On September 26, the “Autumn Sumy 2026” regional dog breeding review took place at the training grounds of the Faculty of Biology and Technology at Sumy National Agrarian University (SNAU). The event brought together dog owners, breeders, experts, and aspiring cynologists, serving as a platform for professional networking, the exchange of experience, and practical training for students.
The event was organized by the Sumy Regional Cynological Center of the Ukrainian Cynological Union in collaboration with the Department of Animal Production and Processing Technology and Cynology at the SNAU Faculty of Biology and Technology, with support from Royal Canin.
During the breeding review, owners received expert evaluations of their dogs, professional consultations, and clearance for breeding in the coming year. In the main ring, participants competed for show titles and awards, demonstrating breed characteristics, the dogs’ training, and their teamwork with handlers.
Students from the department—fourth-year student Yelyzaveta Malkova and first-year master’s student Oleksandra Uzka—participated in conducting the event.
Yelyzaveta acted as a handler for a Cane Corso puppy. In the show competition, they won the titles of “Best Baby” and “Best in Show Baby – II.”
Oleksandra Uzka presented a Miniature Pinscher and won the “Best Junior” and “BOB” (Best of Breed) titles. In addition to competing in the ring, she assisted experts in taking the dogs’ measurements, thereby gaining practical experience in evaluating conformation. For cynology students, this event offers an opportunity not merely to observe experts at work but to work directly with dogs, assist in organizing the event, and hone their professional skills. This is precisely how theoretical knowledge translates into practical experience.
The event was organized by Nataliia Bozhko—an assistant at the Department of Animal Production and Processing Technology and Cynology and head of the local chapter—and Anastasiia Krasnianska, the club’s zootechnician. Both are graduates of SNAU’s Cynology program.
Expert evaluations were also conducted by Liudmyla Veklych, Serhii Rudniak, Liudmyla Starchenko, and Liudmyla Bula—certified experts and alumni of SNAU’s Faculty of Biology and Technology from various graduating classes—underscoring the high caliber of professional training provided by the university.
“Autumn Sumy” served not only as a professional showcase but also as a gathering for the cynology community, where expertise is passed from professionals to students and university education directly intersects with real-world practice.
