Wiley the Dalmation Was Born With A Heart Shaped Nose
Dalmatians have always stood out, but Wiley takes that to another level. With a heart-shaped spot on his nose, this playful pup turned an ordinary dog photo into an internet favorite, and people could not get enough of him.
Wiley belongs to 26-year-old Lexi Smith, who describes him as a goofy, clumsy, sassy, hungry, cuddly, curious, wild, crazy, silly, happy kind of love. His charm helped him build a following of more than 122,000 on Instagram, where every new photo seems to win over even more fans.
And with a face like that, it is easy to see why Wiley keeps stealing the spotlight.
Dalmatian litters usually consist of 6 to 9 pups. Wiley was born in Oklahoma, and Lexi, who lives in Colorado, crossed paths with the precious pup on Saint Patrick's Day of 2018. Dalmatian puppies are born all white, but by the time they are ready to leave their mama dog, they are full of their iconic spots.
The heart-shaped spot on Wiley's nose definitely stood out, but Lexi says that's not why she chose him!
He came from a litter of 11, and 8 of them were boys, so I had a tough choice in selecting 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.
Snug as a bug in a rug.
Dalmatians are often described as a very active breed, great for people who love adventure and the outdoors. According to Lexi, Wiley is bursting with personality, too!
Wiley has more personality bundled up in his little body than any dog I have ever met.
While Wiley is a snuggle bug for sure, true to his Dalmatian nature, he is very active. Thankfully, Lexi says they live in an area where it's easy to take Wiley out to exert all that wild energy!
Boop or Blep!
"Anyone can be cool, but awesome takes practice." - Wiley
Another common Dalmatian trait that rings true for Wiley? According to Lexi, he is quite stubborn.
Don't get it mixed up, though; Lexi is not complaining about Wiley and his stubborn disposition:
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.
That ear flop, though! Insert heart eyes, am I right or am I right??
That same “aww” energy is what you get with the dog with knitted ears that found a loving home.
Now considered a full-fledged Instagram sensation, it's not just the precious pup's heart-shaped nose that gets him attention when the pair goes out in public together, which they do frequently!
It's not just the heart-shaped nose that made Lexi decide to share Wiley with the world; her love of photography definitely propelled them forward:
Photography has always been something that I have toyed with 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 store all my photos of him and keep a running timeline of his life.
Nom the stick.
A terrific bandana wearer:
My plan for today? Same as always: chew on everything and look sexy.
-Wiley
Now this is what I call an irresistible face.
Wiley deemed this weekend a "good weekend." He has good taste!
Isn't he a dashing and majestic dog?
Mom says stay humble, so I say, “get my good side,” as if I have a bad side.
-Wiley
Dalmatians are an intelligent breed, according to their Wikipedia page:
The roles of this ancient breed are as varied as their reputed ancestors. They were used as dogs of war, guarding the borders of Dalmatia. To this day, the breed retains a high guarding instinct; although friendly and loyal to those the dog knows and trusts, it is often aloof with strangers and unknown dogs. Dalmatians have a strong hunting instinct and are excellent exterminators of rats and vermin. In sporting, they have been used as bird dogs, trail hounds, retrievers, or in packs for wild boar or stag hunting. Their dramatic markings and intelligence have made them successful circus dogs throughout the years.
Wiley is wild and bursting with energy on any given day! (But only until 9 PM, apparently.)
A Dalmatian's spots will continue to grow and change throughout the entire duration of their lives.
Throw me to the wolves, and I’ll come back leading the pack. Just kidding. I’ll be home for dinner.
-Wiley
Dalmatians are friendly and social dogs!
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!
-Wiley
Wiley and Lexi have a special bond, unique to the dog-human relationship.
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.
-Wiley
Every dog loves mud.
If it makes any difference, I found the ball.
-Wiley
The days may flow by fast, but with a dog like Wiley, they sure are wonderful. Every last bit!
Honestly, let's all just admit that this is one of the most precious snoopers to boop ever.
Dear Wiley,
Never change.
Sincerely, Everyone on the planet, ever.
Before you go, see the baby and bulldog duo whose bond proved “unbreakable,” even on the same day.
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