He studied at a military gymnasium but left it for a passion for the circus. He began performing in the arena in 1879. From 1883, he worked at Winkler's menagerie circus in Moscow and at Bezano's circus. He started his artistic career as a strongman, sound imitator, illusionist, mentalist, song-and-dance man, and clown. From 1887, at Salamon's circus in Moscow, he became known as a clown-trainer and satirist. He developed a method of animal training based on rewards: animals received food for performing tricks. Studying the works of Sechenov and Pavlov, he applied their scientific discoveries in his training methodology and actively toured Russia. On January 8, 1912, he opened a pet theater in his home in Moscow, which later became known as 'Durov's Corner' (now the V.L. Durov Theater and 'Grandfather Durov's Corner'), where paid performances with animals were held. There, he created the unique act 'Mouse Railway.' Unfortunately, the revolution and subsequent devastation interrupted this work. Until the end of his life, Durov remained on the circus stage, continued to perform at 'Durov's Corner,' and engaged in scientific activities. Vladimir Durov passed away on August 3, 1934, in Moscow and was buried at Novodevichy Cemetery.