Internet Unprepared for Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd Mix: 'Wild'
The American Kennel Club recognizes about 200 official dog breeds, but with all the possibilities of mixes, there is no shortage of canines to obsess over that aren't officially recognized.
The latest unofficial one to take the internet by storm is a mix of two fairly common dog breeds: golden retriever and Australian shepherd. While these dogs are popular to own, breeding the two is relatively new, according to the website Devoted to Dog. It is believed that Australian retrievers, also called golden Aussies, started in 2007. Most of the Australian retrievers people come across will likely be first-generation.
Considering how rare this mixed dog breed is, viewers flocked to the July 6 TikTok video posted by user @brandyclark089. The dog, named Goose, is half golden retriever and half blue merle Australian shepherd. Or, as the owner put it in the comments, "a golden in an Aussie body."
The owner said in the caption that people stop them all the time, wondering more about Goose and saying, "He's so wild looking." But to his owner he's nothing but a perfect dog. And knowing he's one unique and precious pup, Goose smiles big in the video as he shows off his looks.
Goose's mother is a full-blooded golden retriever, while his dad is a standard-size, full-blooded blue merle Australian shepherd, the caption says.
Blue merle Australian shepherds are a recognized subvariety of the breed and are highly sought after for their unique coloring, which is a combination of white, black, gray and blue.
Those colors shine bright in Goose's coat. His long hair is gray-blue coloring, with black spots covering his face and entire body. The white fur around his neck looks like a lion's mane.
Newsweek reached out to @brandyclark089 via TikTok for additional comment.
What Do the Comments Say?
The TikTok clip quickly brought in over 887,600 views, 58,400 likes and 636 comments. Viewers couldn't get enough of Goose's good looks.
"Ermahgerd it's a cookies and creme retriever!" commented one TikToker, while a second said: "That's gotta be one of the best mixes."
Another said: "That one took me by surprise! So cute!"
Some users don't care if the mixed breed is rare; they're demanding one for themselves. "I'll take 10," said one commenter.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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