Fluffy the dog protects three-year-old girl from pitbull attack

A floppy-eared mongrel named Fluffy is being hailed a hero after ferociously attacking a pit bull that was threatening a toddler. The friendly mutt showed his mettle when the dangerous dog barged into his owner's home in the Brazilian city of Campo Grande.

Kenya Suelen Rodrigues said the normally playful and friendly pet immediately went into the attack as the intruder headed for her three-year-old daughter. The pit bull immediately rounded on its foe, sinking its teeth into Fluffy's black-and-white back, said Ms Rodrigues.

But Fluffy was not to be cowed, even when he was dragged out into the street, where the fight continued. Ms Rodrigues said she and her neighbours tried to break up the fight by throwing rocks and pieces of wood at the battling duo.

But nothing worked, as Fluffy continued to try to see off his enemy. The battle was finally brought to a dramatic close when a car came along and slammed into the pit bull. The pit bull's owner took both dogs to the vet. Both survived.