Earl, a second-generation Puggle from Iowa, became an internet sensation in 2015 after a photo of his permanent scowl went viral on Reddit. Often described as the canine version of Grumpy Cat, Earl's distinct expression is the result of a pronounced underbite and skin folds rather than actual anger. The meme quickly grew in popularity as a way to express relatable feelings of annoyance, skepticism, or general dissatisfaction. It is frequently used to represent how people feel about early mornings, bad news, or social interactions they would rather avoid, making Earl one of the most recognizable 'grumpy' faces in meme history.