20-05-2025
Golden Retriever's Adorable Trick Goes Viral—but There's a Twist
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A golden retriever has gone viral with an unusual trick—a forward roll. But his owners revealed that they never taught him the move, it was all self-taught.
Butters, who stars on social media under the handle @buttersthegoldie, has captured hearts after a video showed him repeatedly launching himself into joyful somersaults while out on a walk. The clip, which shows the golden retriever on a leash rolling over and over on a grassy patch, has earned 415,400 likes and 1.8 million views.
"His name came first, we've always called him Butters, the rolling came after.
"He loves chasing his tail, perhaps a little too much, that he would roll on purpose just to grab it.
A split image of Butters the golden retriever doing a forward roll.
A split image of Butters the golden retriever doing a forward roll.
@buttersthegoldie/@buttersthegoldie
"We didn't teach him to roll. He just does it whenever he sees a patch of grass during our walks. Sometimes he tries to roll on concrete but we would stop him so he won't hurt his back. So now he has associated grass as his acceptable rolling place," Butters' owner told Newsweek.
According to PetMD, dogs often roll in grass to mask their scent, relieve itches, or simply because it feels good. Grass can offer sensory stimulation, help cool them down, or even serve as a communication method by marking scent.
Golden retrievers in particular are known for their affectionate and goofy personalities. As the American Kennel Club notes, they're one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. thanks to their friendly nature, eagerness to please, and natural playfulness—traits Butters clearly embodies.
Their owner added: "If he's not rolling, he loves watching birds and keeping the neighborhood safe from squirrel attack by barking from our balcony. He also loves snoozing on the couch with all paws raised, plain omelettes, banana dipped in peanut butter, and greeting every single person we pass during our walks."
Viewers couldn't get enough of Butter's rolling routine.
"Nala stomped so Butter could roll," one TikToker joked—referencing another viral dog named Nala, whose dramatic "stomping" videos gained widespread popularity.
"Petition for you guys to get a Lei. So he can make Hawaiin Rolls," another user quipped.
"We call my girl Susie Flops because the second she sees a person she trust falls backwards for belly rubs with zero regard for the concrete below her," shared a fellow dog owner.
"Love how he holds his tails for a full twist 10/10 man," said Alessandra.
"Hear me out: a bakery where cats make biscuits and muffins, and dogs bring out the butter rolls," added Anne-Marie.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
