Brodie the "Picasso-faced dog" is becoming a social media sensation

Brodie, a 6-year-old mixed-breed dog with an off-kilter snout, is winning hearts across the globe. With more than 1.6 million combined followers on Instagram and TikTok, the quirky-looking pup has become an unlikely symbol of resilience, joy, and the beauty of imperfection.

Brodie’s journey, first reported by People, began at Old Macdonald Kennels, a rescue organization in Canada. As his owner Amanda Richter explained in her interview with the outlet, Brodie’s challenges started early when his mother bit him on the head at just two weeks old. The injury left him with a twisted snout and partial blindness in one eye.

Despite his unconventional appearance, Richter, a photographer, was captivated the moment she saw his photo online. “The moment I saw his picture on Facebook, I fell in love with his face,” Richter told People. She adopted Brodie the same day.

A viral masterpiece

Richter began sharing Brodie’s story on social media after fans from the shelter’s Facebook page asked for updates. As she explained to People, “I decided to do it because who doesn’t love taking pictures of their dog? And it just blew up.”

Today, Brodie’s unique look has earned him comparisons to a Picasso painting—a description Richter embraces. “He truly embodies Picasso’s artwork—everything’s slightly out of place and different and crooked,” she said in her interview. Brodie’s fans now include celebrities like Amanda Seyfried and Leona Lewis.

TikTok · Bestboybrodiewww.tiktok.com

His TikTok account, in particular, is filled with adoration from fans, whose comments range from heartfelt to funny:

• “Not to be dramatic but I would die for him” — Peyton
• “Protect this baby at all costs” — Polican124
• “im sorry but this is proof angels exist look at this adorable baby!!” — UntilDeathDoUsPart
• “He looks like a children’s drawing of a dog and that’s the cutest thing ever omg,” — shy
• “bro been chasing his tail for too long 😭🙏,” — Rishard

Spreading joy and finding family

Through his social media stardom, Brodie has become a source of inspiration. “He’s a beacon of light,” Richter said in the People interview. His story has resonated with fans who find beauty in his differences.

Brodie’s fame even led Richter to adopt another special needs dog. In 2022, a follower alerted her to Raven, a mixed-breed dog in Texas with a similarly twisted snout caused by past abuse. While it took time for the two dogs to adjust, they eventually became inseparable. “They complete each other,” Richter shared. “They’re like yin and yang.”

A new adventure

At the end of 2024, Richter, Brodie, and Raven moved to Vancouver Island, where they continue to spread a message of resilience and acceptance. “Brodie has such a zest for life, he does not care what he looks like,” Richter said. “It’s okay to be imperfect and look different. You can still thrive.”

Brodie’s story is a nice reminder that life’s challenges can sometimes lead to something beautiful.