My dogs love getting new plushies. That fresh “new toy” smell makes them jump around in excitement, and they love the soft and smooth texture of an untouched stuffie. The toys don’t last very long in that idyllic state because they both immediately start biting and chewing at them to rip out the stuffing. As soon as they reach the squeaker in the middle, they move on to the next toy.

This Golden Retriever has a very different approach to her plushies and prefers to snuggle with them rather than tear them apart.

In the TikTok from @motherhoodnmakeup, the gorgeous Golden was lying on the floor with her paws wrapped around a big stuffed animal that looked like a canine.

“My Golden anytime she sees a dog stuffed animal,” the onscreen text explained, with the caption adding, “My most special girl in the whole wide world… She won’t tear them if they’re a dog.”

The precious pooch wasn’t nipping at or playing with the toy. She was perfectly content to just snuggle with the stuffed animal and hold it close in a hug. The Golden Retriever kept her head on top of the soft stuffie to give it a closer cuddle.

Followers fell in love with the sweet Golden and praised her gentle demeanor.

“Even puppies need puppies,” one remarked.

“Stop!!!! This is the cutest ever!!” someone raved.

“Your dog needs a puppy,” another pointed out.

Why Do Golden Retrievers Love Stuffed Animals?

This wonderful breed is known for their loving and compassionate nature, while also serving as hunting dogs to retrieve game. Goldens are innately gentle, even when carrying items in their mouth. They were trained to carry game lightly between their teeth so nothing would be damaged.

Related: Golden Retriever Thinks Getting Vacuumed Is Just Like a Spa Day

Golden Retrievers are also nurturers and can form a bond with their favorite stuffed animals. The soft texture of plushies provides these precious pooches with comfort and security as well.

Dogs are pack animals, so Goldens may also consider stuffed animals part of their “pack”. Their protective and caring behavior toward the stuffie may be due to their natural instincts of looking out for another animal.

Regardless of the reason, this Golden Retriever is the sweetest!

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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Jan 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.