A mixed-breed puppy has captured hearts online after her owner invited viewers to weigh in on one adorable question: Who does she look like more?
In a video shared to the Instagram account @olivethepomshit, owner Sabrina introduces her 6-month-old puppy, Olive, by first showing photos of the pup’s parents before cutting to a montage of the pup’s playful personality. She asked followers to guess which parent the youngster takes after, sparking a flood of responses from viewers charmed by her expressive face and playful personality.
The answer is what Sabrina describes as “perfect.” Olive is the offspring of a Pomeranian dad and a Shih Tzu mom—an unusual pairing that prompted social media users to fall in love as Sabrina affectionately dubbed her a “Pomshit.”
Sabrina told Newsweek that Olive joined her family on December 20, though the puppy was born on September 1. From the start, she stood out for her joyful temperament and seemingly endless energy.
“She’s a ball of joy, who has never-ending energy even at 3 a.m.,” Sabrina said. “She will always come running, happy to see you.”
That outgoing nature extends well beyond the home. According to Sabrina, Olive is exceptionally friendly with strangers and will happily approach almost anyone she meets in hopes of receiving a pet—something her owner jokingly described as making the trusting pup “kidnappable.”
Olive is also sociable with other dogs once she becomes familiar with them. She regularly spends time with a small group of canine companions, including friends Monti and Suki, turning their meetups into energetic, playful sessions.
Her intelligence and strong motivation for treats have helped her quickly learn her first tricks, while her naturally curious personality means she is constantly exploring new sights and smells.
“Her favorite thing to do is fetch and riding the scooter,” her owner said.
Sabrina added that while Olive shows traits of both parents, she believes the puppy more closely resembles her mother in appearance, though she clearly inherited her father’s distinctive fur.
The lighthearted prompt resonated with Instagram viewers, with over 398,000 views and 283 comments as of Friday, leaving users divided.
Someone said Olive was “shaped like mom, hair like dad,” while another pointed out: “Shih Tzu hair with the volume and sublayer of fur of a Pom.”
Most, however, were focused on the “Pomshit” nickname, saying the unusual mix made her even more lovable.
“I’m interested… just coz of the name,” wrote a viewer, while another joked: “I think the correct term is floofball.”
A third said: “I love dog breed combo names like this. It’s so unserious and silly.”
Growing Appeal of ‘Designer Dogs’
The rise of intentional crossbreeds—often dubbed “designer dogs”—has reshaped how many Americans think about pet ownership. According to shelter data collected by Shelter Animals Count in 2023, more than 60 percent of animal welfare organizations surveyed reported receiving doodles and other intentionally mixed breeds, reflecting how in‑demand these crosses have become in recent years.
Designer mixes like goldendoodles, cockapoos and other hybrids are now common sights in homes and shelters alike, a trend driven by owners seeking distinctive looks, unique personality combinations and traits not always found in traditional purebreds.
For readers considering bringing a designer or mixed-breed puppy into their family, there are a variety of resources to help them start on the right foot. Guides on dog care can provide tips on socialization, enrichment and health needs to ensure a happy, well-adjusted pup, while interactive puzzle toys or durable fetch toys can keep them mentally and physically engaged.
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.