Sometimes, it’s our unique traits and so-called “imperfections” that enhance our beauty, and the same holds true for our beloved pets. Meet Enzo Viola, a 3-year-old golden retriever from Texas who possesses a distinctive black patch of fur on his face due to a rare genetic mutation. This distinctive feature has garnered Enzo a devoted following on social media.
Enzo, like any other golden retriever, exudes boundless joy and playfulness. He remains blissfully unaware of his unique appearance, simply living life to the fullest. Described as a “pro napper, sock thief, long-walk enthusiast, kiss giver, and fuzzy snuggler” in his bio, Enzo’s online presence is filled with heartwarming images of him cuddling with his best friend, indulging in his cherished naps, and spreading happiness wherever he goes.
Although golden retrievers typically sport uniform coat colors, Enzo defies convention with a large black splotch around one of his eyes and down the side of his face. This striking feature results from a rare disorder known as a pigmented somatic cell mutation.
Ella Castro, Enzo’s owner, explained, “Golden retrievers are born with a base black coat, with a ‘modifier gene’ that turns them golden. Almost every dog has this modifier. Enzo has a little stumble in his D.N.A that erased it on that one part of his face.”
Enzo’s condition is exceptionally uncommon, rendering him a truly unique and special member of his breed. According to Dr. Christopher Reeder of BluePearl Veterinary Partners, “This is a rare coat color mutation, typically resulting in patches of very darkly-colored hair. Other than coat color change and creating a fascinating pattern, this mutation appears to have no other adverse effects. Virtually any breed of dog can be affected.”
Despite his rarity, Enzo is blissfully oblivious to his distinctiveness. People are often curious about his distinctive appearance, while Enzo’s only desire is to make friends with everyone he meets, regardless of their appearance or background. Castro noted, “Most people don’t know he’s a golden. They often ask about his breed and assume he’s a mutt because goldens are typically solid-colored. He’s an incredibly friendly dog who loves to greet joggers, bikers, other dogs, and anyone who crosses his path. He seems personally offended if someone is too busy to say hello.”
Another remarkable aspect of Enzo is his size; he’s significantly larger than most dogs his age. Castro shared, “People are also amazed by his size. He’s at the top end of his size range. I’ve had people inquire if he’s 5 or 6 months old when he’s barely 13 weeks old.” Despite his distinctive appearance and size, Enzo is just like any other puppy, and his family loves him unconditionally for the unique and wonderful dog that he is.
