Russian Toy Dog Breeders Guide to the Breed

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Posted Oct 13, 2024

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The Russian Toy dog breed is a small, affectionate companion that's perfect for city living. They originated in Russia in the 19th century and were bred as a toy version of the Russian Terrier.

Russian Toy dogs typically weigh between 4-6 pounds and stand about 9-11 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors including black, white, and red.

These tiny dogs are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities and are often described as " Velcro dogs" because they love to be close to their owners. They thrive on attention and can become destructive if left alone for too long.

Russian Toy dogs are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues such as patellar luxation and tracheal collapse.

History of the Breed

The Russian Toy dog breed has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. In the 1700s, Russia was exposed to European pure-breed dogs, including English Toy Terriers, which would later influence the development of the breed.

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Credit: youtube.com, Russian Toy Dog - Top 10 Facts

The breed's early history was marked by turmoil, with many people migrating to the West and leaving behind small dog breeds like Toy Terriers. This led to a decline in the breed's population.

In the aftermath of World War II, Russian soldiers returned home with small dogs, including German Miniature Pinschers and English Toy Terriers. These dogs would eventually contribute to the development of the Russian Toy (Smooth) breed.

The Moscow Society of Decorative Dog Owners was formed during this time, and under its banner, breeders worked to restore breeds using available breeding material. This led to the creation of a new breed standard for the Russian Toy Terrier (Smooth), which was slightly smaller than its English counterpart.

The Russian Toy (Long) developed separately in Moscow, with breeders observing that some litters of Russian Toy Terrier (Smooth) produced long-haired puppies. This eventually led to the creation of the Moscow Toy Terrier, which was developed secretly under Communist Rule.

History of the Breed

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The Russian Toy breed has a rich history that spans centuries. It emerged in Russia in the 1700s, alongside other European pure-breed dogs like Bulldogs and English Toy Terriers.

One of the earliest recorded Russian Toy was a dog named Lizette, an English Toy Terrier owned by Peter the First, the Tzar of Russia. Lizette is still preserved today at the Saint Petersburg Zoological Museum.

In the early 1900s, small dog breeds like Toy Terriers made up a third of the dogs exhibited in Russia. However, due to political turmoil, many people migrated to the West, and these early bloodlines were nearly decimated.

The Russian Toy breed was heavily influenced by the English Toy Terrier, with many early Russian Toys being crossed with English Toy Terriers. However, under Stalin's rule, only dogs that could benefit the National Economy were allowed to be bred.

In the decades following World War II, a few Russian soldiers brought back small dogs with them, including some with pedigrees from German Miniature Pinschers and English Toy Terriers. However, these dogs were considered "decorative" and therefore useless under Stalin's rule.

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The Moscow Society of Decorative Dog Owners was formed during this time, and dog breeders worked to restore breeds using available breeding material. A new Breed Standard was drawn up for the Russian Toy Terrier (Smooth), which was slightly smaller than its English counterpart.

The Russian Toy (Long) developed separately in Moscow, with an occasional long-haired puppy appearing in litters of Russian Toy Terrier (Smooth). In 1958, two Russian Toy Terriers (Smooth) produced a puppy with fringes on its ears, marking the beginning of the Moscow Toy Terrier breed.

Russkiy

The Russkiy Toy has a fascinating history. Originally bred in isolation in Russia from the English Toy Terrier, which is now known as the Manchester Terrier.

The breed was nearly wiped out twice, first in the 1920s due to its association with the aristocracy, and secondly in the 1990s with the influx of foreign breeds following the fall of the Iron Curtain.

Until the 1990s, the Russkiy Toy was almost unknown outside of Russia, so there's limited information on associated health issues.

The breed was initially bred as a rat fighter and watchdog, and can still exhibit the expected vocalization of the latter.

Breed Information

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The Russian Toy dog breed is a toy-sized companion dog that originated in Russia. They are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities.

Russian Toy dogs typically weigh between 8-15 pounds and stand between 8-11 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a short, fine coat that requires minimal grooming.

This breed is highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living situations, from apartments to homes with yards.

