One dog’s unmistakable face stopped scrollers in their tracks after her owner shared a video of the pit bull–husky mix on TikTok.
In the clip, posted to the account @dramaticdogduo on February 10, owner Ashley slowly pans the camera from her dog’s paws to her shoulders before revealing Shiva’s striking face, complete with piercing blue eyes and a look all her own. She wanted to show off her dog’s unusual mix and the features that set her apart.
Pit bull husky mixes, often called pitskies, have steadily gained popularity since emerging in the 1990s, part of a broader wave of “designer” hybrids that blended the traits of two distinct breeds, according to an article from Dog Academy. Today, they’re known for their energetic personalities and family‑friendly temperaments, attracting owners who want an active companion. Despite their appeal, there’s no formal breed standard for pitskies, which means their size, coat, and appearance can vary widely from dog to dog.
In Shiva’s case, she sports a light brown coat with a splash of white fur along her belly that rises up her neck and frames her snout. Her bright blue eyes add to the look, but in the video, they appear wide and uncertain—almost as if she’s just as baffled by her unusual mix as the viewers watching her.
Dog’s Rise to Fame
Ashley told Newsweek that she and her husband, Brandon, were shocked by the attention Shiva has been receiving online. The TikTok video has already surpassed 2.3 million views, along with over 101,000 likes and 1,750 comments.
“I had simply been trying to build a social media platform centered around our dogs, and I believe it was only my fourteenth post,” Ashley said. “Honestly, I expected our other dog, Hades, to gain more attention since he is afraid of nearly everything, whereas Shiva is completely unfazed by almost anything.”
But viewers cannot get enough of the dog, calling her a “stunning mix.”
“She looks really scared and really excited all at the same time. I love it,” one commenter wrote, while another joked: “That must be the world’s loudest and neediest dog.”
According to Ashley, Shiva acts exactly like a husky: independent, sassy, stubborn and very food-motivated.
“Her facial expression often appears anxious, though that’s simply her natural look,” she said. “When she isn’t giving her signature ‘worried’ expression, she resembles a canine version of Eeyore—sweet, soulful, and a bit mopey.”
‘Heart of Our Story’
But Shiva’s striking appearance isn’t the only remarkable thing about her. She’s also the reason Taylor and her husband ended up together.
Brandon first brought Shiva home about nine years ago after visiting a friend whose dog had recently given birth. Shiva immediately attached herself to Brandon, and when the friend jokingly suggested he take the puppy home, he did.
“Brandon and Shiva did everything together, even going to work side by side,” she said. “She loved running alongside him while he skateboarded and would even keep pace next to his motorcycle.”
Two years into that bond, Shiva helped spark an entirely different kind of connection.
Ashley first spotted Brandon and Shiva at a local bar. Captivated by the dog’s look, she struck up a conversation with Brandon, which turned into something more.
“Before long, we moved in together and eventually married,” she said. “We have now been together for seven years, and Shiva has been at the heart of our story from the very beginning.”
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