A dog from Alberta, Canada, is winning hearts online with his unique smile, characterized by a pronounced underbite. Initially described as “slight” by his previous owner, Arvo’s underbite has developed into a charming feature that has made him a social media sensation. The Australian shepherd mix, who will celebrate his third birthday in March 2024, was rescued as a puppy after being found abandoned under a porch.
Arvo’s owner, Erika, recounted how the family felt a strong urge to adopt him after learning that four of his siblings had tragically not survived. “We just felt so terrible for him and wanted to give him a home,” she explained in an interview with Newsweek. Upon adopting Arvo, they were informed by the previous owner that he had a minor underbite. “The lady we got him from told us after his first checkup that he had a slight underbite,” Erika said.
As Arvo grew, the underbite became more pronounced. “Around four months, his bottom lip started really peeking out, and we could no longer deny that it maybe wasn’t so slight after all,” Erika noted. Interestingly, Arvo’s suspected father also had a mild underbite, a trait that Erika found endearing from the start. “I remember saying, ‘Oh, I hope you look just like your dad.’ And here we are,” she added.
Arvo’s Rise to Social Media Fame
Despite its dramatic appearance, Arvo’s underbite has not hindered his life; instead, it has become his defining characteristic. He has amassed thousands of followers on TikTok, where his owners share entertaining videos of his daily antics. One of his videos has garnered over 1.8 million views, showcasing his playful personality and unmistakable grin.
It is not just on social media that Arvo makes an impression. People frequently stop Erika and Arvo on the street to comment on his unique looks. “We’ve had a few people stop us on the street to comment on his smile and tell us we should start a page for him,” she said. The positive attention has been overwhelming, with one TikTok user expressing their newfound admiration: “Never seen this page or dog but you got a new follower now just because of those teefs.” Another commenter humorously remarked, “The vet’s right…I don’t notice anything.”
The Joy of Sharing Arvo’s Journey
Erika expressed her gratitude for the supportive community that has emerged around Arvo. “I have been blown away by the love for our guy,” she remarked. “People have been so kind, and it is so much fun seeing all the other dogs with goofy toofs out there.” The joy that Arvo brings to his family and his online followers highlights the unique bond between pets and their owners, as well as the unexpected ways animals can connect people.
As Arvo continues to charm audiences with his quirky smile, he serves as a reminder of the joy animals can bring into our lives. His story encourages pet owners to embrace and celebrate their pets’ unique features, no matter how unconventional they may be. For those who wish to share their own adorable pet stories, Newsweek invites readers to send pictures or videos for potential inclusion in their Pet of the Week feature.
