Kristin Juszczyk on Mozzarella & Pierogi: Life, Love, and Lessons from Her Beloved Dogs
Fluffy siblings show that respecting each dog’s preferences creates happier moments.

Kristin Juszczyk’s Canine Family: Why Her Samoyeds Skip the NFL Gear
Kristin Juszczyk’s creative journey from game-day outfits to viral NFL fashion has captivated sports and style fans alike. As her one-of-a-kind puffer coats and vests appear on everyone from Simone Biles to Taylor Swift, there’s playful curiosity about whether her designs extend to everyone in the family—including the furry kind. Yet, in the Juszczyk home, there are two members who absolutely won’t stroll out in custom 49ers gear: Mozzarella and Pierogi, Kristin and Kyle’s Samoyed dogs. Their story shines a light not just on sporting style, but also on pet individuality, family joy, and championing animal happiness.
Meet Mozzarella and Pierogi: The Fluffy Stars of the Family
At the heart of Kristin and Kyle’s family are two lively, loving Samoyeds—both as distinctive in personality as they are similar in looks. Named as a heartfelt nod to their owners’ heritage (Kristin’s Sicilian roots for Mozzarella, and her Polish pride for Pierogi), these pups have delighted fans and followers with their snowy white fur and irresistible quirks[FAQs].
- Mozzarella: The older sibling, described by Kristin as a quintessential “Sour Patch Kid.” She flips between cuddly affection for her younger sister and craving her own space, always bright and highly intelligent.
- Pierogi: The second addition to the family, Pierogi is happiest when she’s close to Mozzarella. Affectionate and sweet, her joy is contagious, and she adores her big sister—even if Mozzarella sometimes prefers solitude.
Together, their bond is both heartwarming and transformative. Kristin notes that the household’s energy changed when Pierogi arrived: Mozzarella became more active and content, creating a dynamic duo that can hardly be separated.
The Truth About Dogs and Fashion: Why Kristin Won’t Design NFL Outfits for Her Pups
While Kristin’s trademark is creating unforgettable fashion statements on the NFL sidelines, she draws the line with Mozzarella and Pierogi. Despite occasional Halloween costumes (“they freeze and look miserable,” says Kristin), the Samoyeds collectively veto any new gear. Their thick, fluffy coats—enough to rival any puffer vest—mean extra layers are unnecessary and unappreciated. “Their faces just melt, and they get so mad,” Kristin confides, emphasizing that good pet care means respecting each dog’s comfort and preferences.
- Both Samoyeds hate wearing clothes and prefer the freedom of their natural coats.
- Kristin avoids making her dogs fashion models, respecting their dislike of costumes.
- During Halloween, it’s become a family joke to briefly dress them up—always knowing the costumes will come off almost as quickly as they’re put on.
This approach underscores a key lesson for all pet owners: animal well-being comes before aesthetics, no matter how tempting the photo ops may be.
Life as Samoyeds: Fluffy, Fun, and Full of Personality
The Samoyed breed is renowned for its friendly, intelligent, and playful nature—a match for active families and anyone craving a loving, albeit strong-willed, companion.
- Heritage: Descended from working dogs in the Siberian Arctic, their thick coats once protected them in extreme cold—so it’s little wonder they avoid unnecessary layers today.
- Temperament: Samoyeds are highly social, playful, and loyal. They thrive on interaction and can become mischievous when bored or under-stimulated.
- Grooming: Keeping up with a Samoyed’s fur is a regular task. Their dense white coats shed throughout the year, demanding frequent brushing to keep fur manageable and clean.
For Kristin and Kyle, getting to know each dog’s personality has been a lesson in unique quirks and dynamic relationships.
Sibling Dynamics: From Solo Dog to Playful Pairs
Mozzarella once enjoyed life as the only dog, but Pierogi’s arrival changed everything:
- Mozzarella’s activity levels increased, keeping her engaged and joyful.
- The two dogs form a close partnership, though Mozzarella sometimes craves her own downtime.
- Pierogi’s adoration for her older sister helps strengthen family bonds but also creates adorable moments of playful, gentle sibling rivalry.
Keeping Cool and Staying Active: Samoyed Style
Managing the comfort of fluffy, Arctic-origin dogs takes creativity—especially with California weather and a pro football family’s busy schedule. Kristin has developed strategies to keep her pups cool, happy, and healthy year-round.
Top Cool-Down Tricks for Mozzarella and Pierogi
- Pool Days: Both dogs avoid swimming, but on hot days they wade into the pool and lounge on the stairs for up to half an hour, enjoying a soak like a cold bath.
- Shade Seeking: Naturally, they gravitate toward shaded areas in the yard, choosing playtime in cooler spots over direct sun.
