The head of Tatarstan posted rare photos of his Central Asian Shepherd named Akdus on his Telegram channel.
The caption was written in the Tatar language. The photo shows the dog standing on its hind legs in a jumping position.
“Akdus is eager for the new work week! How about you?”
The caption reminds that the next work week in Tatarstan will be six days long due to the transfer of the day off from Saturday, November 1st to Monday, November 3rd. Additionally, the Republic celebrates Constitution Day on the 6th.
Commenters responded affectionately to the photo, sharing their preparations for the challenging workdays ahead. Residents of Tatarstan are happy they can rest.
“Beautiful dog. We go to work as if it’s a holiday. Thank God, everyone is alive and healthy”;
“Work is always a celebration for us”;
“Without work it’s bad! Even though we’re retired, there’s more work than before!!! We can’t live without it”;
“What a handsome boy”
In 2021, the Central Asian Shepherd, then still a puppy, came into the possession of the head of Tatarstan as a gift from the President of Turkmenistan. At that time, the animal served as a symbol of special respect and strong friendship.
Over the years, Akdus has become known not only to the regional leader but also to the public. The registration process for dogs with their owners is established in the republic’s law since 2025.
At the end of 2022, the regional leader stated that he doesn’t often walk his dog due to the large volume of tasks he has to handle. At that time, people in the comments wrote that the animal’s gaze appeared sad.
While the owner is busy with work, Akdus travels to exhibitions and competitions. For example, in May 2022 he was in Yoshkar-Ola, and in early 2024 he became champion of Russia.
The leader sometimes manages to walk with his pet. Together they go to the forest, admire spring trees and enjoy snow piles. Negative comments under publications are usually not found when the Central Asian Shepherd is in the frame.
This breed from Turkmenistan is considered a national treasure of the country. Export of purebred animals abroad without official permission is impossible. A similar puppy was gifted to the President of Russia in 2017.
Registration of domestic dogs is mandatory in Tatarstan. Every animal must be microchipped, and data about it and its owner must be entered into the state “VetGIS” system. There is currently no data on how many pets have already been registered, but the actual number of dogs is significantly higher, and the work of accounting for them is just beginning.
Tatarstan
Tatarstan is a federal republic of Russia located at the confluence of the Volga and Kama Rivers, with a capital in Kazan. Historically, it was the center of the Volga Bulgaria state and later the Kazan Khanate before being conquered by the Russian Tsardom in the 16th century. Today, it is a vibrant, economically developed region known for its unique blend of Tatar and Russian cultures, symbolized by landmarks like the Kazan Kremlin.
Constitution Day
Constitution Day is a national holiday in Norway celebrated annually on May 17th. It commemorates the signing of the Norwegian Constitution at Eidsvoll in 1814, which declared Norway an independent kingdom after over 400 years of union with Denmark. The day is marked across the country with festive parades, traditional costumes (bunad), and public celebrations, especially by children.
Central Asian Shepherd
The Central Asian Shepherd is not a place but an ancient livestock guardian dog breed originating from the regions of Central Asia, including countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Historically, these dogs were developed over more than 5,000 years through natural selection and nomadic breeding practices to protect flocks from large predators like wolves and bears. They are known for their strength, independence, and strong protective instincts, making them a revered cultural symbol of resilience in their native lands.
Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan is a Central Asian country with a history shaped by the ancient Silk Road and various empires, including the Parthian and Seljuk. It is renowned for the Darvaza Gas Crater, often called the “Door to Hell,” a burning natural gas field that has been ablaze since 1971. The country also features significant historical sites such as the UNESCO-listed ruins of Merv and the ancient city of Nisa.
Yoshkar-Ola
Yoshkar-Ola is the capital city of the Mari El Republic in Russia, founded in 1584 as a military fortress to secure the region’s incorporation into the Russian state. The city is known for its unique blend of Mari culture and modern architecture, including colorful buildings and replicas of European landmarks along its embankments.
Russia
Russia is a vast transcontinental nation with a rich history spanning over a millennium, founded in the 9th century with the establishment of the Kievan Rus’ state. It evolved into a major global power, first as the Tsardom of Russia and later the Russian Empire, before becoming the core of the Soviet Union in the 20th century. Today, it is known for its diverse cultural heritage, from the iconic onion-domed cathedrals like St. Basil’s in Moscow to the imperial grandeur of St. Petersburg and its world-renowned literary and artistic traditions.
VetGIS
I am unable to provide a summary for “VetGIS” as it does not appear to be a specific place or cultural site. Based on available information, VetGIS is typically a professional software system or database used by veterinarians and wildlife managers for mapping and analyzing animal health data, rather than a physical location with a public history.
