Dogs often assume the role of protector when babies are involved, even if those babies aren’t of the canine variety. Sure, it’s a bit odd to see a dominant animal protecting a weaker species, but it happens all the time.

Luckily for these baby ducks, this dog is a gentle giant. The hulking pup named Dug could certainly crush all of these ducklings without much effort, but he chooses to watch over them like a silent guardian instead.

How sweet is that? The strangeness of this situation just makes it that much cuter.