Drawing by M. Rabinovich «Viktor Tikhonov's Room»

The most suitable breeds for training are Spitz, Fox Terriers, Airedale Terriers, Poodles, and mongrels. Large breeds of dogs, such as German Shepherds, Dobermans, Greyhounds, and Great Danes, are less commonly used in circuses, although representatives of these breeds have proven themselves to be quite skilled performers in some acts.

Shepherds are good at acting, easily perform complex jumps (a double backflip from the back of a yak in a number led by Viktor Tikhonov) and deftly catch juggling balls.