Blue Staffy Dad Meets Newborn Puppies and It’s Truly Love at First Sight

Dogs seem to understand that when puppies are born, they're to be treated with care. Blue Staffordshire Bull Terrier Tommy has just met his pack of babies for the first time, and he's the definition of a gentle, loving father.

There's nothing like seeing your children for the first time (human or otherwise), and Tommy understood the assignment. Watch this sweet boy as he greets his children one by one!

"Daddy Tommy's reaction to meeting his 1-day-old puppies," the caption says. "Whilst Petra had been taken to the vets' for her routine post birth checkup, Ian decided to let Tommy check out his babies," the caption via @izy_the_staffy says.

The post describes Tommy as "a gentle sweet boy" who was "absolutely blown away and totally besotted by his gorgeous puppies," and it shows in how careful he is with them, giving them all kisses.

"His instinct was to make sure they clean and healthy in all the right places too!! What a sweet fella he is!!" one person remarked.

"So gentle- he’s smelling them over and giving a little wash if needed. He knows this is Petra’s domain but will be a helpful dad in her absence. So caring," another added.

"Aww, this is the sweetest video ever! He is one proud dad!" another said.

Tommy was meant to be a dad and will, no doubt, keep his babies safe and warm when mama Petra isn't around.

Related: Blue Staffy Dances with Joy As Grandparents Return From 3-Week Holiday

Do Dogs Recognize Their Babies?

Watching Tommy act so lovingly toward his babies, it seems as though he knows they are his. However, The American Kennel Club explains dogs don't make the best fathers . The reason has to do with their ancestry, since they descended from wolves. While wolves are made up of a family unit where father teach their offspring to hunt, forage, and protect, dogs have been domesticated by humans. Throughout the years, those father-like tendencies have been bred out.

Dogs don't have parenting skills like wolves and instead may be reacting to puppies' vulnerability, not reacting to the fact they are his children. Likewise, male dogs may just be curious about the litter or want to play with them as opposed to feeling a need to nurture them.

This doesn't mean pups like Tommy won't be amazing dads. Some dogs are naturally more gentle and loving, therefore, it continues when meeting new additions. They can also learn over time how to act around the puppies if they've been properly socialized and around other pets.

So, while Tommy probably doesn't understand those are his babies, he'll still love them all the same!