German Shepherd 'Adopts' Baby Chicks And Loves Them Like 'They Are Her Own'
German shepherds appear on multiple lists of scary or intimidating dog breeds, and they're commonly used in law enforcement, the military, and search and rescue. What people don't typically associate with these dogs, though, are their caregiving behaviors toward animals of another species. Meet Chanel, the German shepherd that wants nothing more than to look after her baby chicks and exercise her maternal instincts. Her human shared the TikTok proof in September 2025.
@chanelthegermanshepherd She loves them like they are her own 🥹
In the video, she tries desperately to get her human to open the door into the garage, where a chick brooder inside a storage tub awaits her. When he does, she eagerly approaches the tub, peers over the edge, looks inside, and walks over to the other side to examine the chicks from another angle. "They're safe, okay? Can we go back inside?" her human says behind the camera. As the caption reads, she's become quite attached to the chicks, loving them "like they are her own" after meeting them for the first time nine days prior.
More recent clips show the chicks out of the tub and walking outdoors in front of Chanel, who seems to still be captivated by them. One viewer describes the breed as "so loving and concerned with anyone or anything to do with their family." Another said their shepherd behaves the same way, but with their pet fish. These dogs are undoubtedly among the most protective dog breeds to help you feel safe, but what is it about German shepherds that causes them to behave this way?
Why German shepherds make good guard dogs
Originally bred in Germany for herding sheep, German shepherds have evolved into elite working animals. One of their standout traits is their trainability. German shepherds rank high on lists of the smartest dog breeds, meaning they can quickly learn commands, routines, and even differentiate friend from foe. They're also ranked highly as a strong dog breed. With such high intelligence, combined with a strong build, they make exceptional guard dogs for a household — feathered friends included.
What really sets them apart, though, is their natural protective instinct. German shepherds are deeply loyal to their pack, whether that's a herd of sheep, your kids, or a brood of chicks in your home that they've adopted. They're also naturally alert and quick to respond to potential threats, often before you even realize there's something to worry about. These dogs aren't unnecessarily aggressive, but when well-trained, they can switch from cuddle buddy to guard dog in seconds.
With their intimidating bark, imposing stance, and reputation as guard dogs, just having one nearby is often enough to make a would-be perpetrator think twice. But, as Chanel so eloquently demonstrated, German shepherds also have a gentle side with their protective nature. They can grow to be 70-90 pounds, but they can still gingerly protect any small animal they consider part of their pack. Interested in reading more about uncommon animal friendships? Check out 16 interspecies friendships that are too pure for this timeline.