Belgian Malinois Appoints Himself Manager of Household Robot Vacuum, and He's One Strict Boss

Getting a dog means committing to their well-being. Many dogs are extremely active creatures, who requires several hours of vigorous activity per day to remain happy and healthy. When I had a Toller, we’d walk three miles together every morning. Now that I have couch potato cats, I’ve put on like twenty pounds.

Sometimes people get dogs without truly reflecting on the fact that they are signing up not only for a companion, but also for a personal trainer—and a very demanding one. This woman got lucky with her Belgian Malinois, though—he doesn’t only focus on her activities, but also on her robot vacuum’s.

In this video, we see how a young Belgian Malinois spends his days supervising and even bullying the small automatic vacuum that takes care of this woman’s floor. He barks at it, circles it the entire time it’s running, and whines when it dares to return to its charging dock.

Related: Belgian Malinois Is Confused and Excited After Seeing Mom and Brother on National TV

Pets and Robot Vacuums

As automatic cleaners like this one have begun to dominate the market, it makes keeping a clean floor far easier for people with a busy schedule. It’s also created a whole new category of funny pet stories. From dogs who attack the vacuums to cats who like to hop aboard and test the limits of its engine, there are countless examples of people who have learned that their pets are more than ready for the robot takeover of their home—as long as it provides amusement for them.

As the mom of a black cat in an apartment with white carpets, I’ve often wondered if I should avail myself of a robot vacuum. Then, I remember all the stuff my kids leave on the floor and realize it’s merely a pipe dream.

All About the Belgian Malinois

Though they resemble German Shepherds and are often referred to as Belgian Shepherds, the Malinois is lighter in coloration and body shape, with a generally sleeker appearance. Like German Shepherds, they have been used for both herding and military and police work for many generations. Malinois are bright, active dogs, who need a strong hand in training and plenty of exercise (as this video shows). Without a significant amount of activity and enrichment every day, they could turn reactive and destructive.

Malinois form an intense bond with their human caretaker. When trained for security or police purposes, they tend to stay with a single handler their entire life, even after they retire.

This Malinois has appointed himself his own security guard—of the vacuum cleaner. He stands over it the entire time it’s running, circling the machine nearly frantically. He alerts his mom whenever it gets stuck. And, when it returns to its little dock, he gets upset. The vacuum may have completed its duties, but in this dog’s mind, there is still work to be done (or fun to be had, if you’re looking at it from the canine perspective).

We’re not sure if this video is an advertisement for a Belgian Malinois, or a warning. When experts warn that these are not “beginner” dogs and that you really need to commit to their exercise and enrichment routines—they aren’t kidding. Either you —or your Roomba—will pay the price.

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