Turgenev's excellent Mumu pulls the reader directly into story. Great plot. The characterizations of the Russian peasants, household staff and demanding old mistress are very real and well done. Of course, Turgenev captures much of the social inequities of the time.

Saltykov's Good Old Trezor is a good story. Trezor takes his 'job' seriously despite his shabby treatment. He survives by putting a positive spin on his life.

Anton Checkhov's Chestnut Girl loses her family and is sadly put to work at a circus with other animals. Fortunately she is re-united with her family so this story ends on a more positive note than the previous ones.

Arthur Kuprin's Arthur, The White Poodle is a charming adventure story of 3 poor characters who come together to make their way in a challenging world. I think this story could /should be expended into a short novel.

I did not care for the last story at all. Much too political and bureaucratic for my taste.

Five Russian Dog Stories is a mostly pleasant read.