Fun-to-watch agility competitions took place during the first day of the exhibition. The handlers and their pets had to complete an obstacles course with as few mistakes as possible. The judges assessed not only the speed with which the contestants completed the course, but also how cleanly they passed all the obstacles. All four-legged athletes received not only cups and certificates, but treats as well.

The dance competition was also fun to watch. It was not only the remarkable costumes and the striking music; it was also the story behind each dance. Ekaterina, owner of a Bernese Mountain Dog, performed the Gypsy Romance dance. «My childhood memories led me to the idea of this dance. My Grandma in the country had a large shepherd dog, named Gypsy. My Motya is also big and black. This is how I came up with the Gypsy theme," Katya said.

Elena, representative of the Charming Bear Breeding Center, talked about the ways of preparing dogs for the competition correctly: «First, we breed our dogs well, then we work with their owners and create a team of true winners. Handlers are assigned to work with each pet. We collaborate to create a unified show that would be recognizable and different from everyone else’s. It is also important that the handler is dressed to match the coat of the dog; that creates a good image for our business. We want to make every dog happy to train and perform. Any dog can be trained if you work with it from the early puppyhood.»

Olga Ostroverkhaya, head of zoological projects at ExpoForum-International, said that any dog can be trained, but time and efforts are required. «You cannot purchase a dog and then let it just be. It will tear up your shoes and chew on your furniture," Olga says. «Remember that when you get a dog, you get a child. You will need to invest in its development, train it, entertain it, walk it, and let it have an active life. This will be your duty.»

A Tibetan Mastiff stole the hearts of all the visitors. The dog is just 1-year-old, but it weighs 70 kg. The names of the dogs are also interesting; they are so long that you can easily get all mixed up. For instance, this tough baby has the full name of «Lovely from Bordo Changing Zhan Tang Li». Bordo Changing in the name is a reference to the breeding center this dog is from. Tang Li turned into the dog’s nickname – Tango or Tank. Tango is similar to the name given to the dog in the breeding center, and it has just two syllables. Usually the short name is easier to pronounce and the dog gets used to it quicker. The second name, the owners say, was given to the dog because he was «as big as a tank." Although the dog is very fluffy, taking care of his fur is not the biggest problem. It is important to keep track of the dog’s joints. Mastiffs need vitamins and chondroprotectors because with their weight and height, these dogs often have joint problems. The owners must monitor the puppy’s diet and weight from 3 months of age and on.

The exhibition’s diversity is quite surprising: some dogs have tattoos, and others are fashionistas with lacquered fur-dos. Large dogs – meter-tall Great Danes and fluffy Mastiffs – are the crowd’s favorites.

«City of Dogs» provides an opportunity to see some very rare and unusual dog breeds: Boston Terriers, Kerry Blue Terriers, Australian Heelers, Flanders Bouvier, Lappar Olenegon Laika, Thai Ridgeback, Cirneco del Etna, Prague Rat, Russian Colored Bolognese and many others. The exhibition in EXPOFORUM will be open for 2 days, on Saturday and Sunday.