In a typical village in the Samara region, Maria Pushkareva operates a kennel where she breeds Great Danes, housing eight of these giant dogs in her home. This passion, which began in her childhood, has evolved into a full-time endeavor, presenting both rewards and challenges.

Maria’s journey began with owning a boxer, followed by a Doberman, before she finally acquired her first Great Dane, and then a second. To become a successful breeder, Maria sought training from professional dog handlers and judges. This education equipped her to manage all aspects of her kennel, from raising breeding dogs to carefully selecting suitable mates and overseeing the birth of offspring.

Currently, Maria’s household includes eight Great Danes: Lis (Fox), Belka (Squirrel), Mysh (Mouse), Puma, Bars (Leopard), Rys (Lynx), Lori, and Dora. Despite their imposing size, these dogs are known for their friendly and affectionate nature.

The business of breeding Great Danes involves both keeping some of the puppies and selling others. The puppies are sold for 80,000 to 120,000 rubles each. However, Maria emphasizes the importance of finding the right owners for her dogs and engages in thorough conversations with potential buyers.

Maria stresses that owning a Great Dane requires a significant commitment of time, resources, and emotional investment. She believes that if a person is not prepared to invest morally, they are not ready for the responsibility of owning one of these dogs. She considers the dogs to be full-fledged family members who need proper care.