The 15-year-old’s parents were show dogs but unfortunately Zappa did not make the grade – but that did not stop her from becoming an online sensation.

Zappa suffers from a dental illness which is common in Italian greyhounds and has led to her losing all but two of her teeth - meaning her tongue is constantly lolling at the side of her mouth.

She lives with the Millen family in Pewaukee, Wisconsin along with two other dogs, a standard poodle named Bazinga, a shih poo named Dylan and four hairless guinea pigs, Peanut, Pickles, Pepper, and Pipsqueak.

Rosalie Millen, 28, said: “We’re hoping to show how rewarding it can be to raise an older dog.

“Older dogs need love to and they’re extremely loving – we love having Zappa around, she’s so much fun.

Her father John, added: “When we first saw Zappa we knew we had to have her – it was like a zap of lightening at first sight – that’s why she has the name.

“She makes us very happy and everybody who sees her feels the same way. I think Zappa knows the effect she has on people – she’s a happy dog.

“Her quirks and unconventional beauty make her even more special to us.”

Rosalie and her sister Sadie, 23 started the Instagram account to share pictures of Zappa with friends and family and were amazed when it took off.

Rosalie added: “She has been making us smile for 15 years and we love that with social media she can now make people happy around the world.”

Her owners say she is a creative dog who knows how to keep warm during the cold Wisconsin winters.

“We hope to show how rewarding it can be to take care of a senior dog. Zappa brings so much joy to our lives,” said Sadie.

“It has been amazing how Zappa's social media accounts have connected us with dog lovers from all over the world.”