- Fans and Indoor Fun: On particularly hot days, Instagram followers have caught the pups relaxing in front of fans or even sneaking into the freezer for a cool-down moment.
- Snow Retreats: Post-football season, the Juszczyks spend time at their log cabin in New York, so Mozzarella and Pierogi can delight in rolling and dozing in fresh snow. “We joke about building them an igloo,” laughs Kristin.
Paws, Play, and Purpose: Kristin, Kyle, and the Purina For the Win Campaign
A recent highlight for Kristin, Kyle, and their pups was their collaboration with Purina for the For the Win campaign—an initiative designed to celebrate the joy of bonding with dogs through fun challenges and reward-based activities. The campaign not only provided opportunities for dog owners nationwide to win prizes, such as Walmart gift cards and a $10,000 grand prize, but also encouraged daily shared adventures between dogs and humans.
- Kyle and Kristin’s Instagram Reel showed the Samoyeds performing fun tricks—from howling to playing dead.
- The campaign encouraged creativity in training, with challenges like “Which Cup?” where dogs had to find a treat hidden under one of several cups—a test of canine smarts and patience.
- For Kristin, the heart of the campaign was simple: “There’s nothing we love more than just being outside and bonding with our pups.”
The Unique Joys of Being a Dog Mom: Kristin’s Reflections
For Kristin, sharing life with Mozzarella and Pierogi goes beyond fashion or Instagram fame. It’s about the little things: seeing their faces light up at snow, the way the dogs “talk” (howl in unison), or the warm feeling of knowing her pups complete the family.
Highlights of Daily Life with Two Samoyeds
- Mornings often begin with both dogs jumping onto the bed, eager for attention and playtime.
- Training treats, like Purina Beggin’ and Busy Bones, play a role in keeping the dogs motivated and happy.
- Evenings are spent together, whether tossing a ball, playing learning games, or simply relaxing as a complete family.
Fun Facts: Mozzarella and Pierogi’s Favorite Activities
Dog | Likes | Quirks |
---|---|---|
Mozzarella | Lounging poolside, quiet time, being the ‘wise’ sibling | Sometimes misses being an only child, highly intelligent |
Pierogi | Cuddling, following Mozzarella, snow days | Loves deeply, sometimes clueless, forever cheerful |
Why Heritage Matters: The Story Behind the Names
Kristin and Kyle chose their dogs’ names as a tribute to their own unique backgrounds:
- Mozzarella: Inspired by Kristin’s Sicilian-Italian heritage and the pup’s resemblance to a fluffy white mozzarella log.
- Pierogi: A nod to Kristin’s Polish roots and her love for pierogis, the classic dumpling. The name just fit the second snowy, doughy arrival.
This cross-cultural connection not only personalizes their family but also adds whimsy to the pets’ identities.
Bonding with Dogs: Tips Inspired by the Juszczyk Family
- Get to know your dog’s personality; tailor play and training based on their preferences.
- Respect your pet’s boundaries about clothes, costumes, or accessories.
- Find creative ways to help your pet cool down or stay active, especially if they have thick coats.
- Participate in fun campaigns or social challenges to encourage bonding and positive reinforcement.
- Make time for daily adventures, whether at home, in the yard, or on snowy retreats!
Frequently Asked Questions: Kristin, Her Pups, and Samoyed Care
Q: What breed are Kristin Juszczyk’s dogs?
A: Mozzarella and Pierogi are both Samoyeds, famous for their fluffy white coats and friendly, energetic nature.
Q: Why won’t Kristin make NFL outfits for her dogs?
A: Both dogs dislike wearing clothes and become upset when dressed up, so Kristin puts their comfort first.
Q: How do Mozzarella and Pierogi stay cool in warm weather?
A: They love to lounge in the pool, avoid the sun, play in the shade, and occasionally cool off indoors with a fan or freezer break.
Q: What inspired the dogs’ names?
A: The names are tied to Kristin’s heritage—Mozzarella (Italian) and Pierogi (Polish)—and their white, fluffy appearance.
Q: What campaign did Kristin and her dogs join recently?
A: They participated in the Purina For the Win campaign, promoting fun challenges for dogs and their owners and encouraging outdoor bonding.
Q: Are Samoyeds a good family dog?
A: Yes! Samoyeds are friendly, playful, and loyal, making them wonderful companions for families who can match their energy and grooming needs.
Final Thoughts: The Heart of the Juszczyk Household
Through every playful moment, spirited trick, and snowy adventure, Mozzarella and Pierogi are far more than Instagram stars or sweet nods to heritage food. For Kristin and Kyle Juszczyk, they are daily reminders that family, comfort, and kindness matter most—whether on the football field or curled up at home.
References
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