Duncan Tout, 33, decided to give up his job after his French Bulldog TJ became the breadwinner
A carpenter has packed in his job after his dog became an internet sensation and began raking in more cash than him. Duncan Tout, 33, created an Instagram page for French Bulldog TJ back in 2021 simply to keep a ‘collection of memories’.
However, after footage of the pup taking a dip went viral, companies began offering payment for promotional content alongside the duo’s humorous and travel clips.
The income proved so substantial that owner Duncan decided he could leave his full-time carpentry role in January 2025 to manage his four-legged friend’s social media presence full-time, as his canine companion was earning a better hourly wage.
Duncan, who is from Kent but carries out most of his work in London, explained: “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’.”
Since then, TJ has secured brand partnerships and been treated to a complimentary stay and prepared meal at the upmarket Marriott Hotel in Regents Park, and he was even whisked off to Paris thanks to P&O ferries.
This year, he could be jetting off to New York on a private aircraft charter service that operates flights for canines. Despite boasting over 700,000 followers on TikTok – with his clips clocking up tens of millions of views – TJ remains blissfully unaware of his new-found stardom.
Owner Duncan reveals that members of the public regularly recognise his beloved dog on the street, even when they fail to recognise him. He said: “He has absolutely no idea and it’s so, so funny.
“We went to ‘Frenchie Fest’ last year, which is a two-day French Bulldog festival 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.”
