An owner's decision to let the dogs out freely on Christmas morning quickly went viral on TikTok while also stirring up debate in the video's comments section.
TikTok user @loyaldogs_ knew the morning routine on Christmas would be a little different than other days. Most people spend the early part of the day inside enjoying brunch with their families or ripping open new gifts and immediately using them. In his mind, that meant his routine with his two large dogs could also change, at least for the day.
In the December 25 TikTok video, the owner, who is based in the United Kingdom, went outside and checked no one else was on his block. Giving them the green light, his Presa Canario dogs came out of the gate without a leash, a stark contrast compared to their normal routine.
When asked what made him think to do this for his dogs, the owner told Newsweek: "Because every morning I take them out on the lead but on Xmas day everyone is busy opening presents so it's quiet in the morning."
He knew there wouldn't be anyone else on the streets and he wanted to give his dogs a taste of freedom on their morning walk. They seemed slightly hesitant at first, confused as they're never allowed off-leash. Soon enough, they strolled down the street as if they owned the place.
The video quickly amassed over 5.4 million views and 535,100 likes. Stunned by the two dogs owning the street, TikTok users flooded the comments section. Some were in awe at the large dogs while many scolded the owner for letting them off leash.
"Just by the way he came out the gate cautious ye just know they trained so well. Beautiful to see how happy they was," one user wrote.
Another posted: "I don't get the hate. I'd lay down on the ground so fast for a cuddle puddle."
One user who was wary about giving these dogs freedom commented: "This could go very wrong."
Others noted the ban set in place last year in the U.K. should have prevented him from letting his dogs off-leash. The ban, which came in two parts, made it illegal to breed, sell, exchange, advertise, gift, rehome or abandon an XL bully-type dog on December 31, 2023. Those who own these dogs were forced to make them wear a muzzle in public.
Then, starting on February 1, 2024, it would be a criminal offense to own a XL bully-type dog, unless the owner received an exemption, according to the Library of Congress. Now that 2025 has started, current owners will have two options: euthanize their dog before the ban enters into force or apply to be exempted.
The current list of banned dog breeds in the U.K. includes Pit Bull terriers, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro. The TikToker's Presa Canarios are not listed on the government's website as a banned breed.
Originally bred to herd cattle and protect livestock, Presa Canarios are known to be natural and alert guard dogs. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), they have a strong temperament while also being calm and confident. They weigh about 84 to 110 pounds.
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