This year has been a pawsome year for golden mixes. Golden retrievers consistently rank among America’s most beloved breeds—but pair their famously sunny temperament with another dog’s traits, and the results are simply adorable.
Some of our most-loved animal moments have starred golden mixes. From the clumsy couch-tumbler to the blue-eyed stunner, here are six of the cutest golden retriever stories Newsweek met over the year.
Schrader Twine: The ‘Adorkable’ Golden–Corgi Mix Stealing Hearts
Short-legged, long-haired and endlessly enthusiastic, Schrader Twine became a breakout star after his foster carer introduced him online.
Thought to be a golden retriever–corgi mix, Schrader arrived at Tennessee rescue Snooty Giggles bursting with energy—so much that his former home couldn’t keep up.
Foster mom Lauren Thoman told Newsweek he’s affectionate, playful and completely unaware of his own body, often tumbling off the couch before bouncing back like a “Weeble.”
Despite a cat who refuses to play, Schrader treats every hiss as encouragement.
Fritzi: The Golden–Cocker Spaniel Who TikTok Can’t Stop Watching
One of the year’s sweetest viral surprises came from Fritzi, a golden retriever–cocker spaniel mix whose TikTok highlight reel amassed more than 700,000 views.
Her owners shared clips of the silky-coated pup snoozing, stretching belly-up for rubs, and joyfully playing with toys—capturing the mellow charm of a golden and the bright, expressive spirit of a cocker spaniel.
Viewers called her “the cutest thing ever” and “two perfect breeds in one,” swooning over her floppy ears and gentle temperament. In a platform full of high-energy pet antics, Fritzi’s simple, wholesome moments proved irresistible.
Scooby: The Golden Mountain Dog With ‘Salted Caramel’ Coloring
Scooby, a 3-year-old golden retriever–Bernese mountain dog mix, won over TikTok with his striking tricolor coat and loving, clingy personality.
His owner Kim, from North Carolina, found him through a Facebook ad as a puppy and instantly fell in love. Smaller and leaner than a pure Bernese but sporting the same signature markings—and unmistakable golden retriever eyes—Scooby embodies what fans called the “perfect combo.”
A video showcasing his transformation from paws to face drew more than 770,000 views. Though both parent breeds shed heavily, fans insisted he was worth the fluff, describing him as “magnificent” and begging for “14 of him.”
Cobalt: The Blue-Eyed Golden Mix Who Defied Expectations
Cobalt stunned Reddit after his owner shared a photo of the golden-colored dog with piercing, ice-blue eyes—an unusually rare look for the breed.
A DNA test revealed why: despite initial guesses that he was part Australian cattle dog, Cobalt is actually a complex mix that includes golden retriever, Dalmatian, cocker spaniel, Great Pyrenees, Akita, Siberian husky and American pit bull terrier.
A golden retriever with creepy blue eyes
by u/Electronic-Two-8379 in DoggyDNA
His unique heritage explains both his appearance and his big personality, which his owner says resembles his non-golden breeds far more than a traditional retriever. The viral moment served as a reminder that mixed-breed dogs can be healthier, happier—and more extraordinary—than anyone expects.
Bess: The Husky–Golden Retriever Who Became Another Dog’s Healer
Milly, from Ohio, never expected her shelter puppy Bess to become an online sensation—or the emotional support companion her rescued German shepherd desperately needed.
A DNA test confirmed the pup is half golden retriever, half Siberian husky, with a touch of border collie. With the husky’s striking markings and the golden’s soft fur and floppy ears, Bess drew waves of admiration online. But her most meaningful impact has been on Ellie, the family’s formerly abused shepherd, who longed for a puppy to nurture. Bess arrived just in time, offering comfort, confidence and companionship that transformed Ellie’s recovery.
Millie: The Golden–Bernese Puppy Whose 4 A.M. Zoomies Went Viral
New York City pup Millie brought chaotic joy to millions after her owner posted footage of the golden retriever–Bernese mountain dog mix racing laps around the apartment at 4:30 a.m.
The “zoomies tantrum,” complete with bark-filled circles around the coffee table, resonated with anyone who’s ever survived puppyhood. Her owner, Melissa Kiddie, told Newsweek that Millie was a whirlwind from day one—endlessly playful despite hours of exercise.
Those early mornings, full of tiny barks, mischief and sharp puppy teeth, became some of her most cherished memories. Millie, now 2, is still sweet, sassy and somehow always ready for round two.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.