Dogs rule in pavilion G with the exhibition “All Dogs of the World” with a gathering of over 7,000 animals. Some compete in different categories: dance with their owners, show training skills, and pass an obstacle course for speed and agility. Others brag with their appearance at Russia’s largest international dog exhibition of the rank CACIB-FCI “White Nights,” organised by the Kennel Club of St. Petersburg. In the main ring, the audience can see the best of the best in the “Young Handler,” “Pride of Homeland” and “Best Exhibition Dog” competitions.

The “Festival of Breeds” is set up in the same pavilion and unites the national clubs of different breeds, totalling about 20. Experienced breeders relate the history of origin, describe the nature and features of the animal, answer questions and make recommendations for their care. “Each breed was bred to perform specific functions,” the organisers relate. “For example, the Dutch kookier hound was used for duck hunting, precisely because it has such a vivid colouring, as well as a cheerful and active disposition. This breed is ideally suited for agility.” Potential dog buyers can find out from such stories if the breed suits their lifestyle, and if everything is satisfactory, can negotiate purchasing the puppy on the spot.

For those who have acquired a four-legged friend, there is the Commodity Fair where there is a large set of food and accessories. For example, E-CollarTechnologies brought to the fair electronic training collars. The product eliminates the need for a leash and gives the dog freedom, while maintaining control over it in daily situations. DogChef offers natural foods and delicacies for dogs, while ROYAL CANIN hands out souvenirs and gifts, offering attractive prices for cat and dog food.

Cats, rodents and exotic animals are located in the neighbouring pavilion. Over 500 cats compete in mono-breed rings based on the FIFE, WACC, WCF, ASC, TICA, FARUS IFA systems. The kitten sale exhibition is also set up here.

Ferrets are also not left behind. Ferret owners organised “Ferret Summer 2017” during which there is an exhibition of the animals, informative lectures on the care, feeding and origin, and commemorative souvenirs are made with the image of the ferrets. The exotic animal display is also not boring: the visitors are shown snakes, lizards, spiders, stick insects, giant snails, as well as terrariums and terrarium equipment. Reptile specialists enthusiastically talk about their wards: “Bearded agamas from birth are very socialised. They are not afraid of people and observe them with interest,” says one of the participants. “They are very similar in behaviour to cats, they act towards the owner like towards a ‘slave’ and with pleasure will watch a TV series with them, warm themselves on your chest and requiring that you not budge.”

There is an extensive entertainment programme for the smallest visitors: the children paint pictures made of glass, are photographed with parrots, raccoons, iguanas and even owls, they dance in giant soap bubbles, ride on a camel, reindeer, horse or pony.