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Rare Pug-Italian Greyhound Mix Has Everyone Captivated

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This rescue pup is just too cute!

We've all been there. A friend has a baby and we get our first glimpse of the baby and we stammer and say something like "Oh! It's a baby! You are such a baby! Your baby is SUCH the baby!" when in our minds we are thinking "Gosh, real sorry about your janky looking ugmo baby." 

ADMIT IT. You have thought this. Well, proud dog mama @Caitlineduffin posted a TikTok of her Pug-Italian Greyhound mix and she's not an ugmo baby! See what you think below!

Click here to watch the video.

Welp. Now we know. OH come on, people! She's adorable. All dogs are adorable. And we are sure she has a wonderful personality. Like @Teri says, "A face only a mother can love. What a cutie." @Trav comments, "That is so much worse than I could have imagined." Hmph! Not nice, Trav. @Halle adds, "I was expecting a monstrosity and for once, my expectations were exceeded." Hmph again! 

Mom made a glamour reel of Petunia so those of us charmed by her can enjoy her more. 

Click here to watch the video.

She's adorable. Let us know what you think about precious Petunia in the comments! 

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Jaws Drop As People Discover What A Pug And Greyhound Mix Looks Like

An unusual-looking dog has captured viral attention after a video of her was shared on TikTok.

An Italian greyhound and pug mixed breed called Petunia's wide-set eyes, underbite and long body have shocked the internet as viewers rushed to share their reactions.

In a video with over 4 million views, owner Caitlin Duffin asked: "Ever wonder what a Pug Italian Greyhound looks like?" before panning to her pup.

"Oh dear. That's unfortunate," said one commenter. While another wrote: "I was expecting a monstrosity and for once, my expectations were exceeded."

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes 190 dog breeds, while the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognizes 360 breeds worldwide. That's before even considering the hundreds of mixed-breed dogs like Petunia.

Evolutionary biologist Frank Hailer told Newsweek: "Cross bred dogs are very common, and in recent years some famous cross bred dogs such as labradoodles and puggles have become very popular.

"It is important to realize that our current dog breeds are the result of people mixing dogs of different origins to obtain a desired mix of traits," he explained. "Then, in a little over 100 years, we've now been more protective about keeping dog breeds 'pure,' which has led to well-known problems with inbreeding and hereditary diseases."

The health impacts of breeding dogs is a hotly debated topic, with particular breeds more susceptible to health issues as a result of continued inbreeding. Research carried out by the Royal Veterinary College in the U.K. Looked at the health data of 2,781 French Bulldogs and 21,850 dogs of different breeds. They found that the French Bulldog is 42 times more likely to suffer from narrow nostrils and 30 times more likely to develop obstructive airways syndrome compared with other breeds.

Meanwhile, the growth of puppy farming, where people breed dogs for profit, has seen more dogs born with genetic abnormalities as a result of unhealthy breeding.

"Mixing dogs in general is a good thing, both for their own genetic health, and for us as their companions, because it allows us to mix traits we're looking for," said Hailer.

File photos of an Italian Greyhound, left, and a Pug, right. The mixture doesn't produce an attractive result. Jarun011/ DevidDO/Getty Images

While cross-breeding dogs can be positive and prevent issues seen with in-breeding, it is impossible to know which elements of each dog will be prominent in the puppy.

"Sometimes you get the undesired traits come through more than the ones you were going for. For example, if you mix a herding dog with a guard dog, you could get a dog that barks a lot, is protective and can even be aggressive," said Hailer. "It's important to realize that it might take a few different attempts at crossing the same breeds, until you have cross-bred offspring with the traits that you want."

While people were at first taken aback by Petunia's unusual looks, many TikTok users shared love for the pup.

"Contrary to public opinion...I think she's absolutely adorable," said one commenter. While another wrote: "Made my day....That is one cute grin."

In a later follow-up video, the dog's owner Caitlin also reiterated her love for her unusual dog.

In the video, she wrote from Petunia's perspective and said: "Some people say I shouldn't exist. But my mom is so happy I do," before adding: "I have my special needs but am overall happy and healthy."

