Russia may have long prided itself on the bravery and skill of its armed forces, but not every soldier starts out a war machine.
The 470th Dog Breeding Center outside Moscow trains up canine companions to serve in Russia’s military.
The Russian MoD released footage of its adorable puppy recruits as they play in the snow before starting their military training.
They can be seen bounding across the frozen terrain, only stopping for treats and belly rubs.
The clip – titled “Loyal Friends” – was posted on the Russian Ministry of Defence’s YouTube channel to celebrate the start of 2018.

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Around 3,000 canines service in President Putin’s army, trained to carry out guard work and detecting mines.
The 470th Dog Breeding Center, which dates back to the Soviet era, is the most decorated of its type across Russia.
In August, Aleksei Kurilov, one of the Center’s trainers, won an award, with his four-legged companion Panda.
Panda and Kurilov won the “True Friend” competition held during the International Army Games between Russia, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Belarus and Uzbekistan.
Russian dogs have always had a long and decorated history of serving their country.
During World War 2, trained dogs carrying explosives would run under German tanks, destroying more than 300 of the death machines at the tragic cost of their own lives.