3 days ago
Golden Retriever Can't Hide That He Has Stolen Something, Internet Obsessed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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A TikTok video featuring a golden retriever's hilarious attempt to conceal a forbidden treasure has taken the internet by storm.
The clip, which shows the dog giving its owner furtive side-eye while cautiously walking by captured the breed's endearing blend of innocence and mischief. Since it was posted, it has received over 348,000 views and over 36,000 likes.
"pov [point of view]: you have a Golden Retriever that can't help but show you they have something they shouldn't," the pup's owner captioned the video. "Gotta love him though."
The video resonated with countless golden retriever owners who instantly recognized the familiar "guilty" behavior. The dog's attempt at stealth sparked a wave of relatable comments from TikTok users, many of whom noted their own goldens exhibiting similar traits.
"If I don't notice my Golden has gotten something he shouldn't have while I'm working from home, he makes sure to do a high-pitched whine to get my attention," one user said. Another wrote: "All goldens share the same brain."
The phenomenon of golden retrievers self-reporting their mischief appears to be widespread.
"Whenever we are at my parents' house and my mom questions if my dog is doing something in the other room, I always say, 'Don't worry, if so, she'll come show us,'" one person wrote.
"If I don't notice my Golden has something he shouldn't come over and bop me with his nose and side eye me," another commented.
Stock photo: A golden retriever looks guilty, wrapped in toilet paper.
Stock photo: A golden retriever looks guilty, wrapped in toilet paper.
Zheka-Boss/Getty Images
What's So Unique About Goldens?
These endearing behaviors are deeply rooted in the golden retriever's nature.
A blog post by the American Kennel Club (AKC) said that golden retrievers "often stay young at heart," with their puppylike behavior lasting longer than other breeds.
"They mature slowly and can be playful and downright silly into adulthood," the post read. This prolonged puppyhood seems obvious to many in the viral TikTok video. However, the AKC also highlighted two other key traits that might explain the dog's actions in the video: their love of food and their "mouthy" nature.
"Golden Retrievers love to eat," the AKC said, adding that "they'll eat anything, from the dinner in their bowl to toys, paper and crayons. If it's out, it's fair game."
Since goldens are prone to overeating, clued-up owners know to limit treats, measure food carefully and feed them on a schedule.
Furthermore, golden retrievers are "naturally mouthy," meaning that they like to carry something in their mouth wherever they go—such as sticks, toys, clothes or "whatever else isn't tied down."
The goldens' expressive eyes and attempts at food-related mischief only add to their charm, cementing their status as one of the most beloved and entertaining dog breeds online and off.
Newsweek reached out to @emmalynn_johnston for comment via TikTok.
