VLAD THE TERRIER-BLE

Vladimir Putin turns down dog given to him as a present from Japanese ambassador

Russian premier turns down the gift despite his famous love of man's best friend

Danny Collins

Published: 21:50, 10 Dec 2016
Updated: 22:05, 10 Dec 2016

VLADIMIR Putin sent the Japanese ambassador packing when they tried to present him with a cuddly new pooch.

Envoy to Moscow Koichi Haguida was all set to present Russia's premier with the dog - only to see the move rebuffed by the Kremlin.

Vladimir Putin who is renowned for his love of dogs, cuddles a Bulgarian shepherd and Akita Inu in the snow in 2013 — Vladimir Putin who is renowned for his love of dogs, cuddles a Bulgarian shepherd and Akita Inu in the snow in 2013Credit: Reuters

Here, is pictured cuddling a Bulgarian Shepherd, given to him by the country's PM — Here, is pictured cuddling a Bulgarian Shepherd, given to him by the country's PMCredit: Reuters

But Russia's strongman President was none too impressed when Japan's ambassador to Moscow tried to present him with another pooch — But Russia's strongman President was none too impressed when Japan's ambassador to Moscow tried to present him with another poochCredit: AP:Associated Press

He did not say why the gift - which was intended as a companion for an Akita handed over in 2012 - had been rejected.

It was due to be presented at a summit with Putin and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe in Japan next week.

Mr Hagiuda said: "Unfortunately, we heard from our counterparts, and our hope to present a bridegroom was dashed."

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The Akita breed hails from Japan and would have joined an exalted list of pets given to strongman Putin.

He has previously been presented with a Labrador called Konni by his defence minister Sergey Shoigu.

While the Bulgarian president gave him a Bulgarian Shepherd named Buffy in 2010.

Tensions between Russia and Japan have simmered over the status of the Kuril Islands in the Far East.

Putin is thought to have tried to intimidate German Chancellor Angela Merkel with one of his dogs in the past. He later apologised, saying he was unaware of her fear of dogs — Putin is thought to have tried to intimidate German Chancellor Angela Merkel with one of his dogs in the past. He later apologised, saying he was unaware of her fear of dogsCredit: Getty Images

The islands were seized by Russia in the final days of the Second World War, with Tokyo determined to see their return.

Putin was once accused of using dogs to intimidate German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

He took Konni along to a meeting between the pair in 2007, despite Merkel's well-known fear of dogs.

The former KGB officer later claimed he did not know of her phobia.

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Vladimir Putin