(AP / 13-07-10)  Any dachshund owner knows the feisty breed rarely backs off from a challenge, but one in Russia is taking that reputation to new heights -- or depths. A dog named Boniface is learning how to scuba dive.

An image made from television, Sergei Gorbunov, helps Boniface the dachshund dog as he is learning how to scuba-dive, in a special scuba diving suit before an underwater dive in the Pacific ocean on a beach near the settlement of Slavyanka, some 50 km (31 miles) from Russia's Far Eastern city of Vladivostok.

Boniface is learning by its owner Sergei Gorbunov, a professional diver in the Pacific Coast city of Vladivostok, how to scuba-dive in a specially made diving suit, complete with helmet, and he seems excited when being prepared for his dive.

In the demonstration, Boniface barked eagerly as Gorbunov readied the equipment and uncomplainingly endured being hung upside-down as Gorbunov fitted the suit on him.

Once underwater, he seemed to have a different outlook, emitting some high-pitched whines. Gobunov says, "Underwater, I don't think he experiences any stress."