A pet parent opted for DNA tests on her fully grown dog after becoming concerned about the canine’s weight after reading online comments, only to be left speechless by the results.
Owner Julia Grillo told Newsweek via email that she welcomed home her golden retriever, August, in January 2024, when the pup was 8 weeks old. August never looked “extremely small” in comparison to other golden retriever puppies, but the rate at which she grew was much slower, Grillo said. Now, at 2 years old, August is only 36 pounds—well below the average female golden retriever’s weight of 55 to 65 pounds.
“At first, I wasn’t worried because my veterinarian consistently reassured me that growth variations like this do happen,” she said. “Once August started going viral and I began hearing extreme and sometimes concerning comments online, it made me second-guess things.”
Even with the reassurance from her vet, Grillo decided to use a doggy DNA test to ensure August was a purebred golden retriever. She trusted her breeder, too, noting August’s siblings were all standard size and weighed about 65 pounds. Two tests later, and her “full grown” dog is 100 percent golden retriever.
Grillo shared a video of August on her Instagram account, @augustthatgolden, on December 15, showcasing her dog’s smaller-than-normal stature for the breed. August sat calmly, looking up at the camera with her puppy-like body on full display.
She included the DNA results in a separate video. With the tests confirming her suspicions and a clean bill of health from the vet, Grillo said she has since ignored the hate and speculation in online comments.
“[The vet] explained that August is lean, active, and in great shape, and that being healthy and fit rather than overweight actually gives her a better chance at a long life,” she said.
The Instagram clip amassed over 560,000 views and 315 comments as of Tuesday, with users gushing over August’s “petite” size.
“To be honest, I’m kinda jealous you have a permanent puppy,” wrote a viewer.
A second person added: “She’s just pocket-sized. Perfect regardless!”
Others shared about their similar dogs: “My pure-bred golden is only 44 pounds!! She’s puppy-sized!!”
A fourth commented: “Genetics are wild! You can do all the tests, breed from the best lines, and sometimes things like this still happen.”
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