Russian Toy

Prepare to be enchanted by the Russian Toy, a true symbol of grace and allure! With their cute pointed ears, mesmerizing round eyes, and small but strong bodies, they resemble little models showcasing their beauty. There are two stunning types of coats: the smooth coat is short, sleek, and shiny with no undercoat, while the long coat features medium-length fur on the body, shorter fur on the face and front legs, and longer feathers on the backs of the legs, tail, and ears. Both types shine brightly, enhancing their supermodel appearance.

Quick Info

Size
Small
Colours
Coats come in black and tan, brown and tan, lilac and tan, any shade of red with or without a black, brown, blue or lilac overlay, fawn, or cream.
Lifespan
11 to 14 years
Height
7 to 11 inches
Type
Toy
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
Up to 6 pounds
Family

Personality

These little companions are full of personality. Their shiny fur comes in many colors, and their bright, attentive faces show off their charm. Extremely loving and loyal to their owners, they make excellent friends for family outings. They are also bursting with energy and enjoy plenty of playtime. With a bit of care and guidance, they will easily become a cherished part of your family.

History

The Russian Toy dog has its roots in the small toy terriers of England and the Russian upper class's interest in English culture. These small companion dogs made their way to Russia in the early 1700s, with a notable example being Lizetta, a black and tan toy terrier that belonged to Emperor Peter the Great, who is now displayed in the Museum of Zoology in St. Petersburg. However, after the October Revolution in 1917, the breed lost its appeal because it was linked to the nobility. This led to the creation of a new breed standard that was different from the English version. Since the 1950s, the modern Russian Toy has changed a lot, with the first long-haired puppies being born in 1958.

Ideal Owner

Are you a first-time pet owner? The Russian Toy dog could be the perfect choice for you. They are small and require little grooming. These dogs enjoy short strolls and simple training sessions. However, they are most comfortable around older kids or in homes without children, where they can be wonderful friends that bring joy to your life.

Exercise Needs

Russian Toy dogs require a minimum of one hour of physical activity daily, but they are eager for extra if you are willing. These small pups are clever and alert, so include some training, fun dog games, or challenging puzzles to keep them engaged and joyful.

Space Requirements

The Russian Toy is compact enough to fit into various living spaces and doesn’t require large or fancy homes. However, be cautious in busy urban areas—these little dogs can feel stressed by heavy foot traffic and loud sounds, as they are small enough to be easily overlooked. If you reside in a suburban or countryside setting, it's important to have strong fences since they are skilled at slipping through small openings.

Training

The Russian Toy dog is very smart and enjoys training. Whether they are dancing to music while walking beside you or learning new tricks, they make it a joyful experience. Don't let their small size fool you—these tiny dogs can tackle agility courses with ease. They are full of energy and enthusiasm in their little bodies.

Grooming

Once a week, make sure to brush your short-haired Russian Toy dog. If you have the long-haired type, you should comb them every other day and give them a good brush once a week. This type can collect dirt and other unpleasant stuff in their fluffy feet and fur, so it’s important to help them get used to baths and drying off when they are young.

Suitability for Family Life

Russian Toys make wonderful companions for families, provided that kids recognize they are living animals, not just toys. It might be wise to wait until children are mature enough to appreciate a dog's needs, since this breed is small and can easily get hurt. They thrive in homes with older kids who are interested in training dogs.

Did You know?

The Russian Toy is sometimes known as the Russian Toy Terrier, Russkiy Toy, or Toychik. People often confuse Russian Toys with Chihuahuas, but they are not the same breed. While toy terriers have been in Russia since the 1700s, the current Russian Toy is a newer breed that has been "re-created." The original breed nearly disappeared in the 1920s due to Communism and its negative connections to that time.

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Need to Know

Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
Basic training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys active walks
Small dog
Minimal drool
Requires frequent grooming
Chatty and vocal dog