A 33-year-old carpenter from Kent has left his full-time job after his French Bulldog, TJ, exploded in popularity on social media and started generating higher earnings.
From Memories to Millions of Views
Duncan Tout created an Instagram account for TJ in 2021 to capture everyday moments. A video of the dog swimming quickly went viral, drawing attention from brands eager for promotional content featuring their comedic adventures and travels.
The income from these partnerships grew substantial enough that Duncan quit his carpentry role in January 2025 to manage TJ’s accounts full-time. The dog’s hourly rate now surpasses what Duncan earned in his previous trade.
Embracing a New Lifestyle
Duncan shared, “I was working every hour under the sun, getting up at six in the morning, going into London and doing a day’s work, and also playing semi-professional rugby. Now, I have a lot more freedom. Last year I got married and moved house, all while just doing dog stuff. It was getting to the point where I was thinking ‘why am I going to work? It kind of doesn’t make sense any more.’”
Brand Deals and Luxe Perks
TJ has landed lucrative brand collaborations, including a complimentary stay and gourmet meal at the upscale Marriott Hotel in Regent’s Park. The duo also enjoyed a trip to Paris courtesy of P&O Ferries. Plans are underway for a potential New York adventure via a private jet service tailored for pets.
Boasting over 700,000 TikTok followers and videos amassing tens of millions of views, TJ remains blissfully unaware of his stardom. Passersby often spot and approach the dog on the street, ignoring his owner.
Star at Frenchie Fest
Duncan recounted a highlight at last year’s Frenchie Fest, a two-day French Bulldog gathering in the New Forest. “TJ went there, and it was just crazy. I was speaking to one person and stroking their dog, and the next minute we had 30 people around us. He has no idea all these people want to see him.”
