Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder and CEO of Meta, took to Facebook this Monday to announce the death of his cherished pet, Beast, a rare white Puli dog who had captured the hearts of millions. With the simple yet touching words, “Enjoy heaven, little guy,” Zuckerberg bid farewell to the canine companion who had been a part of his family for over 14 years.
Beast was more than just a pet; he was a social media celebrity, a loyal friend, and a memorable symbol of warmth in the tech billionaire’s often highly scrutinized life. Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, brought Beast home in March 2011 when he was just a three-month-old puppy.
Over the years, Beast’s shaggy, mop-like coat and his quirky personality made him an instant favorite among followers on Facebook and beyond. With a dedicated Facebook page that quickly garnered millions of likes, Beast became a star in his own right, often appearing in posts that showed his day-to-day adventures, playtime in the yard, and interactions with the Zuckerberg family.
A Rare and Remarkable Breed
Beast’s breed, the Puli, is one of the oldest and rarest dog breeds in the world. Originating from Hungary, Pulik (plural for Puli) were historically used as herding dogs, prized for their intelligence, agility, and instinctual ability to manage livestock. Their most distinctive trait is their unique coat—a thick, corded fur that naturally forms dreadlocks. This coat is not only visually striking but also functional, offering protection in harsh weather conditions and shielding them from predators during herding.
What made Beast even more exceptional was his color. While most Pulik are black or various shades of grey, Beast was a rare white Puli, a variation that constitutes only about two percent of the breed. According to the American Kennel Club, only a few dozen Pulik are registered in the United States each year, and white Pulik like Beast are even scarcer.
Despite their appearance, Pulik are not sluggish or clumsy. On the contrary, they are energetic and athletic. Beast, true to his breed, loved outdoor activities. According to Priscilla Chan, Beast was no ordinary house dog; he even had an “extracurricular activity”—herding sheep.
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Speaking to TODAY in a 2014 interview, she shared how Beast had a daily routine and was especially gifted in his herding skills. “He is so talented. He’s so smart. He knows his daily schedule. He has an extracurricular activity. He goes herding. And we’ve been told that he’s quite gifted,” she said with a smile.
Zuckerberg himself described Beast as “ridiculously cute,” adding that he “looks like a little sheep.” But beneath that fluffy exterior lay a highly intelligent, trainable, and affectionate soul. His breed’s characteristics—vigilance, intelligence, and affection—shone through in his personality, endearing him even more to the public and those closest to him.
Beast’s Role in the Zuckerberg Household
To the outside world, Mark Zuckerberg is often perceived as a serious, reserved tech mogul who revolutionized global communication. But his life at home, especially through the lens of Beast’s presence, painted a softer picture. Beast frequently featured in the family’s personal milestones and holiday celebrations, often dressed in costumes or playfully interacting with Zuckerberg and Chan’s children.
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Beast was not only a family companion but a glimpse into the Zuckerberg family’s private world—a reminder that behind the boardrooms and algorithms, there was a man who loved his dog dearly. Photos of Beast running through grassy fields, playing fetch, or curled up beside his owners were common on social media. He often appeared in lighter moments, balancing out Zuckerberg’s typically work-heavy public image.
In the tech world, where discussions often revolve around innovation, data, and global expansion, Beast represented something simpler: unconditional love and joy. His goofy expressions, expressive eyes, and never-ending enthusiasm reminded people of the importance of companionship in everyday life. In many ways, Beast was more relatable to the public than the multi-billion-dollar innovations his owner is known for.
The fact that Zuckerberg chose to share this loss publicly, with a simple message and a poignant photo, speaks volumes about the bond they shared. It was a heartfelt nod to the loyal friend who had stood by his side through some of the biggest moments in his personal and professional journey.
A Farewell That Resonates Beyond Social Media
For the millions who followed Beast online, his passing felt personal. Followers from around the world flooded Zuckerberg’s Facebook post with condolences, sharing their own memories of Beast’s pictures, or stories of how he brought smiles to their timelines. Some remembered specific posts from years ago—like Beast frolicking in the snow or playing with the Zuckerberg children—while others simply expressed their sadness at the loss of a dog who had become a part of their digital lives.
Beast’s passing also sparked a renewed interest in the Puli breed, with many expressing admiration for their intelligence and unique appearance. While some may now consider adopting a Puli themselves, they were reminded through Beast’s story that this is a breed that requires significant care and attention, especially because of their complex coat and high energy levels.
Yet, what made Beast special wasn’t just his breed. It was the life he led and the love he gave. In the age of fleeting trends and viral content, Beast remained a constant presence on social media for over a decade. His life was not just documented in images and captions—it was celebrated.
He represented loyalty in a fast-moving world, comfort in moments of chaos, and the enduring bond between humans and animals. Beast wasn’t just Zuckerberg’s dog; he was everyone’s digital dog, and his presence brought a little more softness and joy into a platform often dominated by heated debates and news.
As the Zuckerberg family grieves this loss, they also carry forward the memories of a pet who brought endless laughter and love into their lives. Beast’s legacy is more than the photos and posts—it’s in the quiet, everyday joy he brought into a world that often needs reminding of life’s simpler pleasures.
Beast may no longer roam the Zuckerberg backyard or chase balls across the grass, but his memory will live on—in the hearts of his family, the photos cherished by fans, and the digital footprint of a dog who became a legend.
In his final farewell, Zuckerberg chose not a long eulogy but a simple line: “Enjoy heaven, little guy.” It was a fitting end to the story of a dog who needed no grand words, because his life had already spoken volumes.