Dog Breeds - Russian Toy

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The degree of tenderness that a breed is expected to exhibit towards its family members or other familiar individuals varies. Certain breeds may demonstrate disinterest towards everyone except their owner, while others extend their friendly nature to everyone, they are acquainted with treating them as their closest companions.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The extent to which a breed can handle and be patient with children's actions along with its overall family-friendly disposition is crucial. It is important to always supervise dogs when they interact with young children or with children of any age who have limited experience with dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The inherent sociability of a breed towards other dogs is an important factor to consider. While all dog interactions and introductions should be supervised, certain breeds are naturally more inclined to get along well with other dogs both in residential settings and in public environments.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair a breed tends to shed is a key aspect to consider. Breeds that shed heavily will require more frequent brushing are more likely to contribute to allergies in some individuals and may necessitate more consistent efforts in terms of vacuuming and using lint rollers.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The regularity of bathing, brushing, trimming and other maintenance tasks for a breed's coat should be taken into account. It is important to consider how much time, patience and budget you can dedicate to this aspect of care when evaluating grooming requirements. Additionally, it is important to note that regular nail trimming is necessary for all breeds.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The propensity of a breed to drool is worth considering. If you have a preference for cleanliness, breeds that frequently leave trails of slobber on your arm or create large wet spots on your clothes may not be the most suitable choice for you.
COAT TYPE +
Double
COAT LENGTH +
Short

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
It's important to assess how welcoming a breed is towards strangers. Certain breeds may display reserved or cautious behavior around unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the environment. On the other hand, there are breeds that are generally eager and happy to meet new people whenever the opportunity arises.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The level of enthusiasm a breed typically displays towards play, even beyond the puppyhood stage is worth considering. Certain breeds will continue to enjoy games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others will be content with relaxing on the couch with you most of the time.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
The inclination of a breed to alert you of the presence of strangers is an important aspect to consider. Some breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it be the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. However, these breeds are still likely to warm up to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to handle change is an important factor to consider. This encompasses various factors such as changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training and willingness to learn new things vary among breeds. Some breeds are inherently motivated to please their owners and are quick to grasp new commands, while others have a more independent streak and may prefer to do things on their own terms, at their own pace and in their preferred locations.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The exercise and mental stimulation requirements of a breed are crucial to consider. High energy breeds tend to be enthusiastic and always ready for their next adventure, engaging in activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low energy breeds are more inclined to relax resembling couch potatoes who are content with laying around and snoozing.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency of vocalization, including barks or howls is an important consideration when choosing a breed. Some breeds tend to bark at every passer-by or any movement they notice, while others may only bark in specific situations. It's worth noting that even barkless breeds can still be vocal and may use other sounds to express themselves.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The mental stimulation requirements of a breed are vital for their overall happiness and well-being. Purpose-bred dogs in particular may have a natural inclination towards activities that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other mental challenges. Without adequate mental exercise, these breeds may find their own ways to keep their minds busy, which may not align with the type of projects their owners would prefer. Providing appropriate mental stimulation is essential to keep them engaged and prevent them from engaging in undesirable behaviors.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The degree of tenderness that a breed is expected to exhibit towards its family members or other familiar individuals varies. Certain breeds may demonstrate disinterest towards everyone except their owner, while others extend their friendly nature to everyone, they are acquainted with treating them as their closest companions.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The extent to which a breed can handle and be patient with children's actions along with its overall family-friendly disposition is crucial. It is important to always supervise dogs when they interact with young children or with children of any age who have limited experience with dogs.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The inherent sociability of a breed towards other dogs is an important factor to consider. While all dog interactions and introductions should be supervised, certain breeds are naturally more inclined to get along well with other dogs both in residential settings and in public environments.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair a breed tends to shed is a key aspect to consider. Breeds that shed heavily will require more frequent brushing are more likely to contribute to allergies in some individuals and may necessitate more consistent efforts in terms of vacuuming and using lint rollers.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The regularity of bathing, brushing, trimming and other maintenance tasks for a breed's coat should be taken into account. It is important to consider how much time, patience and budget you can dedicate to this aspect of care when evaluating grooming requirements. Additionally, it is important to note that regular nail trimming is necessary for all breeds.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The propensity of a breed to drool is worth considering. If you have a preference for cleanliness, breeds that frequently leave trails of slobber on your arm or create large wet spots on your clothes may not be the most suitable choice for you.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Short

