A small, teddy-bear-faced dog has gone viral after his owner revealed his true age, and he was far from the puppy many assumed.
In a TikTok clip posted by @doggiesbeautysalon, owner Jeni approaches her dog, Buddy, who immediately rolls onto his side for belly rubs, dressed in rubber duck pajamas. His youthful glow had millions believing he was still young, but Jeni shared in the video that he is her "forever puppy" at 15 years old.
The reaction to Buddy's age is something Jeni says she's seen countless times. She told Newsweek via email that whenever people meet him, they "go crazy," especially after learning his age. According to Jeni, Buddy has "aged backwards" ever since she brought him home in 2010.
"Buddy is a rescue; he was found by my uncle roaming the streets by a trash can looking for food to eat," she said. "...The vet guessed he was appropriately 2 years old back in 2010. So we have went based on this estimate."
Jeni brought Buddy home later that year after her uncle offered him up for $50, she said. At the time, she was 8 years old and the two have been inseparable since, growing up together.
"Buddy has always acted like a pup; he's a baby; he loves his toys; he loves food; he loves his attention and belly rubs," she said.
Everywhere she goes with Buddy, he steals the spotlight, as he's a unique mix. Jeni said a DNA test revealed he's a mix between Shih Tzu, golden retriever, beagle, Chow Chow, and pit bull.
"People would stop me to ask about him; to tell me he's cute; to take pictures of him; to even FaceTime family members to show them," she said. "They ask me what breed and tell me how he's going to be a huge dog from his looks. I stop them and tell them he's actually a senior; and their mouths drop to the floor."
Buddy's puppy‑like energy isn't just a viral fluke. Research suggests that staying active can play a meaningful role in how dogs age. A 2023 study published in Scientific Reports found that senior dogs who maintained higher daily activity levels tended to have better memory, faster movement and a greater proportion of their lifespan remaining compared to less active dogs. Researchers also found that physical activity was closely linked to cognitive health, with lower activity levels associated with signs of age‑related mental decline.
Plus, Buddy's size likely plays a role in how well he's aging, as smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger canines. Newsweek previously reported that everyday care, such as keeping dogs mentally and physically active, managing weight, supporting joint and dental health, can help give owners more quality years with their pets.
Veterinarians often recommend simple adjustments -- such as joint‑supportive orthopedic dog beds or mobility supplements -- to help senior dogs stay comfortable and active as they age.
As far as his health goes, Jeni said Buddy has common senior dog issues, including arthritis, collapsed trachea and a slight heart enlargement, but otherwise he "looks and acts" like a happy pup.
Jeni had long believed Buddy would resonate beyond their neighborhood, and now, with her TikTok video, everyone is obsessing over him. She said she's always thought he'd be famous for his looks and his youthfulness. That idea has manifested, and "he's finally going viral," with over 1.1 million views as of Friday.
"15 years? Surely you mean 15 months, right?" asked a viewer, while a second said: "He's just a baby. He's wearing a onesie!"
Another joked: "He's 15 minutes old and a loaf of bread big."
"Buddy is truly the forever puppy, and the love he receives from everyone else out there is amazing," she said. "It makes me so happy to know my baby is loved everywhere."