In a delightful moment that has captured the internet’s heart, Mark Zuckerberg, the billionaire founder and CEO of Meta, shared a series of charming home photos featuring his Hungarian Puli, Beast, on September 16, 2025, igniting a viral sensation across social media platforms. The candid snapshots, posted on Zuckerberg’s Instagram and X accounts, showcase the fluffy, dreadlocked dog lounging in the family’s Palo Alto home, playing fetch in the backyard, and even “helping” Zuckerberg during a virtual reality demo. With over 3 million likes and thousands of comments, the photos have turned Beast into an online superstar, with hashtags like #BeastZuckerberg and #MetaPup trending globally. The heartwarming glimpse into Zuckerberg’s personal life, coupled with Beast’s undeniable charisma, has not only humanized the tech mogul but also sparked a wave of fan art, memes, and calls for more canine content, proving that even billionaires can’t resist the universal appeal of a beloved pet.

The photos, taken in the Zuckerbergs’ modern yet cozy California residence, offer a rare peek into the private world of a man often associated with corporate boardrooms and tech innovation. In one image, Beast sprawls across a plush gray sofa, his signature corded fur splayed out like a mop, with Zuckerberg’s caption reading, “Beast’s new favorite spot to rule the house.” Another shows the Puli chasing a tennis ball across a sunlit lawn, tongue lolling and eyes bright, tagged with #FetchChampion. A third, particularly viral shot captures Beast sitting attentively beside Zuckerberg’s desk, where a Meta Quest headset rests, as if the dog is supervising a VR coding session. “Beast thinks he’s the lead engineer now,” Zuckerberg quipped, prompting a flood of laughing emojis and comments like, “Hire him, Zuck!” The photos, shared across Meta’s platforms and amplified on X, have racked up millions of views, with fans dubbing Beast “the real CEO of Meta.”

Beast, a Hungarian Puli adopted by Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, in 2011, has long been a beloved figure in the Zuckerberg household. Known for his distinctive, sheep-like fur and playful personality, the 14-year-old dog has his own Facebook page with over 2 million followers, where he’s often featured in family moments. The latest photos, however, have elevated Beast’s fame to new heights, showcasing his enduring charm despite his senior years. In one heart-melting image, Beast naps beside Zuckerberg’s youngest daughter, Aurelia, on a beanbag, both bathed in soft morning light. Another shows him curled up in a custom dog bed shaped like the Meta logo, a gift from employees, with Zuckerberg noting, “He’s officially part of the brand.” The images, taken by Chan with a Google Pixel 9, highlight her knack for capturing candid moments, adding authenticity to the family’s portrayal.

The viral response underscores Beast’s universal appeal. On X, users shared fan art of the Puli as a superhero, complete with a cape and Meta’s blue logo, while others created memes joking about Beast “running” the company’s AI division. “Move over, Zuck—Beast is the star of Meta now,” one post read, garnering thousands of retweets. Instagram reels featuring Beast’s photos set to upbeat music have exploded, with one compilation by a dog influencer amassing 5 million views. The hashtag #BeastZuckerberg trended alongside #MetaPup, with fans posting their own pet photos in solidarity, inspired by Beast’s laid-back charm. “He’s the goodest boy in Silicon Valley,” one user commented, while another wrote, “Beast is living the billionaire life we all dream of.”

The photos also offer a softer side of Zuckerberg, who has faced scrutiny for Meta’s privacy scandals and his polarizing public persona. The 41-year-old tech mogul, often seen in formal settings or testifying before Congress, appears relaxed and relatable in the images, wearing a simple t-shirt and jeans as he plays with Beast or works from home. In one candid shot, Zuckerberg laughs as Beast attempts to “steal” a slice of pizza from a kitchen counter, a moment that resonated with pet owners worldwide. “This is the Mark we need more of,” a commenter wrote on X. “Just a guy and his dog.” The photos come at a time when Zuckerberg is navigating Meta’s ambitious pivot to artificial intelligence and the metaverse, making the lighthearted content a welcome contrast to his high-stakes professional life.

