In a world that often celebrates the “perfect” pet, one rescue dog is showing that being different can be a big part of what makes an animal special. Chupey has upright ears, wide-set eyes, short sparse fur and a pronounced underbite that leaves his teeth poking out. To his owner and to the hundreds of thousands of people who follow him online, he is perfect just as he is.
Who Is Chupey?
Chupey is a rescue dog living in Georgia with his owner, Kaley. According to an interview she gave to Newsweek, he was simply born that way. His distinctive look includes:
- Ears that stick straight up
- Wide-set eyes
- Short, sparse hair
- An underbite with teeth that show
He has a large following on TikTok and Instagram, where fans leave warm comments about how much they love him. His name was almost “Ed,” after the wide-eyed hyena in The Lion King, but his personality turned out to need something more unique.
How Chupey Was Rescued
Kaley was heavily involved in dog rescue at the time. She had previously been contacted by a couple about a litter of puppies, but they hadn’t yet let her help them spay the mother. Later, the couple messaged to say one puppy was born noticeably different from the rest and wasn’t growing in the same way.
Kaley agreed to help on one condition: that they let her get the mother spayed. They did, and Chupey came to live with her.
What Is Behind His Appearance?
Even scientists were curious about his look. Kaley said DNA sequencing found a partial trisomy on one of his chromosomes, meaning an extra copy of part of a chromosome. However, the geneticists involved don’t believe it explains his appearance.
Kaley says she increasingly suspects a congenital pituitary issue, since the pituitary gland helps regulate growth, metabolism and other body functions. That is her own theory, and it hasn’t been confirmed in the interview.
Living With Diabetes Insipidus
In his early life, Chupey spent a lot of time at the vet, with blood and urine tests aimed at finding a cause. He was eventually diagnosed with diabetes insipidus, a condition that affects the body’s ability to regulate water. With a carefully managed treatment plan and medication, Kaley says he is doing well.
A few simple adjustments help him day to day: sweaters and pajamas in winter and plenty of sunscreen in summer. Beyond that, she says his differences don’t slow him down.
A Fetch-Loving Dog
According to Kaley, all Chupey wants to do all day is play fetch. She says he plays until he collapses, keeps toys stashed around the house and yard, and knows where every single one is.
What This Story Doesn’t Confirm
A few things are worth keeping in mind:
- The exact cause of Chupey’s appearance is unknown, and the pituitary explanation is the owner’s belief, not a confirmed diagnosis.
- Dogs that look somewhat similar don’t necessarily have the same condition, so appearance alone should never be used to guess at a dog’s health.
- Chupey’s care plan was designed by his own veterinarians. Any dog with excessive thirst or other unusual symptoms should be seen by a vet.
Why Special-Needs Pets Deserve a Chance
Dogs with medical conditions or unusual looks are often overlooked in shelters, even though many make loving, playful companions. Taking one in can mean extra vet visits, medication and planning, but it can also be deeply rewarding. If you’re considering it, talk with the shelter or rescue about the dog’s needs and costs, and make sure your household can manage them over the long term.
Caring for a Dog With Special Needs
- Protect sparse-coated dogs from sun and cold. Ask your vet about dog-safe sunscreen, since many human products aren’t suitable for dogs, and consider dog sweaters and pajamas in cold weather.
- Stay on top of vet care. Regular checkups and prompt attention to changes in drinking, urination or appetite matter.
- Compare pet insurance carefully. Pet insurance can help with vet bills, but many policies exclude pre-existing conditions, so read the terms.
- Keep them active. Durable fetch toys and safe play spaces help burn energy.
- Feed to their needs. Ask your vet about the right dog food for any medical condition.
Support Rescue Animals
If Chupey’s story moved you, here are ways to help animals like him:
- Donate or volunteer. Compare animal shelter donations and dog rescue charities, or offer to foster.
- Consider adopting. Browse special needs dog adoption listings at local shelters.
- Spay and neuter. Support low-cost spay and neuter programs that prevent unwanted litters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Chupey? A rescue dog from Georgia who has become popular on TikTok and Instagram for his unusual looks and playful personality.
What condition does Chupey have? He was diagnosed with diabetes insipidus, which is managed with a treatment plan and medication. The cause of his appearance isn’t known.
Why is he called Chupey? He was almost named Ed, after a hyena in The Lion King, but his owner chose a more unique name.
What does Chupey like to do? Play fetch, according to his owner.
Sources: Newsweek