Adopting a dog is a commitment filled with careful planning, but sometimes even the best-laid plans go hilariously awry. This was the experience of one American dog owner, who discovered his new furry family member had a colossal surprise in store.
The 30-Pound Promise That Didn't Stick
In January 2026, Ezana Bahru from Oregon, USA, welcomed a Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy into his home. He had been given a specific assurance by the breeder: the dog would not grow larger than 30 pounds (approximately 13.6kg). Satisfied with this size guarantee, Ezana proceeded with the adoption, believing he had found the perfect compact companion.
However, over the following months, Ezana watched in bafflement as his pup experienced a growth spurt of monumental proportions. The dog rapidly surpassed the promised weight, leaving the owner both shocked and amused by the unfolding situation.
A Viral Revelation of Unexpected Size
Ezana took to Instagram to share the humorous discrepancy between expectation and reality. He posted a video that began with the text: “Seller: He won’t get bigger than 30lbs. Me: That’s perfect.” The clip then showed adorable early moments of him playing with the tiny puppy.
The punchline came with a dramatic text overlay: '100lbs later'. The video cut to reveal the fully-grown Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a majestic and substantial animal tipping the scales at a staggering 100 pounds (over 45kg)—more than triple the breeder's prediction.
Embracing the unexpected turn, Ezana joked in his caption, “At least I know he ain't starving.” His good-natured response to the 7-stone pooch resonated widely. The video amassed over 2.9 million views, sparking a flood of comments from an engaged online community.
Lessons in Canine Adoption and Research
The reaction in the comments section was a mix of shared experiences and admiration. One user quipped, “Sir, that’s a moose. I have one just like it,” while another concurred, “They always grow bigger than you expect. Our babies be playing us.” Many were simply enchanted by the dog, with comments like “100lbs of majestic beast” and “He's just a big baby.”
This amusing story underscores a serious point for potential pet owners. While common American pit bull terriers often weigh between 30–60 lbs, certain bull terrier types, including XL bullies, can easily exceed 100lbs, with some males reaching 140lbs (63kg). Size within breeds can vary significantly.
The key takeaway is the critical importance of conducting independent research before bringing any pet home, especially when dealing with independent breeders. Prospective owners must consider genetics, breed standards, and potential size ranges. Furthermore, the story serves as a reminder to consider adoption from rescue centres, where many wonderful dogs of all sizes await loving homes.
Ezana Bahru’s experience, shared on 13th January 2026, is a testament to rolling with life's unpredictable moments—even when they come with four legs and a lot more weight than advertised.
