A German shepherd named Tank became an internet sensation back in 2022 after he saved a 6-year-old boy from a neighbor’s dog running to attack him.
The incident happened while the child was playing in the front yard of their Florida home with Tank and the footage was shared to TikTok by the boy’s mother
The footage shows the German shepherd springing into action as soon as he saw the neighbor’s dog charging from the other side of the street toward the boy.
Tank took his body and stepped in between the boy and the incoming canine and heroically blocked the attacker before it could reach him and then began chasing the attacker away.
“Our neighbor’s dog randomly charged at my son last night & my Tanky saved him from getting mauled or worst,” user@lovehenesy94 captioned a TikTok video
The video of the incident went viral on TikTok receiving over 27 million views. The German shepherd’s quick thinking and heroic behavior impressed many viewers. Some people even went as far as to say that Tank knocked the child down in order to protect him.
One person wrote on the post, “Do you believe that your dog is smart enough that it knocked your son down at the beginning to protect him? I do and it’s freaking amazinnnnnggg.”
Another viewer also applauded the family’s other dog, “what’s the story with the second dog he did a good job, too he ran up there to help his brother out.”
@lovehenesy94 Replying to @yvettemendez25 ♬ Purebred Goodboy – Purebred Good Boy
A third commenter shared on the post, “My German shepherd saved me once from another dog when I was 16.”
Watch The TikTok Video The Boy’s Mother Posted
@lovehenesy94 Our neighbors dog randomly charged at my son last night & my Tanky saved him from getting mauled or worst …. 🥺 #dogattacks #germanshepherd #dogsoftiktok #fyp ♬ Powerful songs like action movie music – Tansa
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes German shepherds as a protective and loyal breed of dogs. AKC describes the breed as having characteristics such as loyalty, courage, confidence, and the ability to follow commands.
“There are many reasons why German Shepherds stand in the front rank of canine royalty, but experts say their defining attribute is character: loyalty, courage, confidence, the ability to learn commands for many tasks, and the willingness to put their life on the line in defense of loved ones,” the organization shared in its description of the breed.
The incident once again highlights the importance of having a protective pet at home. Pets are not only our companions, but they can also act as guardians and protectors in times of need.
@lovehenesy94 THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND 😍🫶🏽 This is Tank & no, he is not professionally trained. Hes just a man with killer instincts, who loves a good chew toy 🥰 #guarddogs #dogsoftiktok #fyp #superhero #skilledtraining #ourbaby #homesecurity @flodaboy1 ♬ Funny Song – Cavendish Music
German shepherds are known for their intelligence and courage, which makes them popular choices for families who want a pet that can also serve as a protector.
The incident involving Tank and the child is a testament to the bravery and quick thinking of this incredible breed.