Russian Toy

also known as Russian Terrier, Russian Toy Terrier, Moscovian Miniature Terrier, Moscow Toy Terrier

Pros History


The Russian Toy is a small breed of dog that originated in Russia. The breed was developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a toy breed, and it was originally called the Russian Toy Terrier. The breed was developed by crossing a variety of small terrier breeds with toy spaniels, and it was intended to be a small, companion dog for the Russian aristocracy.

The breed was recognized by the Russian Kennel Club in the early 20th century, and it quickly became popular among the Russian aristocracy and the wealthy elite. The breed was also popular in other parts of Europe, and it was exhibited at dog shows in the United Kingdom and other European countries.

During the Russian Revolution in 1917, many members of the aristocracy fled the country, and many of their pets, including Russian Toy dogs, were left behind. As a result, the breed nearly became extinct. However, a few Russian Toy dogs were smuggled out of the country and taken to other parts of Europe, where they were used to help reestablish the breed.

After World War II, the Russian Toy was once again popular in Russia, and the breed was recognized by the Soviet Union's Kennel Union. The breed became known as the Soviet Toy, and it was used as a companion dog and as a show dog.

In the 1980s, the Soviet Union collapsed, and the Russian Toy once again became popular in other parts of Europe. The breed was recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in the 1990s, and it is now recognized by many kennel clubs around the world.

Today, the Russian Toy is a popular breed in Russia and other parts of Europe, and it is also found in the United States and other countries around the world. The breed is known for its small size, playful personality, and affectionate nature, and it is well-suited to life as a companion dog.

The breed's name, "Russian Toy," is derived from the breed's origin in Russia and its small size. The breed is also sometimes called the Russian Toy Terrier, although this name is less commonly used.

Breed Information


Type

Is Russian Toy a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Russian Toys originally used for?

Companion

Lifespan

How Long Do Russian Toys Live? What is average life expectancy for a Russian Toy? How long can Russian Toys live?

11-13 years

The average Russian Toy lifespan is somewhere between 11-13 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Russian Toy Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Russian Toy?

What is the average height of a Russian Toy? How big is a Purebred Russian Toy height? Russian Toy dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 7-10 inches (17.8 - 25.4 cm) 5.0 inches (12.7 cm) 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) 8.5 inches (21.6 cm)
Female 7-10 inches (17.8 - 25.4 cm) 5.0 inches (12.7 cm) 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) 8.5 inches (21.6 cm)
What is the average weight of a Russian Toy? How much should Russian Toys weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 3-6 pounds (1 - 3 kg) 2.0 pounds (1 kg) 4.0 pounds (2 kg) 4.5 pounds (2 kg)
Female 3-6 pounds (1 - 3 kg) 2.0 pounds (1 kg) 4.0 pounds (2 kg) 4.5 pounds (2 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Russian Toys get fat easily?

The Russian Toy is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Russian Toys Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Russian Toy is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Russian Toy personality? What are Russian Toy dogs best known for?

Active
Loyal
Protective
Cheerful
Playful

Shedding Level

Are Russian Toys heavy shedders? How Much Does a Russian Toy Shed?

Russian Toy dogs are low shedders. The coat sheds an average amount and doesn't require much care.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Russian Toy dog?

The Russian Toy dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Russian Toys come from?

Russia

Ancestry

What are Russian Toys descended from?

English Toy Terrier, Toy Spaniel

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Russian Toy breed?

Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Foundation Stock Service
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Russian Toys first bred? How old is the Russian Toy breed?

20th Century

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Russian Toy?

Companion Dog (UKC)

Russian Toy Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Russian Toy eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Russian Toy nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Russian Toy coat be naturally?

Black
Blue
Brown
Red
Sable

Coat Length

How long is a Russian Toys coat?

The coat of a Russian Toy is longer than that of the typical dog.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Russian Toy Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Russian Toy?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Russian Toy have in a litter? How many puppies can a Russian Toy have in her first litter?

11-13 puppies per pregnancy

A Russian Toy can have a litter of 11-13 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

The adaptability of Russian Toy dogs is a well-known trait, they are known for being able to adjust well to different living environments and lifestyle changes.

