This information was shared 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 in Belgium from April 16 to 20, as part of the annual international multi-disciplinary championship for Belgian shepherds. 56 participants from 15 countries competed in their ability to locate individuals trapped under rubble and in natural environments.

Each category required participants to complete several stages: obedience and agility tests followed by a search phase.

The Ukrainian team consisted of canine units from the National Club of Belgian Shepherd Owners «Canine Union of Ukraine» from Pavlohrad, Odesa, and Kyiv.

«The Ukrainian team demonstrated a high level of training and professionalism, representing our country with pride on the international stage. We extend special congratulations to our instructor-cynologist Daryna Tytarenko and her Belgian shepherd Haku, who successfully competed. Daryna and Haku secured 2nd place in the categories of «Search in Technogenic Rubble» and «Obedience» Class A.»

This marks the second time in the history of FCI Search and Rescue Championships that the Cup is heading to Ukraine, thanks to Daryna and Haku!

In the category of «Search in Technogenic Rubble, Level B», 19-year-old Maria Romanova from Pavlohrad and her dog Pulya achieved 4th place.

Meanwhile, Iryna Shvets and her trainee Natsu from Kyiv, representing the SarCan rescue team, finished in 5th place in the «Search in Natural Environment, Level B» category.

Interestingly, the four-legged helpers of the Odesa rescuers of the State Emergency Service participated in a rescue operation under the rubble of a residential building on Dobrovolskyi Avenue when a Russian drone destroyed part of a nine-story building on March 2, 2024, burying 12 people under the rubble.