'True Friend' in Action: Service Dogs Contest Takes Place in Russia

The contest, held at the Service Dog Training Center of the Russian Armed Forces, has attracted teams from Russia, Belarus, China and Kazakhstan.

The contestants will compete in such disciplines as dog biathlon (solo event and relay race), protection detail and obstacle course navigation.

Major General Vladimir Golovachev, chief judge of the competition, told Sputnik that even as strategy, tactics and weaponry evolved during the course of human history, dogs forever remained steadfast allies for servicemen all over the world.

"There are many areas where no electronic system could replace a trained service dog. And I hope that the participants of our contest will prove it once again," Golovachev said.