Something Different About Woman’s Golden Retriever

By Liz O'Connell

Pets Reporter

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A pet parent doubting her purebred golden retriever turned to DNA tests for answers and was stunned when the results confirmed the truth, since her pup looks nothing like the typical teddy-bear golden.

"We could tell from the start that something was different about her," owner Amelia Parker told Newsweek via TikTok. "We just thought she wasn't purebred."

Purebreds are dogs with parents of the same breed registered and recognized by the American Kennel Club, or other similar registries, according to an article from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Purebreds offer consistency with their size, coat type, temperament and exercise requirements.

In an October 17 TikTok video posted to her account @darlingloungewear, Parker shared a slideshow of photos, which showed what she expected her golden retriever to look like and how she looks now. She paired it with trending audio that humorously illustrates expectations versus reality. Unlike a typical golden, her dog sports an underbite and scrunched nose, giving her a uniquely charming expression.

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Because her dog was smaller than the average golden retriever, Parker decided to confirm her doubts and put it to the test.

"We did two different DNA tests, and everything came back saying she was 100 percent golden!" she said.

Despite her initial doubts, Parker says she can’t imagine life without her pup. She's become the "best dog" she has ever had. She's sweet, calm and loves affection—sounding like a typical golden retriever, which makes them one of the most popular dog breeds. Plus, she's the perfect size for Parker, who loves the fact that she can still pick her up.

Viewer Reactions

As of Friday, the TikTok video reached over 127,500 views, 5,085 likes and 155 comments, with people sharing conflicting opinions. Some called the dog "perfect," while others expressed concerns over getting a purebred.

"The underbite is just too cute," wrote a viewer.

Another added: "Don’t get dogs from a backyard breeder."

A third person commented: "Honestly, I think you were meant to have her because someone else would probably not keep her because she doesn’t have the right look! Bless you for loving her as she is."

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