DOGFLUENCERS: Meet Bentley, Instagram's Viral Chihuahua from Berkshire

Welcome to the ultimate destination for dog enthusiasts and social media mavens alike. At Dogfluencers, we're passionate about showcasing the best and brightest in the world of four-legged fame.

Whether you're looking for adorable photos, heartwarming stories, or expert tips on how to turn your own pup into a social media star, we've got you covered.

Today we got the honor of interviewing Meg (Bentley's Human). You can find a direct link to their Instagram here.

Here is their story:

Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a dog influencer? What inspired you to start sharing your dog's adventures on social media?

Noble: My love for Bentley and what he has done for me is definitely what inspired me to share his adventures (and our bond) on social media. I’ve struggled with my mental health since I was very young and Bentley has been my rock and best friend for the last 9 years - he truly completes me. I started his account as a place to share fun memories, adventures, him living his best life and to make other people smile by showing what a hilarious and loveable dog he is. But, I also wanted to document our lives together and how he has helped me through some very tough times!

What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?

Noble: Like every dog parent, I think Bentley is the best thing since sliced bread (all dogs are - so all of us are right in thinking that!) but what makes him unique is his ability to make me, and other people smile when we don’t really feel like it.

His character and quirky personality comes through in his pictures and videos, so much so that I often have messages from people saying that he’s made their day or that they watch his videos before work to set them up for a good day (that message made MY day).

I also think Chihuahuas unfortunately still have a bit of a negative reputation, so I like to think that by showing him on his adventures, being the sweet boy that he is, that we’re doing our bit to help end the stigma for all the other amazing Chis - haha!

How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?

Noble: There are two parts to this answer! Firstly I just absolutely love planning content, writing schedules and making mood boards for photoshoots! I’ve always had a passion for content creation, writing captions and editing and doing that with my dog, my best friend, just makes it ten times more fun.

I will sheepishly admit that I do have multiple boards on Pinterest and a detailed schedule in my notes app for the never ending content ideas I have in my head, haha!

But, on the flip side, I also love to share ‘outtakes’ and ‘bloopers’ too. The content that had no structure and wouldn’t be considered ‘grid worthy’ are some of my favourite kind of posts to share. I think this truly shows Bentley’s lovable personality and how much fun we have together maybe more than the cute posed photos do, as cute as they are! This also ties in with my passion for speaking about mental health and using the platform to spread awareness and the more ‘real’, unfiltered side of our life together. I like to share my lows and tough days, and how Bentley has helped me through them.

Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?

Noble: It’s no secret that posting online, for anyone to see, can lead to a few negative comments and opinions. I think it’s heartbreaking that we can’t post things that make us happy and share with our friends and community without the potential of being trolled or reading something that takes away the joy of social media.

I think I’ve been pretty lucky on Bentley’s account. I’ve had a few mean comments here and there about his breed, the way he looks, or about me as a dog mom. I’m an emotional person and I do take things to heart, but because I get so much joy from Bentley’s account, it’s made our bond even stronger and we have both made best friends for life (humans and dogs) on there - those things definitely outweigh the negativity for me. I just wish no one had to experience it!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?

Noble: I’d say DO IT! You. Will. Love it! I’m so so lucky to have connected with and met the best people and dogs through Bentley’s social media and truly consider them friends for life.

The potential opportunities are obviously a dream come true, I still can’t quite believe we get to do any of it. I’m so grateful for every single one. Working with amazing small businesses and getting to know the lovely people behind them is just so much fun.

But most importantly, if you want to share your gorgeous pup online and make a ‘memory book’ of their life… you definitely should. It’s so lovely to look back on and you are surrounded by like minded people (crazy dog moms, haha) so you’ll honestly have a blast!

How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?

Noble: I won’t ramble on, I think I’ve done enough of that - haha.

Bentley has truly saved my life. He is a shining light on my dark days, and my absolute soul-dog. I owe everything to him.

Can you tell us about a particularly memorable or funny moment you've had with your dog during one of your photo shoots or adventures?

Noble: A core memory of mine that I will treasure forever is when my best friend (that I met online, through Bentley’s account) and her dog, Daisy, came to stay for the Dog Fest weekend. It was our last evening together so we went down to a lake a few minutes from my house to watch the sunset. We took some cute pictures of them by the water and then went for a stroll, well… they didn’t stroll. We walked past some ridiculously tall grass, suddenly both Bentley and Daisy decided to bounce around like deer together - it was the purest, most wholesome thing to watch. The sun was setting, I was with my best friend, and our dogs were having the time of their lives. That memory that I’ll treasure is all because I decided to start Bentley’s account!

What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?

Noble:

1. How close me and Bentley are. As you can probably tell we’ve always been inseparable, but working together on photoshoots and content has taken our bond to another level. We both just have so much fun.
2. The people - this might sound strange but the dog community and the people in it really are my safe and happy place now.
3. Working with such amazing brands and people. I won’t ever be able to wrap my head around it I don’t think - I’m beyond grateful. Any time we get to work with a brand I do a happy dance, “they want to work with US Bentley?” is what I usually say 🤣 haha!

Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?

Noble: I think our plan is to continue making memories with amazing people, having fun with content, hopefully working with more small businesses that we adore if we are lucky enough to, going to Dog Fest again and other events. I’d absolutely love for me and Bentley to do some work with a rescue centre/charity, I’m not sure what that would look like yet but it’s a dream of mine to be involved in the rescue world. I want to help in any way I can!