Great Pyrenees Spots a Baby Chick and Instantly Becomes a 'Helicopter Parent'

This lovable Great Pyreneesdid his best to protect a baby chick...even if it didn't really need his help.

Earthella, a homesteader and farmer, took to social media to share how her livestock dog, a Pyrenees named River, did his best to rescue a baby chick he thought was in distress. "Thought" being the operative word given that the chick was actually totally fine, not in need of River's assistance, and definitely didn't need the full body bath it was subjected to.

@earthella

Great Pyrenees protecting things that don't even need protected. #greatpyrenees

original sound - EARTHELLA

As shown in the video shared to social media, River gently picked up the chick entirely in his mouth going full "helicopter parent." The hen was the ACTUAL mom was less than impressed with River's attempt at "helping." While the baby chick was fully soaked from its wet ride in River's loving embrace, it was otherwise completely unharmed and wet back to where it was supposed to be once a human intervened.

Why Great Pyrenees Are the Ultimate Protectors

Great Pyrenees have been bred for centuries to be Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) able to watch over farm animals and flocks independently from humans. Because of this intentional breeding they are very loyal, are able to make decisions without people, and are relatively fearless especially when in the presence of something they deem a threat. This independence can make them somewhat difficult to train, and they really need work to be satisfied and happy dogs.

Despite their massive size and somewhat domineering look, a Great Pyrenees really is a gentle giant-so long as you're not a threat to their flock. They're famously very affectionate and gentle, especially with little ones. All to say, River the Great Pyrenees had essentially a completely predictable reaction and method behind his madness when it came to protecting the baby chicken.

All to say, just like stated in Earthella's caption, a Great Pyrenees is so good at protecting they'll do it even when things don't need protecting.

SIGN UP to get "pawsitivity" delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends

Related: Great Pyrenees Mix Has the ‘Fattest Puppy Ever' and It's Pure Joy

Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published May 31, 2026 at 4:20 PM.