When it comes to finding your ideal dog, Hailer said that buying or adopting a cross-breed is no different to any other dog: "With cross-bred dogs, it's just like with other dogs - when you get a puppy, ask to see the litter with their mother, ask about the father, and preferably get the puppy from people who breed responsibly and raise the dogs well," he said. "Nobody wants to support puppy mills."

Newsweek has reached out to caitlineduffin for comment.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.Com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.

Heart Melting Portraits Show Old Dogs Now And When They Were Puppies

It's an often lamented fact that dogs do not live for as long as their human companions.

But while their lifespans are shorter, the joy that their companionship brings can last forever.

In a bid to chronicle the essence of dogs throughout their lives, US photographer Amanda Jones embarked on her Dog Years Project, capturing images of the animals across the span of their lives.

In each of the pet profiles, the first image shows the dogs as as young as six months, paired with a photograph of them years later, often as old as 16 - showing the stark contrast. 

These images were published in a book called Dog Years: Faithful Friends And Now, which presents 'portraits of each dog as a puppy and again as an older dog', to 'reveal the unique spark of personality that lasts a lifetime'. 

Cosmo, an Italian Greyhound from Oakland, CA, lost an eye in the 13 years between his portrait sessions. But enjoyed every one of those years and lived an amazing lifeCosmo, an Italian Greyhound from Oakland, CA, lost an eye in the 13 years between his portrait sessions. But enjoyed every one of those years and lived an amazing life

The result is described as 'a celebration of each dog and a tribute to the relationships we share with our four-legged friends'. 

Speaking about her project, Amanda Jones said: 'think people can relate to the visible aging process that the images show. I think senior dogs in general stir up strong emotions in people.'

Discussing some of the dogs and their families who appear in her snaps, she said: 'In working on this book, I rejoined dogs, couples, and families who I had worked with years ago,' explains Amanda.

'Some dogs had been lost to illness and accidents. Most are living amazingly long, happy lives in perfect surroundings.'

Morgan, a Rhodesian Ridgeback from Dorset, VT, has changed significantly in the years between the two snaps, growing larger and developing grey hairsMorgan, a Rhodesian Ridgeback from Dorset, VT, has changed significantly in the years between the two snaps, growing larger and developing grey hairsOlive and Mochi were inseparable their entire lives. Their pet parents dressed them up for years for the town pet parade with elaborate costumes. They were always crowd favourites!In 2013Bella, a Dachshund from Houston, TX. She aged wonderfully in the five years between her two portrait sessions (left, in 2009 and right, in 2014)20092008Amanda snapped herself with her Dachshund Benny, who she says has helped her greatly with her breast cancer battle in recent years (2022)Winston and Lola had their first portrait done together, but sadly, only one of them made it to the senior sessionWinston and Lola had their first portrait done together, but sadly, only one of them made it to the senior session2008According to Amanda, Abby was one of her clients/models for many years. She said: 'I was fortunate to see her grow from an active young Havanese to a gorgeous senior girl!' (2017)201120212006Schumacher's portraits show another pooch who aged gracefully throughout the years, becoming increasingly grey as the years went byIn 2009Fleur is a Boykin Spaniel - a cross between Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, and American Water Spaniels. The passing years barely show on herIn 2012Hazel and Juno grew up together as the best of friends. They both hail from Williamstown, MassachusettsPictured: In 2015Two of Amanda's three dogs. Ladybug and Benny have been friends for many years now according to the snapper (pictured, 2022)

Talking about how the animals aged, she said: 'The visual impact of comparing the young and the old varies greatly from dog to dog, just as it does from person to person.

'Some don't seem to age at all, yet others show the signs quite openly in their eyes, their jowls, and their gray hair.

'It is this semblance of ourselves and our souls in their eyes that gives us such a deep connection with dogs.'

'One thing that remains constant is the love people and dogs have for each other. That does not change, no matter how many dog years go by.'

You can find out more about the Dog Years Project here

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