Dachshund Puppy Looks Like Mini Dalmatian Or Cow Due To Piebald Fur

A Dachshund puppy has been winning people over online thanks to his beautifully unique appearance, sporting a black-and-white patterned coat that makes him look like a mini Dalmatian or even a cow.

Moo the dog - who lives in Miami, Florida, with owner Victoria Hoffman - may only be seven months old, but he's already got more than 13,000 Instagram followers.

His piebald fur - which is what happens when an animal's coat has unpigmented white spots on a pigmented background - and covers most of his body. It means that, apart from his black-and-tan face, the pooch looks more like a Dalmatian than a tiny Dachshund.

Victoria, 24, said a lot of people assume Moo is wearing some sort of clothes, but promises it's all natural.

She said of her pet: "He is a unique piebald because he has heavy ticking, black spots on his white coat, and he also has a pure black and tan head.

"So, it looks like his body doesn't match his head.

"Lots of people think he is wearing a coat or pajamas at first, and they're surprised to find that it's actually just his natural coat.

"Moo gets lots of reactions everywhere he goes, whether it's on social media or in everyday life. People love his coat and funny personality.

"We get stopped on the street a lot so people can take pictures of him or ask about him. He's truly such a special little pup. He's our little star."

Victoria, who works for a skincare beauty company, said it's not just Moo's fur that's special, adding that he has a distinctive personality to match.

She continued: "Moo doesn't just have a special coat, but a special personality as well. He has lots of attitude and is super cuddly and sweet as well.

"He loves to hoard his toys in one spot, watermelon and almonds are his favourite treats, and he loves to take naps on his back under his bed.

"I never get bored or lonely having Moo around."

Even during the coronavirus pandemic, Victoria's four-legged friend has been bringing joy to her and her boyfriend.

She added: "My boyfriend and I have always wanted a dachshund. I don't think that we would've gotten a dog if it weren't for Covid because we wouldn't have been home as much.

"It's true that blessings and joy can still come out of hard times. Moo has been just that."