A HEROIC Chihuahua who saved a terrified mum and her baby from a potential abduction has been rewarded by a designer dog boutique in Bournemouth.

Standing at just ten inches tall, Piccolo leapt into action and scared off an attacker who was trying to wrestle open the car door to reach mum Charlie Preston and 18-month old Lilly. The three-year-old pooch snarled and barked at the man who repeatedly shouted “Get out and come with me” until eventually he released the door and ran off.

Piccolo has been rewarded with a new jumper saying Security along with a new harness, lead, bowl by Dogue, a Puppy Angel bed as well as a tin of Christmas treats by Chilli-dogs boutique.

Charlie said: “We had a lovely time and wanted to say thank you so much for the wonderful gifts.

“Piccolo is very happy with his gorgeous new outfit and his bed, and the other lovely things.

“There has been so much bad press lately about dogs and some tragic losses so it’s good to be able to be involved in a happy ending.”

Tash from Chilli-dogs boutique heard about the amazing story of Piccolo’s bravery and decided the reward was in order.

She said: “Our dogs are an extended part of our family and they completely pick up on our emotions. “Clearly Piccolo sensed his Mum’s fear and wanted to protect her and Lilly.

“He was not worried about his size or what could have happened to him, his sole mission would have been to protect his family and this he did very successfully.”

The drama unfolded while the family’s Vauxhall Corsa was parked in Magpie Lane, Eastleigh.