A light‑hearted Instagram video explaining why a dog owner chose a Pomeranian over a golden retriever has struck a chord online, quickly turning into a viral moment on social media.
The video was shared in January on Instagram under the username @bobathesquirrel. In the clip, a cheerful-looking pup can be seen sitting in the front seat of a parked car. As the owner approaches the vehicle, the dog appears relaxed and happy, flashing what viewers interpreted as a smile while waiting.
The scene itself is simple, but it was the caption that gave the video its viral appeal. In a blunt and humorous explanation of the owner’s preference, the caption reads: “I never wanted a golden retriever who loves everyone, I wanted a Pomeranian that only loves me and bites everyone else’s.”
The message quickly resonated with viewers, many of whom found the honesty amusing and relatable.
Pomeranians are small, energetic dogs with bold, confident personalities. Despite their lively and sometimes loud behavior, they are not generally considered aggressive when properly socialized.
Each dog is an individual, and behaviors that seem aggressive are often misunderstood. For example, barking at strangers or rough play is usually normal communication or excitement rather than true aggression.
True aggression involves harmful actions like biting, snapping, or growling with intent to cause injury, often linked to fear. In many cases, what appears to be aggression is actually “reactivity,” where a dog overreacts to a specific trigger due to anxiety, lack of socialization, or past experiences.
Aggression in Pomeranians can develop from fear, resource guarding, or pain. Recognizing body language and addressing anxiety early is important, as unmanaged reactivity can escalate.
Overall, with proper training, care, and socialization, most Pomeranians are friendly and affectionate companions rather than aggressive pets.
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Since being shared, the video has spread rapidly across Instagram. It has already amassed more than 2.2 million views and received 112,000 likes, a level of engagement that pushed it beyond a typical pet post.
One user, Aprilmckay71, commented: “What more could a girl want? A Corvette and a pom!”
Alester005 said: “That smile.”
Lynnkat311 added: “My pom is like a golden retriever, he just wants love and has never bitten a single human being. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Newsweek reached out to @bobathesquirrel for comment via email. We could not verify the details of the case.
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Newsweek's reporters and editors used Martyn, our Al assistant, to help produce this story. Learn more about Martyn.