Elena Domnina, an instructor and administrator at the oldest cynological club in Krasnoyarsk, shared her lifelong passion for dogs and offered advice on dog ownership. Domnina’s family was among the first to breed corgis in Siberia, and she has extensive experience with various breeds.

Domnina highlighted the importance of responsible dog ownership and dispelled stereotypes surrounding certain breeds like bull terriers and Staffordshire terriers. She stated that while these breeds require careful training due to potential aggression towards other dogs, they can be great companions. Domnina emphasized that all dogs, regardless of breed, are potentially dangerous and that responsible breeding aims to minimize aggression.

Sharing personal anecdotes, Domnina recounted being protected by her Airedale terrier, Mirage, during childhood. She also recalled a time when her future husband bravely rescued her Staffordshire terrier from icy water, demonstrating his love for dogs. Domnina’s husband’s dedication highlights the strong bond that can form between humans and their canine companions.

Regarding breed popularity, Domnina noted the current trend towards smaller breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Miniature Pinschers, and French Bulldogs, citing their lower maintenance costs as a factor. She cautioned against so-called “designer breeds” like Maltipoos, which are not recognized by the Russian Cynological Federation (RKF) and lack genetic stability. Domnina advised potential owners to prioritize breeds confirmed by the RKF for greater predictability in terms of size and temperament.

Offering practical advice, Domnina outlined six key points to consider when purchasing a dog, including verifying the RKF metric (puppy card), contacting the indicated club, being cautious of online platforms, avoiding deposits without verification, understanding that a vet passport doesn’t confirm the breed, and recognizing the risks associated with designer breeds. These tips aim to protect potential owners from fraud and ensure they acquire a healthy, well-bred puppy.

Discussing the costs of dog ownership, Domnina estimated monthly expenses to range from 5,000 to 10,000 rubles, depending on diet and veterinary care. Despite the time and financial commitment, she emphasized the numerous benefits of having a dog, including companionship, improved physical activity, and the opportunity to teach children responsibility. Domnina concluded that “a dog is love” and that the rewards of dog ownership outweigh the challenges.