The European Commission has approved a state aid scheme for the participation of Bulgarian Shepherd Dogs in international cynology exhibitions in 2012, according to an announcement of the Bulgarian Agriculture Ministry.

The money will be transferred to the Bulgarian Cynology Club.

The assistance will be available to registered agricultural producers breeding purebred dogs under the supervision of the Bulgarian Cynology Club.

The scheme envisages funding for up to 69% of the costs for the participation in three dog shows - in Ukraine's Odessa, Spain's Lorca and Germany's Berlin.

The EC will also grant 100% of the funding of the printing of a catalogue titled "History, Present and Future of the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog".

The participation in dog shows is aimed at popularizing the achievements and the potential of the Bulgarian Shepherd Dog.

On November 13, 2010, then- Prime Minister of Russia Vladimir Putin was given a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog puppy as a gift during his one-day visit in Sofia.

On April 29, 2012 Russian Patriarch Kiril was also given a Bulgarian Shepherd Dog puppy during his three-day visit to Bulgaria.