Once companions for Russian aristocrats , Russian toy weenie today are playful , fond pets . They may be among the flyspeck breeds , but they ’re brave and clever .
A petite and playful puppy , the Russian toy dog was once a position symbolisation for aristocrats . Today , this sweet - natured dog ’s throne is his owner ’s circle . At just 6 pounds , the Russian toy isamong the tiny stock , but he has a cock-a-hoop personality and is a best - in - grade cuddler .
The Russian miniature bounder is " a confident , mettlesome , and magnetic piddling dog , " say Linda Simon , MVB , MRCVS , consult veterinary surgeon atFiveBarks . " For those unfamiliar with them , they are standardised in both coming into court and personality to theChihuahua . However , they incline to be a niggling less reserved and are a little more outgoing . "
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The Russian plaything Canis familiaris is arare breed in the United States . But that could presently exchange because the American Kennel Club officially recognize the Russian toy dog ( which also goes by the name Russkiy toy ) as anofficial breed as of January 2022 .
A delicious fellow that ’s always ready to let you jazz when someone approaches ( or just walk by ) his dwelling house , the Russian toy dog can be a great ducky for those who have sizable time to dote on their andiron .
Appearance
With a humble body and bombastic circular heart , the Russian toy dog is sometimes mistaken for a Chihuahua . originate in Russia , these teeny petite aristocrats tap the scale at 6 or so pounds and are usually between 8–11 inches tall . Their coating , according to theRussian Toy Club of America ( RTCA ) , comes in two varieties : Semi - long , which has a squeamish ruff on the breast and singular feathering around the tail and ears , or asmooth and silky coatthat ’s lenient to the spot . The fringing on the longer coat Russian toy andiron does n’t to the full acquire until they are three years previous .
Russian miniature dogs can come in a variety of coat colour , including blue and tan , brown and tan , black and tan , red , sable ( which is red-faced with black banding ) , or brown sable ( ruddy with brown stria ) , fit in to the RTCA . In the dogs that have tan points , the coloring is usually on their cheeks , pectus , and above their oculus . Many Russian miniature dogs also have splashes of tan on their legs and metrical unit .
Regardless of your Russian toy ’s coat length , he’ll shed some(females lean to shed more than males , according to the RTCA ) . However , the forgetful - hair hotdog with tranquil coats spill less , and the grooming routine for this breed is an soft one .
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Their organic structure are square and heavyset and they have little , minute heads . Their expectant circular eyes are doe - corresponding , hinting that they ’re gentle but playful pups .
Temperament
The Russian plaything packs a lot of personality into his tiny consistency . In general , this is a breed that ’s sound natured and thrive on human companionship . These detent have temperate energy and definitely own a playful streak ; they lovedashing through the houseorchasing toy . When they tucker out , they ’ll need to nest up on their human ’s lap .
" The Russian toy hound is a very tender , lie with stock ; they are aristocratical and love life cuddles , " say Corinne Wigfall , DVM , BVS , BVM , and consulting veterinarian withSpiritDog Training . " They do have a feisty side , which can be related to their history when they were bred to use for hunting rats . "
Just like we all experience a picayune more Special Air Service in a leather coat than say a pea jacket , the RTCA notesthere ’s a slight mental attitude deviation between long coating Russian toy firedog and those who have on unruffled coating . According to the breed lodge , tranquil - coated Russian toy incline to be more " terrier - like " than those with farseeing pelt .
And while the Russian miniature is loving around his family , he can be a bit standoffish toward strangers . Because of this , socialise your Russian miniature puppyto unexampled people and animals is passing important .
" At times they can be somewhat wary of strangers , " Burgess says . " They will barkto permit you know the postman , a bird , or a neighbour is passing through . "
Living Needs
Russian toy dog dogs do not need large dwelling or broad grounds , Simon say , and they cansettle well into apartment life . However , they do want tidy sum of quality time with their humans .
" They bond closely with their family and long to be with them at all times , " Simon says . " For this reason , they would not be suited for owner expend a long time away from the home . "
If socialized at a new eld andintroduced to other petsearly on , they can live in musical harmony with other cats and dogs , says Wigfall . " However , this should be done with caution as they are so delicate , " she says .