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

It's important to assess how welcoming a breed is towards strangers. Certain breeds may display reserved or cautious behavior around unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the environment. On the other hand, there are breeds that are generally eager and happy to meet new people whenever the opportunity arises.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The level of enthusiasm a breed typically displays towards play, even beyond the puppyhood stage is worth considering. Certain breeds will continue to enjoy games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others will be content with relaxing on the couch with you most of the time.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

The inclination of a breed to alert you of the presence of strangers is an important aspect to consider. Some breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it be the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. However, these breeds are still likely to warm up to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to handle change is an important factor to consider. This encompasses various factors such as changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training and willingness to learn new things vary among breeds. Some breeds are inherently motivated to please their owners and are quick to grasp new commands, while others have a more independent streak and may prefer to do things on their own terms, at their own pace and in their preferred locations.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The exercise and mental stimulation requirements of a breed are crucial to consider. High energy breeds tend to be enthusiastic and always ready for their next adventure, engaging in activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low energy breeds are more inclined to relax resembling couch potatoes who are content with laying around and snoozing.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Likes To Be Vocal

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The mental stimulation requirements of a breed are vital for their overall happiness and well-being. Purpose-bred dogs in particular may have a natural inclination towards activities that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other mental challenges. Without adequate mental exercise, these breeds may find their own ways to keep their minds busy, which may not align with the type of projects their owners would prefer. Providing appropriate mental stimulation is essential to keep them engaged and prevent them from engaging in undesirable behaviors.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Red & Brown	143
Black & Tan	018
Blue & Tan	044
Red Sable	155
Red	140
Brown & Tan	262
Fawn	082
Cream	076
Lilac	504

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Tan Markings	012

About The Breed

The Russian Toy is a small and elegant breed with a lively disposition. They have long legs, fine bones and lean muscles. This breed is known for being active, cheerful and highly intelligent, showing a strong desire to please their human companions. While they love to snuggle and be close to their owners, they may exhibit slight aloofness towards strangers. The Russian Toy is neither cowardly nor aggressive.

As a toy breed with a lineage tracing back to the Russian aristocracy, they are generally good-natured and enjoy running and playing. Some individuals have a boundless energy and will happily chase toys throughout the house or yard. Others may prefer to spend their time lounging in their owner's lap relishing in the knowledge that they are cherished in their home. They thrive on human companionship and will make it apparent if they feel neglected.

The Russian Toy has two coat varieties, semi-long and smooth. The longhaired variety showcases a nice ruff on the chest and unique feathering on the tail, extremities and ears. It's important to note that long-coated Russian Toys will not have their adult coat until over a year old and full fringing may not develop until three years of age. On the other hand, the smooth-coated variety is sleek and smooth to the touch. While both coat types share a larger-than-life personality, there may be a slight difference in attitude with smooth coats tending to exhibit a bit more of a terrier-like temperament.

What to Expect When Caring for A RUSSIAN TOY

Owning a dog is indeed a significant responsibility that extends far beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter. Dogs as sentient beings require a comprehensive level of care that encompasses physical health emotional well-being, and mental stimulation.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Russian Toy: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	The Russian Toy breed is generally in good health overall. However, like many toy breeds, their teeth can be a cause for concern. Most puppies do not naturally lose all of their deciduous (puppy) teeth, so by the time they reach nine months old, it is often necessary to surgically remove any remaining deciduous teeth. It's important to be aware that periodontal disease, which involves the accumulation of tooth tartar can start as early as one year of age. To maintain good dental health in Russian Toy dogs regular dental care is crucial. One effective method is brushing their teeth, as it helps to reduce plaque and can prevent the need for surgical dental cleaning or tooth extraction. Responsible breeders make sure to screen their breeding stock for potential health issues like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and patellar luxation. Owners of Russian Toy dogs should also be mindful of the risk of eye injuries, such as ulcers. It's important to take precautions to protect their eyes and seek prompt veterinary care if any injury occurs. By staying informed and providing proper care, you can help keep your Russian Toy companion happy and healthy. Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club: Patella Evaluation Cardiac Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Grooming

