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What Kind of Dog Is Pudgy from Tik Tok?

Chantelle Fowler

By Chantelle Fowler

Pudgy

There certainly is no shortage of Internet-famous pets. Whether we’re talking about Doge, the meme-worthy Shiba Inu, or Grumpy Cat, the Calico/Tabby with a permanent frown, the Internet never fails when bringing entertaining and adorable animals to the forefront of all of our minds.

One dog you may not know the name of but are probably familiar with in some capacity is Pudgy.

Pudgy, also known as the Owa Owa dog, was a long-haired chihuahua who took social media by storm with his somewhat rugged look and signature bark.

Keep reading to learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Pudgy.Divider 5

Where Did Pudgy Come From?

Pudgy’s owner is a young man named Malachy James.

Pudgy came into James’ life after his older brother’s friend brought the pup to their home. They had found the dog that would soon become Pudgy roaming the streets of their town, presumably after escaping from an abusive home.

Since James’ brother’s friend wasn’t in a position to take in a dog at the time, James and his family chose to adopt it.

James named Pudgy after Betty Boop’s faithful canine companion. The two had an instantaneous connection and accidentally became Internet famous.

James accidentally posted a video of Pudgy on his spam social media account, and it started to take off within minutes. In Pudgy’s debut video, he’s seen for just three seconds making an interesting and high-pitched sound. That three seconds was all it took to skyrocket Pudgy and his owner to internet fame.

What Is Pudgy Famous For?

Pudgy was famous for his well-known and unique bark. His nickname “Owa Owa” was earned honestly as this was the sound he made when he barked.

The phrase Owa Owa became a bit of an internet meme after Pudgy became famous. A term that once sounded like complete nonsense (“Can I get an owa owa”) became synonymous with accomplishments and support. For example, “I cleaned my bedroom today! Can I get an owa owa?”

Is Pudgy Still Alive?

Unfortunately, Pudgy passed away in 2021.

Pudgy’s owner made a YouTube video that explained what happened to his dog. A fan with their leashed dog wanted the two pups to meet. Expecting the two dogs just to sniff each other, Pudgy’s owner allowed them to meet. Unfortunately, the fan’s dog had more in mind than just doing a quick sniff. It immediately bit Pudgy.

The veterinarians at the animal hospital sedated Pudgy and determined that he would need to undergo surgery. However, the surgery would cost upwards of $15,000, and Pudgy’s chances of survival were slim. Since the odds seemed to be stacked against them, his owner decided to euthanize the senior pup.

How Many Followers Did Pudgy Have?

Pudgy’s owner was very active on social media. At the time of writing, their TikTok account (@pudgywoke) has amassed over 13.1 million followers, and their Instagram account (also @pudgywoke) is sitting at 381,000.

Though Pudgy is no longer with us, his legions of fans are still devoted to him. In addition, his owner still posts videos on social media regularly. The most recent videos available on their TikTok have garnered over 10 million views apiece.

What Are Long-Haired Chihuahuas Like?

Long-haired chihuahuas are an ancient breed with big hearts. Despite their small size, they’re fiercely loyal and act as protectors for their humans.

This breed grows to be between six and nine inches tall and weighs under six pounds. They are the longest living dog breed, with an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years.

The long-haired chihuahua has a medium to long coat with thick manes and tufts of fur around the ears. They come in various colors, including black, fawn, chocolate, and cream.

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Conclusion

Pudgy was a long-haired chihuahua that stole the hearts of millions of people worldwide. Though Pudgy may not be with us anymore, his legacy will forever remain etched in the minds of those who followed and loved him.

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Featured Photo Credit:  Pudgy the Chihuahua,  photograph by Malachy James.  All rights reserved to the copyright owners.

Chantelle Fowler

Authored by

Chantelle is passionate about two things in her life – writing and animals. She grew up on the prairies in Canada surrounded by animals. As an adult, she chooses to share her home with five cats, two guinea pigs, and a bearded dragon. Chantelle, her husband, and their child take great pride in being THOSE kind of animal parents - the ones who spend a thousand dollars on wall-mounted cat shelves so that their cats can ha...Read more

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