A Japanese man, known by the name Toco, invested a staggering $14,000 in a hyper-realistic collie breed dog costume, seeking to embody his furry companion. The custom-made suit took 40 days to create, crafted by Zeppet, and cost him two million yen. With his heart set on the transformation, Toco launched a YouTube channel called 'I Want to Be an Animal,' where he shares videos of himself parading as a collie around the streets of Tokyo.
Toco's canine metamorphosis drew sharp criticism from American collie breeders and judges, leaving him with mixed reviews. The American Kennel Club (AKC), which monitors canine legislation and hosts various dog shows, judged Toco's efforts with brutal honesty. Jeffrey Presley, an AKC judge, expressed concerns about the oversized headpiece, lacking the regal appearance expected of a collie. He also questioned the expression's intelligence, which is a hallmark of the breed.
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Moreover, several dog experts disapproved of Toco's stiff and cumbersome gait, far from the graceful stride typical of top dogs in the herding group. Katie Skilton-Rendina, district director for Ohio and Michigan's Collie Club of America, suggested that Toco needed ample space to improve his muscle tone.
Despite the criticism, Toco's friendly demeanor won some hearts, as he demonstrated the welcoming and sociable nature of his breed. Nevertheless, the canine contest controversy continues, as Toco's unique transformation sparks debates among dog enthusiasts worldwide. With over 50,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel, Toco's captivating journey as a human-dog continues to intrigue and delight many curious followers.