Russian Toy Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Russian Toys have a lot of health problems?

The Russian Toy is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Russian Toy?

Patellar Luxation

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Russian Toys?

Heart Conditions

Occasional Diagnoses

None

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Russian Toy breed?

OFA
Physical Examination
Cardiac Test

Russian Toy Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Russian Toys have a lot of energy?

Russian Toys are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Russian Toys need socialization? How social are Russian Toys?

Russian Toy have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Russian Toys get?

The Russian Toy dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Russian Toy have? Do Russian Toys sleep a lot?

Russian Toys are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Russian Toy drool a lot?

The Russian Toy is known to be an average drooler among dog breeds. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds or it can be a sign of a health problem. In the case of the Russian Toy, it is a normal part of their physiology, however it is important to keep an eye on the amount of drooling and any changes in drooling patterns, as excessive drooling can be an indication of an underlying health issue and should be checked by a veterinarian.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

The Russian Toy is a vocal breed, with a tendency to bark and howl frequently. They may not be the best fit for those seeking a quiet companion. Their barks can vary and can indicate different emotions and needs.

Territorial

Do Russian Toys exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Russian Toy dogs are known for being average at defending. They possess the capability to defend their territory or owners, but it is not their primary trait. They are not the best choice for guard dogs

Mouthiness

Are Russian Toys mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Russian Toy running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Russian Toy dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Russian Toys enjoy doing? How do I keep my Russian Toy busy?

Fetch, Play, Walk

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Russian Toy? How much energy does a Russian Toy have?

Medium

Russian Toys are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Russian Toy walk each week? How many miles should a Russian Toy walk every week?

6 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Russian Toy, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Russian Toy should exercise a day? How much activity does a Russian Toy need?

30 minutes

In general most Russian Toys usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Russian Toy?

The Russian Toy is a breed of dog that is known for its low grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Russian Toy?

Daily

Ideally, Russian Toy should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Russian Toys?

Slicker Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Russian Toy eat?

0.5 cups

For an average 3-6 pound (1 - 3 kg) Russian Toy feed 0.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Russian Toy Cost Daily?

$1.10 - $1.40 / day

The average cost of a Russian Toy is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Russian Toy Cost Per Month?

$28 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Russian Toy is between $28 - $42. This makes an average of $336 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Russian Toy Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Russian Toy?

Russian Toys has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Russian Toy is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Russian Toy dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Russian Toy dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Russian Toy do well in apartments? Are Russian Toys good indoor dogs?

The Russian Toy is an apartment-friendly dog breed. They can do perfectly well in apartments providing they are sufficiently exercised and taken out and about as part of their owner's daily lifestyle.

Child Friendly

Are Russian Toys good with kids? Are Russian Toys good around children?

Russian Toys are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Russian Toys good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Russian Toys good with cats? How friendly Russian Toys are toward cats?

Russian Toys are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Russian Toy dogs get along with other dogs? Are Russian Toys OK with other dogs?

Russian Toys are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Russian Toy dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Russian Toys friendly with strangers?

Russian Toys are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Russian Toys like to play? Are Russian Toys playful?

The Russian Toy is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Russian Toy is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Russian Toy easily trained?

Russian Toy dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Apartment Friendly
    Russian Toy are great pets for apartment life.
  • Cute and small
    Russian Toys are small dogs with a cute and fluffy appearance, which can be a pro for those who want a small companion.
  • Intelligent
    Russian Toys are known for their intelligence and ability to learn new commands and tasks quickly.
  • Loyal
    Russian Toys are known to be loyal to their owners and can make great family pets.
  • Playful
    Russian Toys are energetic and playful, which can be a pro for those who enjoy playing with their dog.
  • Low maintenance
    Russian Toys have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.

Cons

  • Barking
    Russian Toys possess a loud bark, a defining characteristic of the breed.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    A Russian Toy may not be the best choice for a dog to have in an office setting.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    People with allergies should be cautious when considering a Russian Toy, as they may cause allergic reactions.