Dog Has Best Time With Chickens in 'Most Golden Retriever' Video Ever

A viral video that perfectly captured a special moment between a dog and her unexpected friends has melted hearts.

Camila the golden retriever was outside on the patio with the biggest smile on her face in a March 3 TikTok video posted to the account @camilathegoldengal. She was surrounded by four chickens that were rocking the same color feathers as her dog fur. That can only mean one thing—they're a match made in heaven.

The chickens would run from one area of the patio to the next, with Camila following excitedly behind. Her tail never stopped wagging. They looked like a group of school kids running around at recess playing a game of tag. However, Camila looked as if she was always "it."

The caption reads from Camila's perspective: "Playing with my Chicken Nuggets...I mean BEST FRIENDS!"

This video is the epitome of a golden retriever's behavior: happy, friendly, and excited. She was just thrilled to be part of their chicken clan.

It's amazing how gentle Camila is with the chickens too. She carefully walks near them, careful not to step on her pals.

The golden retriever dog breedis known to befriend anyone and anything. For example, a different golden retriever met a squirrel in September 2023 and they hit it off. Golden retrievers will even take a chance on being besties with cats.

But just because social media paints a picture that goldens are gentle around the most unexpected of friends, it does not mean it's OK to force them onto another person or animal.

Dogs have a high desire to chase and capture something as it mimics their instinctive prey drive. Even though it runs through their DNA, domestic dogs are less likely to participate in the kill phase of the prey drive. That, however, does not stop them from wanting to capture the prey, which could be a bird, cat, or squirrel.

If you want to introduce your dog to another animal, like a chicken, take it slow and steady. The first step is having each animal get used to seeing each other from a distance. Then, keep your dog on a leash during the first few introductions. Speak to them in a soothing tone and present snack rewards for good behaviors.

If you have more than one animal to introduce, take turns. Do not do all the animals at once as it could overwhelm your dog. Be sure to always supervise, even when they are comfortable with each other.

How Viewers Reacted

This new group of best friends has quickly captured the internet's heart. As of Thursday, the TikTok video had over 2.4 million views, 262,800 likes, and 921 comments.

"The doggo is just enjoying time with his friends that's refreshing," commented a viewer.

Someone pointed out: "The careful tippy taps." Even though Camila is way larger than the chickens, she knows to be careful when getting close.

Another added: "I don't know who's having more fun, the dog or the chickens."

"This is the most golden retriever video I've ever seen TBH," said one viewer.

Newsweek reached out to @camilathegoldengal via TikTok for additional comment.

Golden retriever and chicken
Stock photos of a golden retriever running (left) and a chicken (right). A golden retriever befriends group of chickens in a March 3 TikTok video. marcinm111 and KonstantinPetkov/Getty Images

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our "Pet of the Week" lineup.

Uncommon Knowledge

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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


Liz O'Connell is a Newsweek Reporter based in North Carolina. Her focus is on pet news and videos. Liz joined ... Read more

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