05 November,2010 07:47 AM IST | | Agencies
According to the memoirs of former US President George Bush, Putin was introduced to Bush's dog, a Scottish terrier, on an official visit to Camp David when the two men were presidents of Russia and the US respectively.
When Bush next visited Russia, he was given a tour of Putin's holiday retreat. "A big black labrador came charging across the lawn. With a twinkle in his eye, Vladimir said, 'Bigger, stronger, faster than Barney,'" Bush writes.
Over the weekend, photographs were released in Russia of Putin as a modern-day Marlboro man, riding a horse across a rugged landscape.
Putin is known for his love of adventure and his continued displays of vitality have given him cult status in Russia.
In April he attached a satellite-tracking collar on a tranquillised polar bear.
He has been photographed fishing bare-chested in Russia's Altai region, and filmed diving into an icy river and swimming the butterfly stroke.
He also has shot a Siberian tiger with a tranquilliser gun and released leopards into a wildlife sanctuary.
With speculation growing that he may run for president again in 2012, such reaffirmations of Putin's macho image keep him firmly in the public eye and remind people that he remains a serious contender for the country's highest political office.
Bush says the low point in his relationship with Putin came in August 2008 when Russia invaded neighbouring Georgia.
Bush complained to Putin directly at the Olympic opening ceremony and noted to him that Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili is "hot-blooded".
"I'm hot-blooded too," Putin retorted, according to Bush.
"No, Vladimir, you're cold-blooded," Bush said he replied.
Bush's memoir, Decision Points, is releasing next Tuesday.
