Little pets of big cities
Once upon a time, far back in 1554 a bishop from Wrocław came to the city on the banks of Vistula and had a four-legged pet with him. Locals were so charmed by the long-bodied doggy that they have carried love to the breed through the years till our times. By the way, Kraków is even called this way: the capital of dachshunds. ‘Jamnik’ – the way this breed is called in Polish – became a truly iconic and unofficial symbol of Poland’s second capital. It is convenient to have a stroll along narrow ancient streets together with it. Dachshunds respond to the Poles, whose love to these four-legged is overwhelming, with immense fidelity. Today in the streets of the city toy and souvenir dogs can be seen every step of the way, puppies will be staring at you from postcards and logos of means of transport. True dachshund lovers not just from Poland but from the whole world gather every year for Jamnik Parade that takes place in Krakow for over a decade now. During the fest dogs defile in fancy outfits, listen to anecdotes and stories about themselves, willingly sit for portraits and even admire them afterwards.
Photo dajlapu.com
In the streets of London, the city that is in love with dogs, you will probably come across all dog breeds of the world, however, regardless of this diversity, patriotic Englishmen still prefer Britons. Among them Welsh corgi who are believed to be the oldest British breed. Legend has it that small corgis were given to people by fairies, which used to ride them. Steady fashion for these miniature herding dogs was brought in by the monarchs. Diggings in Wales proved the roots of Welsh corgi “in royal waiting” going back to 11th century. Queen Elizabeth II has been their devoted admirer since the age of 18. Since her father gave her her first pet, she has had about 30 dogs of this kind. Elizabeth II second also developed a breed that became a mix of corgi and dachshund and got to be called “dorgi”. Discreet citizens of London are mainly attracted to Welsh corgis due to the dogs’ refinement and manners; and thank to their small size owners can easily carry them during London’s frequent rains.
Photo teenvogue.com
While in Krakow, London or any other city owners of small-scale doggies feel comfortable, in places where high mountains adjoin abysmal precipices they would have to be pretty worried about their pets. Therefore, say, in Switzerland, nearby the Alps, where strong fitful winds and avalanches can suddenly occur, dwellers prefer large dogs, unafraid of whims of nature. St. Bernard dogs have always been believed to be iconic breed here – the dogs that have saved far more than one person lost in the mountains. The Swiss and St. Bernard dogs are very much alike: similarly composed, calm, balanced, cozy and at the same time heroic, stanch and with a strong character. This breed has become a true symbol of Great St. Bernard Pass in the Alps. Inspired by heroic deeds of “our little friends”, in the vicinity of the city of Martigny on the Pass, the Swiss created a museum where they immortalized the breed’s bravery. Not only will you be told the history of St. Bernard dogs and their main line of work there, you will also be allowed to communicate with honorable dogs that live there.
Photo palaiskraft.com
Japanese metropolises almost totally lack suitability for keeping dogs. Apartments and houses there are small in size, number of parks is limited therefore only few citizens can afford having pets. But this has absolutely no affect on the love of the Japanese to animals. Akita is one of the most respected breeds in Tokyo and other cities. It became famous thank to its striking representative – Hachikō. This dog, which had been waiting for his owner to come home from work for 9 years after his death, touched hearts around the globe. Hachikō was immortalized in a monument on his waiting place – near Tokyo Railway Station. Goods and souvenirs that symbolize Akita can be seen in both large and small cities of the state every step of the way. Akita in Japan is considered to be the symbol of fidelity. This is the feature that wins hearts of the Japanese for whom family, loyalty and respect are sacred. It is probably the peak of happiness for them: to have a strong family and a reliable fluffy friend.
Photo lapkins.ru
People of Turkmenistan treat their national traditions with care, trying to maintain unity. Therefore Central Asian shepherds, bred in the territory of Turkmenistan with their areal limited, respectively, to Central Asia, are nation-wide favorites there. It is almost impossible to take these dogs out of there because they are believed to be a true pride of the nation. Central Asian shepherd is one of the world’s oldest dog species. Wolf dogs – so they are sometimes referred to – serve as shepherds for sheep, goats and horses that locals breed. They also protect livestock from predators. Untiring Turkmens, who are accustomed to working, appreciate wolf dogs’ power and endurance. Lovers of these dogs annually hold dog fights to check their dogs’ preparedness to self-protection.
Photo petsi.net
Cover photo washingtonpost.com
