A Reddit user has been left stunned after discovering their fully grown dog is far smaller than expected, despite having genetic roots in typically large working breeds.
The post, shared on February 24, features a slideshow of images showing a dog that looks strikingly similar to a German shepherd—except for one detail: her size. The dog appears compact and lightweight, challenging common assumptions about what dogs of certain breeds are “supposed” to look like.
“How is she so tiny??!!! I love it,” wrote Reddit user sorofthelan, adding that her pet is “fully grown and only 35 pound!”
According to a 2025 survey conducted by Rover.com, of 1,000 pet parents, 15 percent intentionally sought a mixed‑breed dog, while just 26 percent had a specific breed in mind. Instead, size (58 percent) and temperament and personality (51 percent) mattered most—leading 41 percent of respondents to say meeting their dog was love at first sight.
The post, shared on the r/DoggyDNA subreddit, had received more than 600 upvotes at the time of writing. The final slide in the image carousel reveals the dog’s DNA results, offering some insight into the unexpected outcome.
According to the test, the dog is nearly half Siberian husky (49 percent), despite resembling her other lineage more closely. The remaining breakdown shows she is 31.7 percent German shepherd and 19.3 percent Belgian Malinois.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) notes that female German shepherds typically weigh between 50 and 70 pounds. Siberian huskies, on the other hand, generally weigh between 35 and 50 pounds, while female Belgian Malinois usually fall in the 40- to 60‑pound range. In that context, the Reddit user’s surprise at her dog’s petite stature becomes easier to understand.
While she may be small in stature, the pup is likely to combine the sociable, family‑oriented nature often associated with Siberian huskies with the intelligence and confidence commonly linked to German shepherds. That is paired with traits seen in Belgian Malinois, a breed known for being athletic and work‑driven. Together, the mix helps explain why the dog stands out not just for her size, but for her distinctive personality too.
Beyond size, the owner says her dog’s temperament also leans heavily toward her husky roots.
“Her personality is SO UNIQUE,” she wrote. “It is insane, she has a husky personality. She’s a yapper for sure!”
The discussion reflects broader trends in dog adoption.
The post sparked warm reactions from fellow Reddit users.
“Beautiful!! What a fun mix,” one commenter wrote.
“I love this portable pup! [Of course] you couldn’t say no to that face!” said another.
Newsweek reached out to u/sorofthelan for comment. We could not verify the details of the case.