A Golden Retriever, or a Golden Deceiver, that is the question!
How many times have you looked at a dog and thought you were absolutely certain about its breed? Me, millions! Then, upon discovering I was wrong, I realized that making assumptions based solely on physical appearance can be deceiving.
Annie and Brian, a Colorado couple, learned this after adopting Walter, a supposed Golden Retriever mix from New Mexico.
Always wanting a Goldie, Brian couldn’t be happier to finally have his wish fulfilled. Then came a shock!
A Golden Retriever Or Something Else?
When Annie and Brian spotted Walter on a rescue site, they immediately decided to adopt him. He was described as a stray Golden Retriever mix, the breed Annie’s husband always admired.
Goofy, playful, intelligent, and a social butterfly – those were the Golden traits Brian had hoped for in Walter.
However, after taking the puppy to a few socialization classes, hoping to see him get along with other dogs, they were stunned by the results. Walter had no interest in playing with anyone.
While affectionate and charming in his unique ways, Walter didn’t seem to share the behavior of a Golden Retriever breed.
Over the next six years, Walter grew into a wonderful companion, with his silky golden coat and fluffy ears. He definitely looked like a Goldie, but his personality continued to differ.
Eventually, the couple decided to take a DNA test and put their doubts to rest. When the results finally came, both Annie and Brian were shocked to the core. Not only was the dog not a Goldie mix, but Walter’s bloodline had nothing to do with the breed.
In a viral Reddit post, the Colorado owner shared Walter’s shocking DNA that turned out to be mostly Australian Cattle Dog, Poodle, and German Shepherd Dog.
“My husband always wanted a golden retriever so we adopted this NM stray thinking we can have a golden mix. We were very surprised with his results,” Annie wrote in the post.
The remaining Walter’s DNA belonged to a Labrador Retriever, Chow Chow, and American Pit Bull Terrier breed.
The Internet’s Reaction
While utterly shocked that Walter’s DNA didn’t have any Golden Retriever, especially due to his uncanny Golden appearance, the couple had no regrets.
If possible, they love Walter even more!
Being an “aloof weirdo,” as Annie jokingly states on Reddit, Walter is more than just a pet. He’s a family.
Before long, her Reddit post was flooded with hilarious comments regarding Walter’s breed, mostly stating that he’s been a Golden Deceiver instead of a Retriever all along.
“We call these golden deceivers,” one user joked.
“Hahahaha! Omg wanting a golden and getting and ACD is… something. I’m sure he’s a very good boy in his own way,” another added.
“This is a prime example of just how deceiving it can be trying to visually identify genetics! Thanks for sharing!,” the third commenter added.
While Annie’s wish is for the next dog to be a full ACD, her husband still hopes for a Golden Retriever. The real one!