Wiley the Dalmatian gives new meaning to wearing your heart on your sleeve. It’s just that in his case; his heart is on his nose. The now one-year-old pup shot up to internet fame for his unique heart-shaped marking which is placed squarely on his face. And over 120,000 Instagram followers just can’t get enough of his cuteness! His human mom, Lexi Smith, 26, describes Wiley as, “54 pounds of goofy, clumsy, sassy, hungry, cuddly, curious, wild, crazy, silly, happy love,” and as lovely as he is in photos she told Bored Panda, “No amount of pictures on could ever fully capture all that he is and all that he means to me, he’s my best friend.”
The pup, born in Oklahoma, found his way to Smith, who lives in Colorado, on Saint Patrick’s day of last year. And while his unique markings did make him stand out, she explains that they weren’t the reason she chose him. “He came from a litter of 11, and 8 of them were boys, so I had a tough choice in choosing him. The heart was there, but not fully formed to the point where I believed it would stay since dalmatian spots change so much as they grow. I chose him because the breeder told me that all he did was sleep, snuggle, and eat, so we already had a lot in common.”
Image credits: hi.wiley
“He came from a litter of 11, and 8 of them were boys, so I had a tough choice in choosing him. The heart was there, but not fully formed to the point where I believed it would stay since dalmatian spots change so much as they grow. I chose him because the breeder told me that all he did was sleep, snuggle, and eat, so we already had a lot in common.”
Image credits: hi.wileyWell, that sleepy little puppy she first met has changed quite a bit, as the 26-year-old remarks, “Wiley has more personality bundled up into his little body than any dog I have ever met.”
Image credits: hi.wiley
Lucky for Wiley, he and his mom live in a place where the pup has plenty of room to release some of that boundless energy.
Image credits: hi.wiley
According to Smith, hiking is one of the pup’s favorite activities:
“We are so lucky to live in Colorado and have the biggest most beautiful places to play in and explore. He loves hiking or going to one of the many massive dog parks here. ”
Image credits: hi.wiley
“He also enjoys car rides and sits where he can look out the front window like a true copilot. But when he gets sleepy, he really, really LOOOOVES to snuggle.”
Image credits: hi.wiley
When the pup isn’t snuggling, his mom says that he can be quite a handful. You see, Dalmatians have a reputation for being a bit stubborn.
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“Wiley’s truest dalmatian traits are constantly making me laugh. Usually, it’s a giggle paired with shaking my head, laughing off total frustration from his stubbornness, but that’s part of owning the breed. If you can’t laugh it off and be creative in finding a solution and training the naughty traits out of them, life with a dalmatian would be such a challenge.”
Image credits: hi.wiley
But for Smith, even with his occasional stubbornness, she says she wouldn’t trade Wiley for anything in the world:
“I have been really lucky with Wiley, though. He has the best heart, and I’m not talking about the one on his nose. He loves everyone he meets and is always so excited to make new friends. He has been relatively easy to train and has made the best little adventure partner I could ask for. He requires so much attention and he’s basically attached to my hip, but that’s what I love about him.”
Image credits: hi.wiley
His mom isn’t the only one who appreciates how special Wiley is. Thanks to his growing Instagram, the Dalmatian even gets noticed on the street!
Image credits: hi.wiley
“Some people recognize him as “that dog from the internet,” a lot of people notice the heart nose, but mostly it’s just people shocked to see a dalmatian. “I haven’t seen a dalmatian in so long,” or “I’ve never seen a dalmatian in person,” are the most repeated comments I hear when I am out and about with Wiley.”
Image credits: hi.wiley
Interestingly, it was Smith’s decision to share Wiley with the internet that kicked off her passion for photography.
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“Photography has always been something that I have toyed and experimented with, and suddenly I had an adorable puppy who made the perfect model. I have a personal account, but creating a separate one dedicated specifically to Wiley seemed like a great way to kind of store all my photos of him and keep a running timeline of his life.”
Image credits: hi.wiley
“It truly started as something meant for just me and maybe some of my friends to see his growth and keep the memories of every stage and event with Wiley. When the account first started growing I remember thinking ‘Wow, what if he hits 5,000 followers!’ I never in a million years could have imagined it would be what it is now. And it’s STILL GROWING. I am constantly amazed, shocked, but mostly so grateful. It has been a fun little adventure, that’s for sure.”
Image credits: hi.wiley
“Hey mom, if I throw a ball will you go away and leave me to my stick chewing?”
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“My plan for today? Same as always: chew on everything and look sexy”
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“It’s Thursday, or as I like to call it…day 4 of the hostage situation”
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“This weekend has been a good weekend”
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“Mom says stay humble, so I say “get my good side,” as if I have a bad side.”
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Let’s be friends!
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“BORN TO BE WIIIIIILD(but only until 9 pm or so)”
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“Throw me to the wolves, and I’ll come back leading the pack. Just kidding. I’ll be home for dinner.”
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“How long do you think we have to sit here before they realize we ARE the gifts?Happy holly jolly Christmas from your two favorite Christmas homies!”
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“It’s her birthday, and she better be sharing the cake.”
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“There’s nothing better than snuggling up with mom next to the warm fire during the holiday season. Unfortunately, not every animal has that ability. That’s why mom got this super cute bracelet (it’s not a treat. I tasted it to confirm). This rescue bracelet funds the rescue and rehoming of pets on death row at kill shelters.”
Image credits: hi.wiley
“If it makes any difference, I found the ball”
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“Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, BLINK, Monday…”
Image credits: hi. Wiley
What do you think of Wiley? Let us know in the comments section and be sure to share his cuteness with your friends and family.
Source: Bored Panda