Russian Toys, also called Russkiy Toys, are toy-sized dogs. This is a very unique looking breed. It is one of the smallest breeds in the world, and it can be either long haired or smooth-haired. Breeders created this dog for Russian nobility at one point in time!
The Russian Toy History
The Russian Toy Terrier actually started from English terriers in the 18th century. People know this dog as the Russkiy Toy. The English Toy Terrier that belonged to Peter the Great stands in the Zoological Museum in St. Petersburg. Durring the 1800s these dogs were a sign of prestige and people would bring them to social events.
Like a lot of dog breeds they almost became extinct during wartime. In this dogs case during the Russian Revolution of 1917. Breeders only Bred productive dogs were kept around and breeding for companionship stopped during the Stalin Regime.
After the death of Stalin dog lovers made several efforts were to restore the breed. Specifically in Moscow, Leningrad, Sverdlovsk, and Irkutsk. Breeders created the breed in 1958 when a puppy was born from a pair of smooth coated parents. People referred to these long haired dogs as the Moscow Long Haired Toy Terrier and later the Long Coat. Breeders created the first official breed standard of the two varieties in 1966. They later brought the two breeds together as the Russian Toy Terrier in 1988.
People nearly wiped out the breed a second time during the 1990s with the breakup of USSR. They brought many foreign dog breeds into the area and the Russian Toy was almost lost. In the early 2000s Breeding started again.
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale registered the breed in 2006. The American Kennel Club registered the breed in 2008.
Where did the Russian Toy Come From?
The Russian Toy by its origin belongs to Russia itself. they are one of the small dogs in the whole world and they are its ancestors were bred as a companion breed for the Russian nobility, a rat catcher and a watchdog. The Russian Toy Terrier is extremely petite and should have an overall square, elegant appearance. Due to its tiny size and small bone structure, the Russian Toy Terrier can be fragile.
What Were They Bred For?
Breeders created them to be companions for the Russian nobility. That’s why they are very small and easy to carry around. They are very attentive as well. At times they were also used as rat catchers, watchdogs, and occasionally used to work in fields.
AKC Org Breed Group: Miscellaneous
Are They a Pure Breed?
Yes
Russian Toys at a Glance
[table “RussianToy” not found /]Physical Traits
The Russkiy Toys is a very small and thin dog. They were created to be portable and are easy to carry around. Most have long hair. They have long triangular ears that are alert. Their colors can vary. They can have marking that range from white to brown to black.
Breed Standard
Russian Toy Size
They have the Height of Height 8 – 10 inches (20 – 26 cm).
Height measurements are always from the ground to the highest point of a dog’s shoulder blades. The highest point on a dogs shoulder-blades are known as the withers.
Weight
They have the weight of weight 3 – 6 pounds (1.3 – 2.7 kg)
Grooming
The Russian Toys is fairly easy to groom. They have a thin coat longer coat. Occassional brushing will keep these dogs looking good. During shedding season they may need more brushing. Also brush or bath when dirty. Giving them an occassional bath will keep them clean.
Nails
Check their nails to make sure they are not split or cracked and trim as needed.
Ears:
Check their ears to make sure they are not full of debris or wax and clean as needed.
Do They Drool?
No
Best Climate for the Russian Toy
They have a high tolerance of heat and cold.
Temperament
The Russian Toy Terrier is a bold, cheerful and extremely loyal little dog. loving, intelligent, trustful companion for you and your family. You will fall in love instantly. They are devoted to the owner and easy to train.
How Easy are They to Train?
They are a type of dog who are easy to train, Enjoys participating in anything you do. Make sure you are this dogs firm, confident, consistent pack leader. Avoid Small Dog Syndrome by holding them to the same standards as larger dogs.
Do They Tolerate Other Pets?
Due to its size and temperament they have a low prey drive.
Are They Good for Families?
The Russkiy Toys love socializing with people. These dogs also become very attached to their family. They are cheerful and loyal and very intuitive.
Do They Have a Strong Prey Drive?
The size of this breed might be the problem in living with other animals, they might take advantage of his size and his temperament.
Are They Social With Other People?
They love socializing with other people. These dogs were
Is The Russian Toy Good for New Owners?
This breed is good for the new owners. they are the type of dog which is very cheerful, loyal, loving and easy to train. they have no problem in dealing other people or stranger people.
Health
The relatively recent recognition of the Russian Toy Terrier by the UK Kennel Club means that their is little information about the possible inherited health problems,The Russian Toy Terrier breed club does however mention some health problems that can occur in the breed.
The Russian Toy Lifespan
12 to 14 years.
Health Issues
This breed might experience some health issues like, Patellar Luxation which is a condition when knee cap in the back legs is affected, becoming temporarily displaced from its normal position. They can experience problems when its adult teeth are growing in. This breed can also experience Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a conditions affects the retina at the back of the eye.
Exercise
The Russian Toy Terrier is a small breed and therefore does not require much exercise. Around 30 to 45 minutes of walking a day should be enough to keep it happy and healthy.
