A dog has gone viral on social media after being dubbed the "Freddie Mercury of dogs" for his unique look – stealing people's hearts.

When Malika started searching for a furry friend to complete her family, she didn't expect to adopt the reincarnation of iconic vocalist, Freddie Mercury.

Pooch Gus, a rat terrier, now 12, was the runt of the litter and while tiny, his bold features soon started to show, including his protruding front teeth.

Now, Malika, an engineering technician, is sharing his adventures on Instagram, with one clip racking up 2.7 million views and over 241,700 likes – and her followers are often left in awe of the uncanny resemblance.

"I think we hear that he looks like Freddie [Mercury] almost ten times a day," Malika, from Vancouver, Canada, told NeedToKnow.co.uk.

"He can't sing like him, but he can cry and whine.

"I think the resemblance is his teeth, as they're small, spiky and the top row stick out, just like Freddie's did.

"So, we do agree that he looks like Freddie."

In the video captioned: "I'm just beautiful," Gus can be seen with his paws on Malika's lap, as he grins, showing off his small, sharp teeth and wagging his tail.

Users flocked to the comments to share their reactions, with many confirming his doppelgänger looks.

One person said: “I feel like he is the Freddie Mercury of dogs.”

Dianne added: “Please dress Gus as Freddy Mercury! He’s too adorable!!”

Julie wrote: “I miss Freddie Mercury.”

Bonnie said: “I love him.”

“Those teefs!,” added Jilmer. [sic]

“So adorable!!! I wish he was mine,” said Lorraine.

“He is so handsome,” added Greg.

“He looks like Freddie Mercury,” said Maira.

Sadly, the iconic pop singer passed away in 1991, but Malika believes little Gus is carrying on Mercury's legacy – for both humans and the dog community.

She added: "He is definitely one-of-a-kind.

"[At first], we felt bad for him, because all the other puppies kept walking all over him, he was so tiny and cute.

"He's not very outgoing and wild like Freddie, he is very shy, calm and gentle.

"He loves to lay in the sun and enjoys running around outside.

"Everyone always laughs and comments on his teeth.

"We are honestly so surprised with how popular Gus has gotten in such a short period of time.

"I'm so amazed and my heart is happy to see all the love from everyone around the world.

"I still can't believe how many people love him – it warms my heart."

ENDS

EDITOR'S NOTE: Video Usage Licence: (EXCLUSIVE) We have obtained an exclusive licence from the copyright holder. A copy of the licence is available on request.

Video Restrictions: None.