(Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin denied on Thursday that he had deliberately used his black labrador Koni to intimidate German Chancellor Angela Merkel at a meeting in 2007 that became a notorious diplomatic incident.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday denied using his dog to intimidate former German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a meeting at his Black Sea residence in Sochi in 2007.

Vladimir Putin claims he apologized to former German Chancellor Angela Merkel for bringing his Labrador to a meeting in 2007, not knowing about her fear of dogs. "Angela, please forgive me, I did not want to cause you any heartache,

Vladimir Putin denied using his dog, Koni, to intimidate Angela Merkel during a 2007 meeting. Merkel, who is afraid of dogs, asked for Koni to be kept away. Putin apologized, claiming he was unaware of her phobia and sought to create a relaxed atmosphere.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s black Labrador Koni entered the room, causing visible discomfort to former German Chancellor Angela Merkel in a notable 2007 diplomatic meeting, who has a known fear of dogs.

Vladimir Putin claims that he apologised to former German Chancellor Angela Merkel for bringing his Labrador to a meeting in 2007, unaware of her fear of dogs. "Angela, please forgive me, I did not want to cause you any heartache,

Asked about the incident on Thursday, Russia's Vladimir Putin denied knowing about Angela Merkel’s fear of dogs and said he had later apologised to her.