Putin receives puppy as birthday present from President of Turkmenistan

Russian leader has in the past received horses and even a tiger

Russian president Vladimir Putin has been given another puppy as a gift.

The latest addition to his pack is a Central Asian Shepherd bestowed by the president of Turkmenistan on Wednesday.

Turkmenistan's president Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov presented Mr Putin with the puppy as a birthday gift.

Mr Putin, an avid dog lover, turned 65 at the weekend.

Mr Putin cuddled Verny, which is Russian for "loyal", and kissed the pup on the head during a meeting in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi.

Mr Putin previously received a Bulgarian shepherd named Buffy from Bulgaria's premier and an Akita named Yume from a Japanese official.

The Russian leader has also been given horses and even a tiger.

Turkmenistan is a former Soviet republic.

AP