Imagine expecting a tiny, pocket-sized companion and ending up with a much larger, jumbo-sized dog. This is the reality that befell one woman after a surprising discovery about her beloved pet's true heritage.
The Puppy That Kept on Growing
Jessica Collins shared her astonishing story on TikTok, explaining that she purchased a puppy named Winston from a breeder who assured her he was a mini dachshund. Initial photos showed a tiny, adorable puppy that could be cradled in just one hand, perfectly fitting the miniature breed's description.
Miniature dachshunds are known for their small stature, typically weighing a mere 10 to 12 pounds on average. However, as weeks turned into months, Jessica watched in disbelief as Winston continued to grow far beyond those expectations.
A Revealing Discovery from the Breeder
The mystery was solved when Jessica learned the truth from the breeder. Winston's mother was indeed a mini dachshund, but his father was a standard dachshund. This genetic mix meant that while Winston had a chance of being mini, inheriting his father's genes resulted in him growing to a full, standard size.
Standard dachshunds usually stand between seven and twelve inches tall and weigh up to 30 pounds. Winston, however, has surpassed even that, with Jessica reporting he now weighs a whopping 18kg, which is 39 pounds.
Overflowing Love and Online Support
Despite the initial shock of Winston's unexpected size, Jessica's love for him remains unwavering. Her viral video garnered an outpouring of support from commenters, who were quick to compliment her unique dog.
One person exclaimed, "He's a stunning boy, though!" while another added, "I always forgot how big standard ones get! I don't understand why we don't see them more! They're beautiful."
Some viewers expressed concern over photos showing Jessica holding Winston in a way that could potentially harm his long spine, a known vulnerability in dachshunds. Jessica was quick to clarify, stating, "He's not allowed upstairs or to jump on furniture. The photos of me holding him are from when he was young. He's too heavy to lift up now!"
The story of Winston serves as a charming reminder for potential pet owners to be thoroughly prepared for all possible outcomes when bringing a new animal into their home, and that sometimes, the biggest surprises come in the most loving packages.
