Croatian influencer issues stark warning over abandoned and abused Belgian shepherds

Kristijan Iličić has issued a stark warning about the growing trend of acquiring Belgian shepherds without understanding what they require. The Croatian travel writer said people should not choose a Malinois simply because it looks “cool” or obedient online, and strongly advised against buying one for children.

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Do not get a Belgian shepherd just because you saw online how cool, intelligent or obedient it is. And by no means buy one for children.

Iličić stressed that the Malinois is a working dog with exceptional energy and intelligence. Food and a short walk are not enough, he said. Owners must work with the dog every day, providing training, mental stimulation, clear boundaries and, above all, their time.

He warned that human carelessness is leaving more of these dogs abandoned, rejected, confined or abused. In his view, destructive behavior or aggression caused by frustration does not make the dog responsible for the problem. The responsibility lies with the owner who failed to provide an appropriate life.

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With this dog, you have to work every day. It needs training, mental stimulation, clear boundaries and, above all, your time.

“Behind those perfectly obedient Malinois on Instagram and TikTok are thousands of hours of work,” Iličić wrote. He added that a dog is not at fault for its genetics or for being bored for 20 hours a day. People bring the animals into their lives, he said, and must accept responsibility for them.

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Behind those perfectly obedient Malinois on Instagram and TikTok are thousands of hours of work.

Iličić ended his appeal by asking prospective owners whether they have the knowledge and willingness to care for a working dog for the next 15 years. “A dog is not a toy or a trend, but a responsibility until the last day of its life,” he said.

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A dog is not a toy or a trend, but a responsibility until the last day of its life.