An adorable Rottweiler named Rocky has delighted the internet thanks to his extraordinary fondness for two donkey pals, with his daily visits capturing the hearts of over 130,000 viewers on TikTok.
Rocky's owner Rachel, who lives in Ireland, shared a delightful video on TikTok showcasing her four-legged friend's endearing encounters with some neighboring donkeys.
In the video, Rocky approaches the pair of donkeys, affectionately putting his nose to theirs as a form of greeting.
Rocky's owner Rachel told Newsweek: "[He] became obsessed with donkeys the first time he met them. They are our neighbors' donkeys, and they've become great friends."
The dog even gets excited when he knows it's time to head off and visit the donkeys.
Rachel explained: "As soon as I say "donkeys" he's ready to run off and find them, he gets so excited searching each field and forest for them."
It isn't a one-way relationship either, as the donkeys are just as enamored with Rocky, too.
"They come running as soon as they see us (and they don't even look in my direction—it's all about Rocky," the owner said.
The TikTok video joked that Rocky has a "serious donkey obsession," and garnered a flood of positive comments, with users expressing their admiration for the unique friendship.
"Don't blame him, I think they're great too," said MyShiningStar14 on TikTok.
Gnasher wrote: "Dogs love donkeys…mind did."
Viewer Carole was instantly taken with Rocky's adorable friendship and wrote: "My heart is melting."
It isn't unheard of for dogs and donkeys to get along well. But not always—donkeys sometimes see dogs as predators and can lash out, kick, or bite, as they are by nature territorial and protective.
When supervising a dog near other animals, particularly those you are not familiar with, it is always a good idea to keep an extra eye on your pet.
Rocky's owner explained that he has always been good with other animals.
"He was raised with cows and calves at home so he learned to be gentle at a young age and that being calm meant he would be rewarded and they would come closer to him," said Rachel.
The Rottweiler is a much-loved dog in the U.S., listed as the seventh most popular by the American Kennel Club. Officially recognized by the AKC in 1931, the breed actually dates back to the Roman Empire.
Rottweilers were kept as herder or driving dogs and accompanied the Roman legions, protecting humans and driving their cattle. Considered to be in the mastiff family, they were also instrumental in the development of the Doberman Pinscher dog.
Not everyone is keen on the large breed though. Earlier this month a Rottweiler owner captured the moment their dog was overjoyed when someone stopped to say hello.
The text overlay on the video read: "Pov: Your dog is so used to people crossing the street to avoid him, so when someone says hi to him it makes his day."
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.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Alice Gibbs is a Newsweek Senior Internet Trends & Culture Reporter based in the U.K. For the last two years ... Read more
