It's sad and a bit pathetic really that some people..instead of looking at new or different things with curiosity, are so close minded that they immediately jump to something negative.
I just wish people could at least learn how to control their mouths. Even a little bit.
I don't let it bother me and I certainly don't say anything mean back.. that only perpetuates them. I will not sink to their level. But yea. I have a chihuahua, of course I've heard the "ugly" thing before.
I will usually just say something like "that is not a nice thing to say" .. not in a joking way, not in a mean way, just calmly.
Take a look at how it affects people, it truly is interesting to actually see people self examine. Some people just laugh it off or whatever but some people you can tell actually think about what they just said.
The method also works with people with racist or insulting humor/jokes. Just calmly say something like "I don't get it.." and MAKE THEM explain the joke, making them go back and explain why the stereotype is funny..it's priceless.