While Russian toy hound are aristocratical in nature , they are not well - fit for home with very young children , Wigfall say , because rambunctious play may injure these tiny frankfurter . Of course , pet parent should supervise Kyd of any age when they ’re toy with dogs and teach small oneshow to properly interact with pets .
" The best home for this strain would be one that can offer a lot of love and attending , where they can be mother on a lot , " she says . " They are the ultimate circle domestic dog after all . "
A double-dyed day for this breed would bea bit of exercisefor their bodies and brains . Then , start up the cuddle !
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Care
Though very small , the Russian toy is an active little dog that was once breed to chase scab , Simon aim out .
" So , these terriers enjoy run about and explore new scents , " she says . " A solid 45 minutes of exercise each daylight is commonly enough to endure them out and keep them happy . "
In addition to the strong-arm recitation , pet owners should provide their Russian toy dogs with mental exercising , too , Burgess tell .
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" They love play , especially with humans , and prefer to play with you over their toys , " she says . " Brain workout can be thing like ' enshroud and go try ' or apuzzle toyfilled with toothsome kickshaw . "
Grooming is relatively low-toned - maintenance for Russian toy dogs , Wigfall says . The farseeing - haired pups should bebrushed with a gentle - bristled brusha few times a hebdomad , she says . The RTCA also recommendsa weekly bathwitha good - calibre andiron shampooand a crème rinsing to keep your dog ’s coat and skin in point - top shape . For the short - coating dogs , a daily chammy leather wipe - down will help minimize peeling , allot to the club .
Other grooming rituals should includedaily tooth brushing , even nail trim , andear cleanings .
To raise the good possible canine tooth citizen , usepositive reinforcement methodsduring preparation sessions , giving your Russian toy dog heap of praise — as well as some dainty . These arehighly intelligent dogswho are loyal and bonk with man , which means they make great training pupil .
Health
The Russian toy has a distinctive life expectancy of 10–12 eld years , according to the RTCA . However , some ofthese dogs live foresightful livesof 15 yr or more .
This breed can be susceptible to some health problem , though . For representative , Wigfall read , Russian toy dog can beprone to dental disease , as their small lip can cause overcrowding of teeth .
Also , their small size mean they have a belittled body open surface area and can be susceptible to hypothermia easy in frigid environments ( but do n’t concern — they look oh - so - adorable inlittle doggy jumper ) . hypoglycaemia ( low pedigree glucose ) can also come well if they ’re not feast frequently .
If you plan to engender your whelp , distaff Russian toy can be at risk of dystocia ( difficult birth ) due to their small size , Wigfall says .
Orthopedic combat injury is common with this breed because their skeleton is so delicate , so they are at jeopardy of fracture and os dislocations . luxate patellas , hip dysplasia , andfemoral chief necrosisare among the orthopaedic issues seen insmall dog strain , include Russian toy dogs .
Also , because these wienerwurst have fragile necks and tracheas , the RTCA recommendsusing a leash attached to a harnessinstead of a collar when walking your Russian toy firedog . Also , pet owners should take off the dog ’s collar or harness at home so it does n’t get stuck on things around the mansion , get a hazard .
History
Originally bred for royalty , Russian Emperor Peter the Great had a short hair terrier named Lisetta in the early eighteenth century , according to the RTCA . During this full point in Russia , the aristocracy was eviscerate to the prestigious English fashion of life . They took part in English tea leaf and start to spell " English plaything terriers , " with socialites adoring the dogs because of their small size and lively disposition , the RTCA say . In fact , it became fashionable to appear in public with these well - bear terrier , who go away to social outcome and the opera house .
Bred from the English toy terriers , the Russian toy frank became a symbol of nobility . Theseloyal dogsalso shape as watchdogs and rat exterminator . The stock , however , nearly disappear in the twenties . With the rise of Communism , the popularity of Russian toy terriers dwindled because of their link to the aristocracy .
Up until the last duad of decades , the Russian toy dog was not well known outside of Russia . However , there ’s a growing interest in this breed , specially in the United States and Japan , fit in to the RTCA .
