The Dog with a Human Face: How Yogi Took Over the Internet

One glance at Yogi’s face, and you’ll understand the buzz.

Meet Yogi, the Shih-Tzu-Poodle mix whose unique facial features took social media by storm. This fluffy brown pup gained viral fame when photos highlighting his distinctly human-like characteristics spread across the internet, prompting comparisons to several Hollywood actors.

What makes Yogi so special? His light eyes and distinctive pouty lip create an uncanny resemblance to a human face. Social media users have spotted similarities between the one-year-old dog and actors like Jake Gyllenhaal, Paul Rudd, and even Nicolas Cage. As his owner Chantal Desjardins told Inside Edition, “My favorite comment that I saw was Nicolas Cage dressed up like an Ewok, which, I’m like, ‘I get that.'”

SOMEONE GET A DNA TEST STAT pic.twitter.com/ccDesVPXI0

— Siân Welby (@Sianwelby) March 13, 2018

Interestingly, Desjardins hadn’t noticed anything unusual about her pet’s appearance until others pointed it out. She shared Yogi’s photo on Facebook in December, but it wasn’t until someone posted it on Reddit that the internet explosion began. While some skeptics suggested photo manipulation, Desjardins has confirmed that Yogi’s distinctive features are completely authentic.

The Portsmouth, N.H. resident got Yogi from a local breeder, and he shares his home with another shihpoo named Darla. Their relationship is typical of a younger sibling trying to win over an older one. As Desjardins told People magazine, “She tolerates him. All he does is try to play with her and she doesn’t have it.”

Despite his internet celebrity status, Yogi remains a typical playful puppy at heart. He still gets startled by everyday objects – as Desjardins shared with People magazine, “He sometimes gets scared of little things he’s not used to… like a bag on the coffee table, he’ll bark at it.” His owner has found herself unexpectedly thrust into a new role, telling People magazine with amusement, “I’m kinda turning into Yogi’s manager.”

When asked about potential career paths for her famous pup, Desjardins suggested he might make a good talk show host, specifically comparing him to Dr. Phil, citing his “piercing eyes” as a qualifying trait. Whether or not Yogi pursues a career in television, his unique appearance has already secured him a place in internet history.