Their bang is far bigger than their bite. These dogs have serious star-power, boasting millions of followers on social media and becoming huge brands in their own right.
What's the special something that has made these four-legged friends such superstars? Is it their looks, their stories, their charm or the sheer tenacity of the owners who document their every waking move? You decide. Meet the most popular dogs on social media...
Most popular dogs on the internet
1. Doug the Pug
Doug the Pug has more than 18 million collective followers on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, making him, undisputedly, THE most popular pug on the internet. This Nashville celebrity is Forbes magazine's Second Most influential Pet of 2018, and he also won the People's Choice Award for Animal Star in 2018 and 2019. His Instagram features him in costumes (think tacos, superheroes, movie characters) and he’s basically the pug you imagine when you think 'internet dog'. His owners and managers are graphic designer Leslie and her husband Rob, a musician and drummer, who have grown Doug's brand into an empire that includes merchandise, public appearances, sponsorships and best-selling books.
2. Jiffpom
A canine Tom Cruise, Jiffpom is the pint-sized Pomeranian with multiple Guinness World Records (including fastest five metres on front paws) and over 10 million followers on Instagram. He has been in music videos, commercials and red-carpet events – basically the dog version of a Hollywood A-lister. In 2024, he had an estimated net worth of $23.5 million, and was able to charge $30,000 for a sponsorship post. However, little has been shared online since 2023, leading to some speculation that Jiffpom has retired or died. If still going, he would have reached the grand old age of 16 - pretty ancient for a Pomeranian. However, nothing has been officially announced.
3. Tuna aka Phteven
Tuna's tale is a true rags to riches odyssey, from abandoned puppy to internet superstar. He was found dumped by a roadside near San Diego, California, and adopted from a farmer's market by his owner. Bald and wrinkled with an incredible overbite, this short-haired chihuahua-dachshund mix went viral in 2012 when he became the face of "Phteven", an online meme. Since then, he has amassed almost two million followers and spawned a range of merchandise celebrating his fame. Committed fans can buy the photography book Tuna Melts My Heart: The Underdog With The Overbite (2015), featuring goofy images of Tuna in all his glory.
4. Boo the Pomeranian
Dubbed the “World’s Cutest Dog,” Boo looked so much like a stuffed animal that a toy company actually made a Boo plush. At the time of his death, he had more than 16 million Facebook followers and remains one of the most iconic dog memes of the last decade. His owner said he died of a broken heart following the death of his older brother and best friend Buddy.
5. Mishka the Talking Husky
Mishka went viral when a video of her saying “I love you” to her owners Matt and Alina hit YouTube. Soon she was singing, talking and racking up millions of views. Her channel had over one million subscribers before she died in 2017, aged 14, and her legacy continues through her sister Laika.
6. Loki the Wolfdog
Loki is the majestic, wild-looking wolfdog who accompanies his owner Kelly Lund on epic outdoor adventures through the snowy landscapes and mountain trails of the American West and beyond. His two-million-strong Instagram account is basically a wildlife documentary starring a dog, inspiring thousands of nature lovers. A husky/Arctic wolf/malamute, Loki has handsome movie star looks and a hardy aptitude for adventure – the Harrison Ford of the dog world. He has his own online shop, which sells dog food, treats, kit and various other merchandise.
7. Lil' Max
This new kid on the block seems like an old soul. With 211,000 followers, Lil' Max is rapidly attracting attention due to his uncannily human-like expressions. This small, shaggy, five-year-old rescue dog from Alabama is a mix of 10 different breeds, including toy poodle, dachshund and shih tzu. He sports an immensely curly coat, downturned mouth and thoughtful, slightly melancholic eyes - even when having the time of his life.
8. Crusoe the Dachshund
Now retired, Crusoe was one of the original pet influencers, with more than seven million followers online. This miniature black and tan Dachshund dog resides in Ottawa, Canada, and gained famed for his wide array of characters and costume, including chef, superhero, captain, fisherman, golfer, hockey player, jazz man and accountant.
9. Tucker Budzyn
A Michigan-based Golden Retriever with 4.3 million followers, Tucker Budzyn was born in 2018 and rose to fame as a puppy on social media. His owners are Courtney and Mike, who left their jobs as a housecleaner and civil engineer respectively to manage Tucker's career, filming and editing videos and turning him into one of the highest-earning pet influencers in the world, making an estimated $1 million annually through brand sponsorships, merchandise and ad revenue. Tucker now stars in humorous content alongside his son, Todd.
