When a ‘Fully Grown’ Dog Defies Expectations: The Story of August the Petite Golden Retriever
Julia Grillo’s golden retriever, August, has become something of an internet sensation, but not for the reasons one might expect. At two years old—fully mature for a dog—August weighs just 36 pounds, dramatically less than the 55 to 65 pounds typical for female golden retrievers. This striking difference prompted Grillo to investigate further after online comments about her dog’s size sparked concern. Despite reassurances from her veterinarian that growth variations are normal, Grillo decided to conduct DNA testing to confirm August’s breed, ultimately discovering that her pint-sized companion is indeed 100% golden retriever. The story of this “permanent puppy” has captivated social media users, with many expressing both surprise and delight at August’s unique proportions.
August joined Grillo’s family in January 2024 at eight weeks old. While she never appeared “extremely small” compared to other golden retriever puppies, Grillo noticed that August grew at a significantly slower rate. As August matured, the difference became more pronounced, but Grillo’s veterinarian consistently reassured her that such variations in growth patterns sometimes occur naturally. It wasn’t until August’s photos and videos began gaining traction online that Grillo started to second-guess her dog’s development. “Once August started going viral and I began hearing extreme and sometimes concerning comments online, it made me second-guess things,” Grillo told Newsweek via email. Despite having confidence in August’s breeder—noting that August’s siblings all grew to the standard size of around 65 pounds—Grillo decided that DNA testing would provide definitive answers.
The results of not one but two DNA tests confirmed what Grillo had been told all along: August is indeed a purebred golden retriever, just in a much smaller package than expected. This genetic anomaly appears to be just that—a natural variation rather than a health concern or evidence of mixed breeding. Grillo shared the journey on Instagram, posting a video on December 15 that showcased August’s diminutive stature. The footage, featuring August calmly looking up at the camera with her puppy-like proportions on full display, quickly garnered attention. In a separate video, Grillo revealed the DNA test results, putting to rest any speculation about August’s lineage while highlighting the fascinating variability that can occur even within purebred lines.
What’s particularly reassuring for Grillo is that August’s smaller size doesn’t appear to come with health complications. Her veterinarian has emphasized that August is “lean, active, and in great shape,” and that her healthy weight may actually contribute to a longer life expectancy. “Being healthy and fit rather than overweight actually gives her a better chance at a long life,” Grillo shared, repeating her vet’s assessment. With this professional reassurance and the confirmation from DNA testing, Grillo has found peace of mind about her dog’s unusual size and has chosen to disregard negative or speculative comments online, focusing instead on August’s excellent health and unique charm.
The Instagram video featuring August has resonated with viewers, accumulating over 560,000 views and 315 comments as of the time of reporting. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many commenters expressing admiration and even envy for August’s perpetually puppy-like appearance. “To be honest, I’m kinda jealous you have a permanent puppy,” wrote one viewer, capturing a sentiment shared by many golden retriever enthusiasts who appreciate the breed’s adorable puppy phase. Others described August as “pocket-sized” and “perfect regardless” of her size, highlighting how her uniqueness has become part of her appeal. The comment section also revealed that August isn’t alone in her petite stature—several other golden retriever owners shared that their purebred dogs were similarly undersized, with one commenting, “My pure-bred golden is only 44 pounds!! She’s puppy-sized!!”
August’s story offers a fascinating glimpse into the complexity of genetics and the sometimes unpredictable nature of breeding. As one commenter aptly noted, “Genetics are wild! You can do all the tests, breed from the best lines, and sometimes things like this still happen.” This observation captures the essence of August’s situation—she represents a natural variation that emerged despite coming from standard-sized parents and siblings. Her story serves as a reminder that even within well-established breeds with predictable characteristics, nature occasionally produces delightful surprises. For Grillo, what began as a concern sparked by online comments has transformed into a celebration of August’s uniqueness, demonstrating that sometimes the most beloved pets are those that defy expectations while remaining perfectly healthy and happy just as they are.
