Pudgy, a.k.a. Pudgy Woke, was a dog who found fame on TikTok. Pudgy’s owner was Malachy James, who had TikTok and Instagram accounts for his dog that had over 12 million followers. Pudgy was famous for his antics, including his unique sounds. Known as the “Owa Owa dog” due to his famous vocalizations, Pudgy lived with Malachy and his family until his tragic death in June 2022.

Pudgy was reportedly killed in an accident involving another dog, devastating his family and fans around the world. Many people wondered what kind of breed Pudgy was after falling in love with the sweet dog through his videos. Pudgy was a long-haired Chihuahua.

Pudgy’s Life

Pudgy was found on the street by Malachy James’ older brother. The dog had reportedly escaped an abusive home and found a new life with this family. Pudgy was around 11 or 12 years old at the time of his death. He had been with Malachy’s family for around 7 years.

Malachy, being a TikTok influencer, used the platform to showcase Pudgy’s unique vocalizations and disheveled appearance. The dog quickly amassed a large fanbase that enjoyed watching his videos and keeping up with his daily activities.

Pudgy was given his name after the puppy companion of Betty Boop. Malachy used to watch Betty Boop cartoons with his mother as a child and named his puppy after Pudgy, the little white puppy with black spots that first appeared in the cartoons in 1934.

Pudgy’s Death

While carrying Pudgy one day in June, Malachy encountered another dog owner whose dog was on a leash. The two decided that their dogs should meet. Malachy put Pudgy down, expecting the two dogs to smell one another and become friends. Instead, the other dog attacked and severely injured Pudgy.

After bringing Pudgy to the emergency vet, Malachy was told that emergency surgery would be necessary to save the dog’s life, but even if they operated, there was no guarantee that he would survive. Malachy and his family decided to humanely euthanize Pudgy so he would not have to suffer any longer.

Long-Haired Chihuahuas

Long-haired Chihuahuas are not a separate breed of dog. They are simply Chihuahuas with long hair. Long-haired Chihuahuas look fluffier than short-haired ones, but their personalities and temperaments are the same. The only difference is the hair length. Long-haired Chihuahuas require regular brushing to keep their coats tidy and smooth. This will also help limit shedding and prevent mats from building up over time.

Chihuahuas are small dogs with big personalities, so it makes sense that Pudgy earned such a following. These dogs are loyal, intelligent, and stubborn.

Conclusion

Pudgy, the long-haired Chihuahua, brought joy to millions of people on social media. He made people more aware of animal rescue and showed them that little dogs can still be sources of great joy. Pudgy found a great home for many years after a rough start in life. If you’re considering adding a long-haired Chihuahua to your family, check your local shelters and rescue facilities. You may even be able to find Chihuahua rescues in your area.

If you decide to buy a puppy from a breeder, do your research first to make sure the breeder is responsible and has a good reputation for selling healthy puppies.

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