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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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<\/a>, but what is it about German shepherds that causes them to behave this way?<\/p>\n