The dogs of Moscow are a diverse and fascinating group of animals that have long been an integral part of the city’s history and culture. From the stray dogs that roam the streets to the pampered pets of the city’s elite, dogs have played a variety of roles in Moscow over the years.
Famous Dogs
One of the most famous dogs of Moscow is Laika, a stray dog that was chosen to be the first animal to orbit the earth in 1957. Laika’s bravery and sacrifice made her a symbol of the Soviet space program and a beloved figure in the city.
Another well-known dog of Moscow is another stray named Malchik (meaning “little boy” in Russian). Malchik gained widespread attention as a resident of the popular Mendeleyevskaya station in Moscow where he was loved by station workers, railway operators, and passengers. On a winter evening in 2001, a female commuter struck Malchik numerous times with a kitchen knife after he barked at her pet dog. The woman was identified as Yuliana Romanova, a 22-year-old fashion model, with a history of cruelty to animals. The news of Malchik’s death outraged Moscow’s citizens, and Romanova was sentenced to one year in prison, including mandatory psychiatric treatment.
Malchik’s story has touched the hearts of many people in Moscow and has helped to raise awareness about the plight of stray dogs in the city. After Malchik was brutally murdered, a monument was created in 2007 and placed in his honor at the Mendeleyevskaya station, with a “ Compassion” plaque as seen below. The inscription on the monument reads, “’Compassion is dedicated to humane relationships with homeless animals.”
Working Dogs, Pet Dogs & Stray Dogs
In more recent times, the dogs of Moscow have gained attention for helping keep the city’s streets clean and safe. Many of the city’s stray dogs have been trained to work as security dogs, patrolling the streets and alerting their handlers to any potential threats. These dogs are well-fed and cared for by the city and are a common sight in Moscow’s parks and public spaces.
But not all the dogs of Moscow are strays. Many residents of the city own pets, and these dogs are well-loved and pampered. In Moscow, it is not uncommon to see people walking their dogs in fashionable clothing and accessories or taking them to trendy dog cafes and restaurants.
Despite the popularity of dogs in Moscow, the city has had to deal with some challenges related to its canine population. One issue is the large number of stray dogs, which can be a nuisance and even a danger to residents. To address this problem, the city has implemented several measures, including sterilization programs and the construction of shelters for stray dogs.
Another issue is the treatment of dogs in some parts of the city. In some cases, dogs have been subjected to abuse and neglect, leading to calls for better regulation and enforcement of animal welfare laws.
Despite these challenges, the dogs of Moscow remain an important and beloved part of the city’s culture. They bring joy and companionship to their owners and serve as important guardians and protectors of the city’s streets. As long as they are treated with kindness and respect, the dogs of Moscow will continue to be a valued part of the city’s fabric.
