Ukrainian Dog Handlers Excel at International Championship
This was reported by the Center for Service Dog Handling «Strazh» and the Pavlohrad Search and Rescue Canine Unit «Antares».
The 2nd FMBB SAR 2025 Championship for Belgian Shepherd Rescue Dogs took place from April 16 to 20 in Belgium as part of the annual World Championship for Belgian Shepherds. 56 participants from 15 countries competed in locating victims under debris and in natural environments.
In each category, participants had to complete several stages: obedience and agility tests plus a search phase.
The Ukrainian team was represented by dog handlers from the National Club of Belgian Shepherd Owners «Canine Union of Ukraine» from Pavlohrad, Odesa, and Kyiv.
«The Ukrainian team showcased a high level of preparation and professionalism, representing our country proudly on the international stage. Special congratulations go to our instructor-dog handler Daryna Tytarenko and her Belgian Shepherd Haku, who performed excellently in the competitions, earning 2nd place in the «Search under Technogenic Debris» and «Obedience» Class A categories.»
«For the second time in the history of search and rescue championships under the FCI system, the Cup comes to Ukraine, thanks to Daryna and Haku!», the «Strazh» proudly reported.
Fourth place in the «Search under Technogenic Debris, Level B» category was secured by 19-year-old Maria Romanova from Pavlohrad and her dog Pulya.
Meanwhile, Iryna Shvets and her protege Natsu from Kyiv, representing the SarCan rescue team, placed 5th in the «Search in Natural Environments, Level B» category.
Additionally, the four-legged helpers of Odesa's State Emergency Service participated in rescue operations under the rubble of a residential building on Dobrovolskogo Avenue when a Russian strike drone destroyed an entire entrance of a nine-story building on March 2, 2024, burying 12 people beneath the debris.
