Putin's dog: what is its name and breed?

V.V. Putin has established himself in political circles as a talented and influential figure whose decisions shape the history of not only Russia but the entire world. The charismatic president is no less intriguing as a person. Vladimir Vladimirovich is a master of martial arts, skiing, and tennis. He is not shy about demonstrating his friendly attitude toward animals. For Putin, a dog is a true member of the family, a fact he has repeatedly acknowledged. The leader of state has three dogs in his kennel: a Labrador, a Bulgarian Shepherd, and an Akita Inu.

What is the name of Putin's favorite dog?

Connie Polgrave is a jet-black female Labrador. Her pedigree confirms her purebred status. She was purchased as a puppy by the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations through a retriever club and trained at a rescue dog training center until 1999. She was presented to Vladimir Vladimirovich as a gift by Sergei Shoigu.

During her long life in the presidential family (1999–2014), she frequently appeared in periodicals. In one issue of Ogonyok magazine, Konni became the subject of a comic strip. She played the role of an adviser to the head of state, with whom he discussed national and international affairs.

Putin's Labrador dog, pictured, is featured in a book called "Connie Tells Us." The dog, in her own words, recounts her owner's life story. The book was published in English to help children learning the language.

Every Russian learned about Konny on the day of the parliamentary elections, causing the candidate's family to be late to the polling station. The dog gave birth on a significant day for the Putins, which they proudly announced publicly. On December 7, 2003, eight Labrador puppies were born. Two of the puppies were presented to Australian President Kleistil, and the rest were given away to caring Russians.

Two years later, Putin's dog was presented to the press as a possible successor to the president. The humorous idea was enthusiastically received by the media and was discussed at length. Journalists and political figures, including Igor Semenikhin and Yulia Latynina, expressed their willingness to vote for the four-legged candidate.

The controversial bloggers went further and held a virtual vote, which revealed that over 40% of voters were ready to see Konni as Vladimir Putin's successor. The following were listed as positive characteristics of the shaggy official:

• a reliable comrade, time-tested;
• noble origin;
• mother of many children.

To everyone's regret, the Presidential Administration was impartial and declared that it would not accept the Labradorite candidate. Having deservedly received more than half of the Russian citizens' votes, Dmitry Medvedev won the election.

Which of Putin's dogs has received so much attention? Probably none. This is confirmed by the monument to "Russia's first dog," erected in 2007 by the residents of St. Petersburg. Between two buildings on Primorsky Prospekt, a monument featuring a figure of man's best friend was erected on a children's playground, preserving Connie's name for history. As Ekho Moskvy reports, the city's residents are seeking to protect this area, ideal for children's active pastimes, from infill development.

Putin's Karakachan dog breed

During Vladimir Vladimirovich's visit to Bulgaria in 2010, Prime Minister Boyko Borisov gave him a Bulgarian Shepherd (Karakachan). The president was so touched and delighted that he kissed the fluffy bundle live on air in front of hundreds of cameras. The new pet followed the official to Moscow.

Putin's dog's first name was Yorko, the name of the god of war in ancient Greek mythology. The peace-loving diplomat decided to change the shepherd's aggressive nickname. The entire country chose the new name. The president announced an online contest for the best name. The winner was a five-year-old boy named Dima. Thus, the newest member of the president's extended family was nicknamed Buffy.

Connie treated the restless puppy with maternal calm. The guarantor explained that despite Buffy's attempts to upset the kennel owner, whether by tugging at her ears or grabbing her tail, the Labrador remained friendly. When her patience runs out, she can growl menacingly. The owner warmed to the dog and called him a good boy.

The Karakachan Shepherd Dog originated in the Balkan Peninsula and has earned the reputation of being a reliable guard dog. As a puppy, it quickly bonds with its owner and becomes a true family favorite.

Putin's dog, an Akita Inu

In mid-2012, Vladimir Vladimirovich's enclosure was expanded with another pet. For Russia's assistance in disaster relief efforts in Japan, politicians presented the head of state with an elite Akita Inu puppy. The president himself chose the name—Yume, meaning "dream" in Japanese. Developed in the mountainous regions of the Land of the Rising Sun, the breed is considered a national treasure.

The gift of the four-legged friend was the governor of Akita Prefecture, an avid cat lover. In return, Putin gave him a genuine Russian cat. The Siberian shaggy cat has traveled to Japan and, according to its new owner, is doing well.

Now, both Yume and Buffy have grown into large, beautiful dogs who enjoy spending time with their owner. Photos of the President with his pets are often published on the official Kremlin website and on Vladimir Vladimirovich's personal blog.

The president's love for dogs isn't limited to his own kennel. Animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot was convinced of this. In a letter to the Russian leader, she expressed regret over the killing of the four-legged animals as part of a program to reduce the number of stray dogs. The actress requested that the radical killing be replaced by the more humane castration. Putin respected the French beauty's wish and forwarded the letter to the Ministry of Nature Protection. In gratitude for his support, Bardot called Vladimir Vladimirovich "the president of her heart."

Read also:

• Akita Inu (Japanese Akita) is a breed of dog
• Labrador Retriever
• Mutual sympathy between dogs and humans