	Due to their obvious physical differences, the longhaired and smooth-coated varieties of the Russian Toy have varying grooming requirements. The longhaired variety has a coat that consists of body hair ranging from 1 to 3 inches in length. Their ears are covered with thick, long hair that forms a fringe and there are noticeable feathers on the backside of their limbs. To maintain the longhaired variety's coat, it is recommended to brush them two to three times a week and ensure that the fringes remain free of debris. Monthly baths with high-quality shampoo and conditioner are typically sufficient to keep their coat healthy and looking its best. On the other hand, the smooth-coated Russian Toy has short, close-lying and shiny hair that lacks an undercoat or fringes. To keep the smooth coat in good condition, it is advised to brush them on a weekly basis using a soft brush. Occasional baths are also recommended to remove dead hair and alleviate any flaky skin. Additionally, a daily wipe-down with a shammy cloth can enhance the coat's luster. By providing the appropriate grooming care based on the specific variety, you can ensure that your Russian Toy's coat remains healthy, clean and visually appealing.

Exercise

	The Russian Toy breed is known for its moderate energy levels. They require regular exercise but due to their small size, a typical backyard or lengthy run is often sufficient. These dogs thoroughly enjoy accompanying their humans for walks and eagerly engage in running and playing until they tire out and snuggle in your lap. It is advisable to attach a leash to a harness rather than a collar when walking your Russian Toy, as small dogs have more delicate necks and tracheas. Additionally, it is recommended to remove the collar or harness while inside your home to prevent any accidents or injuries caused by them getting snagged on household objects.

Training

	In general, Russian Toys are known for their agreeable nature and exceptional eagerness to please making them highly trainable. However, despite their adaptable demeanor, they remain true terriers at heart occasionally displaying stubbornness and a desire for dominance. Nevertheless, their clown-like antics and sociable personality position them as fantastic candidates for agility and trick-dog competitions. Emphasizing the significance of early socialization, the RTCA, the breed's AKC parent club strongly recommends engaging in puppy kindergarten classes and exploring diverse levels of obedience training offered by numerous all-breed kennel clubs, community centers and veterinarians.

Nutrition

	Russian Toys thrive when provided with a high-quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured and consists of very small kibble or a home-prepared diet that has been approved and supervised by your veterinarian. It is important to choose a diet that aligns with the dog's specific age, whether it is a puppy, adult or senior. It's worth noting that certain dogs may be prone to weight gain, so it's crucial to monitor their calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight. While treats can be valuable during training, it is essential to avoid excessive indulgence to prevent obesity. Familiarize yourself with safe and unsafe human foods for dogs and consult your vet if you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet. Additionally, ensure that your Russian Toy always has access to clean and fresh water.

Historiography

The history of the Russian Toy originates from English stock and can be traced back to the 18th century when the English Toy Terrier first arrived in Russia. Evidence of this can be found in the Zoological Museum in St. Petersburg, where a preserved specimen of a small black and tan terrier from 1716-1725 is on display. This particular specimen named Lisetta is approximately 14 inches tall at the withers and bears an inscription stating that it belonged to Peter the Great himself.

During the 18th century, the importation of English Toy Terriers gained popularity in Russia. These dogs were adored by the socialites due to their small size and lively temperament. It became fashionable to be seen in public accompanied by a well-behaved small terrier during social events and opera performances. The Toy Terrier became a coveted "living accessory" among the upper class. However, by the beginning of the 20th century, the numbers of these toy dogs had increased and the breed was no longer considered rare but had instead become a symbol of prestige. In Russia, it was simply referred to as the Russian (Russkiy) Toy Terrier no longer associated with its English origins.

The Russian Revolution of 1917 posed a significant threat to the survival of the Russkiy Toy. The breeding of dogs for companionship came to a halt leaving the future of the breed uncertain. After Stalin's death, efforts were made in several regions of the Soviet Union including Moscow, Leningrad, Sverdlovsk and Irkutsk to restore the Russian Toy's prominence.

In 1958, an extraordinary puppy was born possibly due to a mutation or the introduction of unknown small breeds into various lines. This puppy born to a pair of smooth-coated parents, became the foundation of the modern-day Long Coat variety (initially known as the Moscow Long Haired Toy Terrier). The first official standard for both the smooth and long-coated varieties was established in 1966. Later, in the 1980s a new breed standard recognized that the Moscow Long Haired Toy Terrier and the Russian Toy Terrier were in fact two variations of a single breed.

In 2006, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) officially recognized the Russian Toy as a breed resulting in the removal of the term "Terrier" from its name. Currently, the breed is referred to as the Russian Toy and includes both the long and smooth coat varieties.