Pure Breed

The Russian Toy's journey to becoming a Pure Breed is a fascinating story. The breed's development was a significant milestone, marking the first time a Russian breed attempted to gain FCI recognition.

It took around two years to complete the paperwork due to the FCI's strict requirements. The FCI's General Assembly in 2006 was a crucial moment for the Russian Toy, as it finally gained recognition.

The FCI required the breed's name to be changed, dropping the word 'Terrier' from its original name. This change was a necessary step in the breed's recognition process.

About

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The breed we're discussing is known for its intelligence and trainability, requiring early socialization and consistent training from a young age.

This breed is a medium-sized dog, typically weighing between 40-60 pounds and standing between 18-22 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their short, smooth coats require minimal grooming, but they do need regular nail trimming and ear cleaning to prevent health issues.

They are generally a healthy breed, but can be prone to hip dysplasia and eye problems if not properly cared for.

Their high energy levels make them well-suited for active families or individuals who enjoy outdoor activities.

Recognition and Standards

The Russian Toy's recognition journey was a long one, taking around two years to complete due to the FCI's rigorous requirements.

The FCI's paperwork process was quite thorough, and one of the requirements was that the breed's name be changed to drop the word 'Terrier'.

In 2006, the Russian Toy finally gained FCI recognition, marking a significant milestone for the breed.

This recognition came after the breed was split into two varieties, which are now recognized as part of the breed standard.

Physical Characteristics

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The Russian Toy dog breed is a sight to behold, with its lean legs and parallel stance giving it a sleek, athletic appearance. The length of its body is approximately equal to its height at shoulder.

Its neck is long and lean, carried high and looking straight and parallel when viewed from the front. The pastern is vertical, giving the dog a streamlined look.

The legs are only slightly longer than half the dog's total height at withers, making them nicely proportioned. The chest reaches the elbows and is oval in cross-section.

The withers are slightly pronounced, and the strong, straight topline gradually slopes from the withers to the tail set. The underline is nicely curved from the chest to the flanks.

The croup slopes gently to the moderately high set tail, which is carried level as an extension of the topline. The tail has neither kinks nor curl.

The feet are small and oval, with black or matching the coat colour nails and pads. The hind legs are straight and parallel, standing a little bit wider than the forelegs.

The Russian Toy comes in two varieties: smooth-haired and long-haired. The smooth-haired has short, close-lying, shiny hair, without undercoat.

Current Status

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The Russian Toy dog breed has been gaining popularity worldwide, but what's the current status of this charming breed? They're still a relatively rare breed, with a limited number of breeders and owners.

Russian Toy dogs are known for their small size, typically weighing between 4-6 pounds and standing 8-11 inches tall. They're a great companion dog for city dwellers or those with small living spaces.

In terms of health, Russian Toy dogs are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues, such as patellar luxation and tracheal collapse. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor their health.

Russian Toy dogs are highly intelligent and active, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. A daily walk and playtime should be a must for any Russian Toy dog owner.

The Russian Toy dog breed is recognized by several kennel clubs, including the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Canine Registry (ACR). This recognition has helped to standardize the breed and promote its development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Russian Toy dogs good pets?

Russian Toy dogs make wonderful pets for families who want a loyal and affectionate companion, but may require some socialization to interact with strangers. They thrive on attention and interaction with their human family, making them a great fit for active households.

Are Russian Toy dogs rare?

Yes, Russian Toy dogs are a rare breed, with only about 775 in the United States. Their limited population makes them a unique and sought-after companion.

Do Russian Toys bark a lot?

Russian Toys may bark excessively if they don't receive enough physical and mental stimulation. Regular exercise and engagement can help prevent excessive barking and destructive behavior.

How long do Russian Toy dogs live?

Russian Toy dogs typically live for 12 to 14 years, making them a long-lived and loving companion. With proper care, they can enjoy a happy and healthy life for over a decade.

Wallace Adams

Lead Writer

Wallace Adams is a seasoned writer with a passion for sharing knowledge with others. With a keen interest in the world of dogs, he has established himself as a go-to expert on the Chinook breed. His articles on Chinook breeders and information have been widely read and appreciated by dog enthusiasts and owners alike.

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