Pit bulls continue to be labeled as "bad dogs," but no one would argue that the breed is ugly. Their big, blocky heads and tiny ears that barely cover their ear holes make them adorable shadows. But one house hippo is gaining attention for his unique look that screams pit bull... or teddy bear, depending on which end you're greeted with first.

Theodore is a brown pit bull who looks exactly as expected from his forehead down to his chin, but the rest of this pooch looks like he's dressed for Halloween. He's covered in fluffy, long hair from his ears to his tail, making him look like a golden retriever from the back and a pit bull from the front. His unique look is the result of a rare genetic condition.

Before finding his forever home with Joanna Meadows, Theo was rehomed six times. Based on earlier videos from his time with Meadows, the peculiar-looking pup also had some odd habits that may have frustrated previous owners. But for his forever mom, finding a dog perched atop a kitchen cabinet is nothing she can't roll with.

In an interview with GeoBeats, Meadows explains how Theo wound up with flowing locks and a typical bully-breed face.

"The reason he's so different-looking is because he has a mutation," Meadows says. "It's called FGF5, and that's the reason his coat's so long like this. He's got a pit bull face, and he looks like he's in a teddy bear costume. He was an accident. The owner was in a position where she really could not care for him."

Theo's first owner rehomed him with a friend, but unfortunately, that friend couldn't care for him for long before he ended up in an animal shelter. That began a revolving-door relationship with shelters before Meadows finally took him home. After so much rehoming, Theo was anxious when he arrived, but he soon settled in once he realized his new mom wasn't taking him back. As Meadows says, "As long as he's with me, he is content. He's happy."

Theo's human later explains that the mutation he has is rarely seen in pit bulls, though it can occur if both parents carry it. As for how his hair feels, apparently it's soft enough to belong in shampoo ads promising luscious locks. "His fur is super soft," Meadows shares. "It flows in the wind. It's almost feathery in some places. It's super, super soft."

The proud pup mom becomes emotional when she talks about how much he has changed since coming to live with her. She takes him everywhere, and he provides emotional support when she's feeling down. It seems Theo has found the perfect place to land, and commenters agree the pair truly belongs together.

"I can't believe he was returned six times. He looks like the sweetest teddy bear," one person writes.

"Thank you for giving this poor guy a home. Returned SIX TIMES. People are so awful," another shares.

"He looks like a mini Chewbacca!!! He's adorable! Thank you for making him your fur companion. He's living his best life now," someone else gushes.

One person imagines things from Theo's point of view, saying, "In the beginning he's like 'I know. This isn't going to work out. I know I'm going to get returned. So I'm not going to open my heart.' Thank you for approving him wrong. loving and adopting him he is adorable."

This Valentine’s Day, we're bringing back our favorite giveaway with Ocean Wise. You have the chance to win the ultimate ocean-friendly date. Our recommendation? Celebrate love for all your people this Valentine's Day! Treat your mom friends to a relaxing spa trip, take your best friend to an incredible concert, or enjoy a beach adventure with your sibling! Whether you're savoring a romantic seafood dinner or enjoying a movie night in, your next date could be on us!

Here’s how to enter:

She’s up before the sun and still going at bedtime. She’s the calendar keeper, the lunch packer, the one who remembers everything so no one else has to. Moms are always creating magic for us. This Valentine’s Day, we’re all in for her. Win an eco-friendly spa day near you, plus a stash of All In snack bars—because she deserves a treat that’s as real as she is. Good for her, kinder to the ocean. That’s the kind of love we can all get behind.

Special thanks to our friends at All In who are all in on helping moms!

Grab your favorite person and get some much-needed ocean time. Did you know research on “blue spaces” suggests that being near water is linked with better mental health and well-being, including feeling calmer and less stressed? We’ll treat you to a beach adventure like a surfing or sailing class, plus ocean-friendly bags from GOT Bag and blankets from Sand Cloud so your day by the water feels good for you and a little gentler on the ocean too.

Special thanks to our friends at GOT Bag. They make saving the ocean look stylish and fun!

Love nights in as much as you love a date night out? We’ve got you. Have friends over for a movie night or make it a cozy night in with your favorite person. You’ll get a Disney and Hulu subscription so you can watch Nat Geo ocean content, plus a curated list of ocean-friendly documentaries and a movie-night basket of snacks. Easy, comfy, and you’ll probably come out of it loving the ocean even more.

Soak up the sun and catch a full weekend of live music at BeachLife Festival in Redondo Beach, May 1–3, 2026, featuring Duran Duran, The Offspring, James Taylor and His All-Star Band, The Chainsmokers, My Morning Jacket, Slightly Stoopid, and Sheryl Crow. The perfect date to bring your favorite person on!

We also love that BeachLife puts real energy into protecting the coastline it’s built on by spotlighting ocean and beach-focused nonprofit partners and hosting community events like beach cleanups.

Date includes two (2) three-day GA tickets. Does not include accommodation, travel, or flights.

Stay in and cook something delicious with someone you love. We’ll hook you up with sustainable seafood ingredients and some additional goodies for a dinner for two, so you can eat well and feel good knowing your meal supports healthier oceans and more responsible fishing.

Giveaway ends 2/15/26 at 11:59pm PT. Winners will be selected at random and contacted via email from the Upworthy. No purchase necessary. Open to residents of the U.S. and specific Canadian provinces that have reached age of majority in their state/province/territory of residence at the time. Please see terms and conditions for specific instructions. Giveaway not affiliated with Instagram. More details at upworthy.com/oceandate

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