Dogs are known for their protective instinct as they often guard and stick up for the ones they love most.
One dog's display of angst against her owner's boyfriend, during what appears to be a playful moment between the couple, has amused many social media users.
Viewers watched as the dog's owner, Lily—who goes by @lil.high.munckin on TikTok—jokingly tapped her partner on his bottom. Her dog quickly leaped into action, appearing to lunge toward the man's shorts in an attempt to tug at them or yank them down.
"POV: your dog love teaming up with you against your bf," text in the video said.
Lily added that her dog loved her boyfriend, but that whenever the couple pretended to fight, her dog jumped at the opportunity to "tell him off."
In the video's caption, Lily wrote that she loved her "lil' protective [weirdo]" and that the pup and her partner were best friends.
Lily said in the comments section that her dog is a cattle dog, presumably an Australian cattle dog, an energetic herding breed native to Australia.
Newsweek has contacted @lil.high.munckin for more information via TikTok and Instagram.
The cattle dog was filmed lunging toward his owner's partner. The dog's owner joked that the pup was always keen to defend her.The cattle dog was filmed lunging toward his owner's partner. The dog's owner joked that the pup was always keen to defend her.@lil.high.munckinOn its website, the American Kennel Club described the breed as being loyal and tenacious, which makes sense considering its deep-rooted herding history.
Australian cattle dogs also have a tendency to become easily bored if they are not walked enough or stimulated at home, the AKC added. They have a keen eye for mischief and fun, which is in line with the cheery behavior seen in Lily's viral video.
"If an ACD isn't challenged, it easily becomes bored and may get into mischief. It is recommended that ACD owners participate with these versatile dogs in some work, sport, or regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically fit," the AKC wrote.
What Do the Comments Say?
Since Lily shared the post on March 19, it has received 1.5 million views and more than 320,000 likes on TikTok. It has also received more than 300 comments, with many users praising the protective pup.
"He's too cute, I miss being around cattles," one user wrote.
Another added: "Blue heelers like many people; but they have ONE person they love. This is adorable."
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
