Ukrainian dog lovers flock to Christmas pug fashion show
Pug owners dressed their four-legged friends in santa hats, tinsels and knitted jumpers
Ukrainian dog lovers have celebrated Christmas with a big pug party. Dozens of animals were dressed as Santas, reindeers and Christmas tree decorations in the capital Kyiv. They gathered at a large pavilion to compete for a prize for the most creative outfit. As the owners treated themselves with mulled wine and took pictures, the dogs sniffed around in Santa hats, tinsels and red knitted jumpers.
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Pug owners at the event said they considered their pets very special.
Anna Lukashevich, event organiser: “Even when you just walk in a street people smile because this breed is very funny, they are so ugly that they are even beautiful. They have a funny nose, funny eyes, they walk in a funny way and they are such roly-polies. They are pure cuteness. And it is just impossible not to love this breed.”
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Pugs are considered to be lively and well-natured pets and are famous for their wrinkly, short-muzzled faces. They are known for creating close bonds with their owners.
Marina, owner of pug: “This type of dog adopts all the habits of an owner. The dog wakes up when the owner wakes up so there is no need to run outside at 7 a.m. to walk it. The dog is happy when the owner is happy and is sad when the owner is sad. And it gets tired when the owner is tired as my Zhora did just now.”
The creativity contest was won by a dog dressed as a red polka-dot teapot.
The popularity of the pug breed has grown in recent years, partly due to popular culture with international celebrities often seen carrying their pets in public.