Origin and Development

The Russian Toy, also known as the Russian Toy Terrier, is a small breed of dog that originated in Russia. It was developed from the English Toy Terrier and has been recognized as a distinct breed since 2006 by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). The breed's development was influenced by the Russian nobility's fondness for small dogs as companions.

Until the 1990s, the breed was almost unknown outside of Russia, with its popularity waning during the rise of Communism in the 1920s and again in the 1990s due to the influx of foreign breeds following the fall of the Iron Curtain.

The first evidence of English-style terriers in Russia dates back to the Museum of Zoology in Saint Petersburg, where an English style terrier from 1716–1726 is on display. This suggests that the breed has a long history in the region. The breed was developed as a companion dog for the Russian nobility, with records indicating that eight smooth-coated Russian Toys competed in a dog show in Saint Petersburg as early as 1874, further solidifying its place in Russian society.

Breed Characteristics

The Russian Toy is one of the smallest breeds in the world, measuring between 20–28 centimeters (8–11 inches) and weighing 1.5–4 kilograms (3–9 pounds). It has a small, distinctive head with large eyes and triangular ears, which contribute to its alert and intelligent demeanor. The breed comes in two types: smooth coat and long coat.

The smooth-coated variety has a short, shiny, close-lying coat, while the long-coated variety has a longer coat with profuse feathering in the ears, legs, and tail. The feathering or "fringe" on the ears is usually 3–5 centimeters (1.2–2.0 inches) long and can be straight or with a slight wave.

The breed has four main colors: black and tan, blue and tan, brown and tan, and solid red of various shades, including sable and red sable. The color standards are strictly adhered to in dog shows and are a significant aspect of the breed's appearance.

Temperament and Personality

Russian Toys are known for their alert, intelligent, loyal, playful, affectionate, energetic, and outgoing temperament. They form deep bonds with their owners and can be protective, leading to them being distrustful of people they do not recognize. This protective nature can be attributed to their history as watchdogs and rat fighters.

Despite their small size, they were originally bred as rat fighters and watchdogs, which explains their vocalization and alert nature. They are friendly dogs and can become very attached to the family unit, making them great companions for those seeking a loyal and affectionate pet. Their small size and large personality make them a unique and charming breed.

Health Considerations

Like most breeds of dog, the Russian Toy can suffer from patellar luxation, where the knee cap slips out of place. This is usually an inherited defect that occurs during the development of the fetus and rarely by trauma.

Russian Toys may also require veterinary assistance to remove retained deciduous teeth, as failure to do so can lead to tartar deposits, tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis, and can cause misalignment of the teeth.

Other health concerns that may affect the Russian Toy include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a degenerative eye disease, and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, a condition affecting the hip joint.

Breed Standard and Recognition

The first official breed standard for the two varieties of the Russian Toy was written in 1966 in Russia. The smooth-coated variety was previously known as the Russian Toy Terrier, and the long-coated variety as the Moscow Long-Haired Toy Terrier. Both were brought together under the same Russian Toy Terrier name in 1988, and the "Terrier" was dropped from the name in 2006.

The breed has been registered in the Foundation Stock Service of the American Kennel Club (AKC) since 2008 and has been allowed to compete in AKC companion events since 2010. It is also recognized by the United Kennel Club and the American Rare Breed Association. The breed's recognition by these organizations has helped to preserve and promote its distinct characteristics.

History and Cultural Significance

The Russian Toy was nearly wiped out twice in its history: first in the 1920s with the rise of Communism due to the toy dog's traditional link to the aristocracy, and again in the 1990s with the influx of foreign breeds following the fall of the Iron Curtain. Despite these challenges, the breed has managed to maintain its distinct characteristics and has seen a resurgence in popularity, particularly in countries like Finland, Estonia, Belarus, Ukraine, and the Czech Republic.

The breed's history is closely tied to the Russian nobility and has been a symbol of elegance and companionship throughout its development. It represents the cultural appreciation of small, elegant dogs in Russian society.

Buying a Russian Toy

• Ensure the puppy comes from a breeder who has experience with the breed and can provide you with health clearances and pedigrees.
• Look for a puppy that is alert, playful, and affectionate, as these are signs of good temperament.
• Check the puppy's coat for any signs of skin issues or matting, as grooming is an important part of the Russian Toy's care.
• Ask about the breeder's feeding and exercise routines to ensure you can provide a balanced lifestyle for your new pet.
• Consider the cost of ownership, including veterinary care, grooming, and food, as these can add up over time. Responsible pet ownership requires planning for these expenses.
• Research the breed's specific needs and challenges to ensure you are prepared to provide a suitable home for a Russian Toy.

By doing your research and working with a responsible breeder, you can ensure that you bring a healthy and happy Russian Toy into your home. The breed's unique combination of size, personality, and history makes it a special choice for dog lovers seeking a loyal and affectionate companion.