Most beach-loving canines are there for the surf, maybe a game of fetch, and the occasional seagull chase. Chili, on the other hand, is there on business. He’s got sand to move, urgently, and in large quantities. In a now-viral video montage, the Golden Retriever can be seen furiously digging sand like he’s uncovering ancient treasure. While his owner is baffled by the obsession, the internet is absolutely loving it.
Owner reveals how Golden Retriever reacts to sand in funny video
Chili, a Golden Retriever with a passion for sand, is featured in a hilarious video montage shared by his owner. Posted to his Instagram account @goldenchilidog, the clip features the dog enthusiastically digging into sand at several different locations. Whether it’s at the beach or a sandbox, the pup takes digging very seriously. He scoops the sand using both front paws in unison, launching it behind him and hopping slightly with every pull.
Set to the viral “Peekaboo” audio by Kendrick Lamar, the montage has a playful tone that pairs perfectly with Chili’s energetic digging. In the video’s caption, his owner says they “TRULY don’t understand” why their Golden Retriever is so obsessed with sand. With 2.1 million views and over 109k likes, the pup’s sand-flinging skills have made waves on the internet.
One user wrote, “The double paw scoop is my favorite,” while another joked, “Chili is digging his bunker.” A third said, “The digging faces always get me,” referring to the expressive focus the dog shows while hard at work.
Chili’s behavior isn’t all that unusual for canines, especially breeds like Golden Retrievers, who were originally bred to work and retrieve. Digging is a natural instinct that can come from several places — playfulness, curiosity, or even a need to cool off in warm weather.
Moreover, sand is particularly fun for dogs because it is easy to move and offers little resistance. Thus, it is the perfect material for an enthusiastic digger. So, while Chili’s digging spree might seem extreme, it’s just another day of beach fun for a canine doing what he loves.