Beast’s star turn has also sparked discussions about the role of pets in humanizing public figures. Social media users noted parallels with other tech billionaires’ pets, like Jeff Bezos’s dog Luna or Elon Musk’s Shiba Inu, Floki, who have similarly captured online attention. “Beast is the OG tech dog,” one X user posted, referencing his long-standing presence compared to newer canine celebrities. The photos have inspired a wave of pet-centric content, with influencers and brands jumping on the trend. A popular dog apparel company announced a “Beast-inspired” line of corded-fur hoodies, while a pet food brand offered to sponsor Beast as a “canine ambassador.” The frenzy even prompted Meta’s official Instagram to post a poll asking, “Should Beast get his own VR avatar?” with 92% of respondents voting yes.

Beyond the adorability, the photos highlight the Zuckerbergs’ commitment to family and normalcy. Chan, a pediatrician and philanthropist, appears in several images, reinforcing the couple’s down-to-earth dynamic. In one photo, she and Beast are seen gardening in the backyard, with Chan planting succulents while Beast digs nearby. “Priscilla says Beast is her best gardening buddy,” Zuckerberg wrote, prompting fans to praise the couple’s relatable moments. The images also feature subtle nods to Meta’s technology, like a smart home speaker in the background or a glimpse of Zuckerberg’s home office, blending the personal with the professional. This balance has resonated with younger audiences, particularly Gen Z, who flooded X with comments like, “Zuck’s house looks like mine, but with a cooler dog.”

The viral moment hasn’t been without its critics. Some X users accused Zuckerberg of using Beast to deflect from Meta’s ongoing controversies, such as recent lawsuits over data privacy and AI ethics. “Cute dog, but it doesn’t erase Meta’s problems,” one post read, gaining traction among skeptics. Others questioned the timing, noting the photos coincided with Meta’s announcement of a new AI-driven advertising platform, leading to speculation of a calculated PR move. “Beast is adorable, but this feels like a distraction,” a commenter wrote. Supporters, however, dismissed these claims, arguing the photos are a genuine glimpse into Zuckerberg’s life. “He’s just sharing his dog like anyone else,” one fan posted. “Let the man have a moment.”

The photos have also inspired broader conversations about pet culture in the tech world. Beast’s prominence recalls past moments, like when Zuckerberg shared a video of Beast “testing” a VR headset in 2020, which similarly went viral. The Puli’s unique appearance—often likened to a “mop with legs”—has made him a standout, with fans creating TikTok filters that mimic his corded fur. Pet behaviorists on X praised the Zuckerbergs for keeping Beast active and engaged in his senior years, noting his sprightly demeanor in the photos. “Beast is 14 but moves like a puppy,” one expert commented, attributing his vitality to the family’s attentive care.

As the photos continue to circulate, they’ve sparked a wave of user-generated content. Fans have submitted their own pet photos with #MetaPup, hoping for a shoutout from Zuckerberg, while others have created parody accounts like “BeastZuckOfficial,” posting humorous “updates” from the dog’s perspective. A viral X thread imagined Beast running Meta’s board meetings, complete with Photoshopped images of him at a conference table. The frenzy has even caught the attention of celebrities, with singer Billie Eilish commenting, “Beast is the vibe we all need,” on Zuckerberg’s Instagram post. The photos have also boosted engagement on Beast’s Facebook page, where followers have doubled since the posts went live.

For Zuckerberg, the moment is a rare win in the court of public opinion. The photos, devoid of corporate polish, showcase a side of the billionaire that resonates universally: a pet owner reveling in his dog’s antics. As Meta navigates its next chapter, Beast’s star turn has reminded the world that even tech titans find joy in simple moments. Social media continues to buzz with adoration for the fluffy Puli, with fans clamoring for more content. “Beast deserves his own show,” one X user posted, summing up the sentiment. For now, the internet’s favorite tech dog reigns supreme, proving that in a world of algorithms and innovation, a wagging tail can steal the show.