Putin Gets a Puppy from Bulgarian Prime Minister

Putin cradles his new Karakachan sheepdog puppy.

Giving a puppy to someone as a surprise gift is almost never a good idea. Especially not a puppy that will quickly grow into almost 130 pounds of fur, chew, and energy!  UNLESS, of course, you happen to be giving the pup to the leader of a country.

Putin already has an 11-year-old black lab named Koni.

Russian Prime Minister Vladamir Putin was presented with a  Karakachan sheep dog by Bulgarian Prime Minister Boiko Borisov a few days ago, following the signing of a series of accords between Moscow and Sofia designed to boost the South Stream gas pipeline. Putin, a black belt in Judo who has fostered a stern, masculine image, smiled has he snuggled the 3-month old pup, and planted a kiss on his furry head. Putin already has an 11-year-old black lab named Koni, whom he once boasted was bigger than former U.S. President George W. Bush’s Scottish Terrier, Barney. We expect his new Karakachan sheepdog will grow to be bigger than both combined!

Putin is inviting his fellow country-men to help him name the male puppy. Whatever name Russians come up with and Putin decides on, we hope the puppy has plenty of outdoor space to enjoy at home, and maybe even a few livestock to guard. The Karakachan, also known as a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog, has been bred as a flock guardian, is happiest when it’s working, and will fight with predators to the death to defend their flock. As you would expect, the Karakachan was initially bred in Bulgaria, although oddly, are rarely present at Sofia dog shows. We can’t help but wonder if the new exposure the breed is getting might bolster its image and change that. The dog is named after the Karakachan’s – nomadic shepherds of Thracian origin – and is one of Europe’s oldest breeds.

We wish the new little pup well in his new home, and many happy years guarding the Prime Minister of Russia and his family! If you’re getting or giving a new puppy this holiday season (once again, we don’t advocate surprising anyone with a puppy — make sure they’re ready for the responsibility!), enjoy a Pet-Source New Puppy gift combo pack full of many of the items a new puppy and his person will need. Enjoy the video below of Putin being surprised with his new puppy!