A veterinarian has sparked discussion after revealing there is one particular dog breed he consistently tries to avoid treating in his clinic, even admitting he will "leave" them for colleagues to handle.
The Breed That Causes Concern
Dr Amir Anwary, a popular veterinarian who has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers on TikTok through his informative and entertaining content, recently shared a humorous video that highlighted his approach to certain challenging patients. In the clip, which uses a sound effect from the television series Empire, text overlay reveals his strategy: "When I take the Labrador and leave the AGGRESSIVE Belgian Malinois for the other veterinarian."
In the accompanying caption, Dr Anwary elaborated on his reasoning with a touch of humour, stating: "I'm sorry but it's every man for themselves. I'm taking the patient that's less likely to cause my body physical damage." This candid admission has generated significant engagement from pet owners and animal professionals across social media platforms.
Understanding the Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois, also known as the Belgian shepherd or Chien de Berger Belge, is a medium-sized herding breed originally developed in Belgium. These dogs are characterised by their protective nature, confidence, and strong work ethic, but they also possess a reputation for being stubborn and requiring substantial mental and physical stimulation.
Dr Anwary has previously described the breed as "insane" in other TikTok videos, noting the extensive time commitment required to keep them content. He once remarked that he doesn't have "six hours" every day "just to keep it happy," highlighting the breed's demanding exercise and training needs that extend beyond what many owners might anticipate.
Social Media Reaction and Broader Implications
The veterinarian's video prompted varied responses from the TikTok community. While some users responded with laughing emojis, others shared photographs of their own Belgian Malinois dogs, defending them as friendly and well-behaved companions when properly trained and socialised.
This discussion underscores a crucial aspect of pet ownership that extends beyond breed preferences. Dogs were first domesticated by humans over 14,000 years ago, and selective breeding has since produced more than 360 recognised breeds worldwide, each with distinct characteristics. Prospective owners typically consider traits like friendliness, energy levels, loyalty, and gentleness when selecting a breed to welcome into their family.
The Importance of Thorough Research
Dr Anwary's experience serves as a reminder that not all dog breeds are equally suitable for every household or owner experience level. Getting a dog represents a serious commitment that typically spans 10 to 15 years, depending on the animal's lifespan, requiring constant care, attention, and dedication.
Many prospective pet owners turn to social media platforms like TikTok for guidance from established owners and professionals, including trainers and veterinarians. While entertaining content can provide valuable insights, it remains vitally important to conduct comprehensive research and carefully weigh all the pros and cons of pet ownership before making a decision that will impact both human and animal lives for years to come.
