Is my dog cute or is my brother a jerk?

As the title says- today I was telling my family how pet sitting has made me realize even more so how great of a dog he was- his personality, super easygoing, barely had to train, and he was so cute. My brother immediately cut me off and said “hate to break it to you but he was not cute”. I’m sorry but WTH? Why would you even say that when he has passed and he knows how much I loved him. I mean- he is objectively cute right? Maybe I am just sensitive but I’m really hurt by this- am I overreacting?