But the pet in question -- the English bulldog -- is actually "firm of purpose, decisive and strong, but also reserved," says Marina Melekhina, the editor of English Bulldogs at www.bulldogs.h1.ru and a big fan of the famous breed.
That may explain why the English bulldog, as opposed to its American and French cousins, is one of the most sought-after breeds in Moscow, if their sizeable delegation at the capital's largest outdoor pet market is any guide.
"Their characteristics match the character of the true Englishman," Melekhina says.
Melekhina's first canine love was actually the graceful collie, and she once owned a sheepdog-husky crossbreed, but her husband changed her mind.
The couple had wanted a dog for a long time and began discussing the question of which breed. They eventually made up their mind, ironically while watching "101 Dalmatians."
"Everything was peaceful and quiet when suddenly my husband yelled, 'that's a real dog, the real thing indeed. I want that dog!'" Melekhina recalled. "On the screen was old England, and a real English gentleman was walking down the street with a real English bulldog.
"That part [of the film] only lasted a few seconds, but it changed everything."
Melekhina and her husband now have two English bulldogs. The first, Monterey Diamand Bavaria, or Misha, they got in fall 2001 -- and the English Bulldog web site was created a year later in her honor.
Fleedwood Ukon Wild -- Monterey Diamand's future husband -- moved in at Christmas.
The web site has everything an English bulldog lover could want from cyberspace -- a history of the breed, pictures of famous dogs and information on upcoming dog shows.
Indeed, the site is hosting its own online dog show from March 10 to May 31. Applications to take part will be accepted through March 1.
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