Russian toy

Overall description of the breed

The Russkiy Toy, also known as the Russian Toy Terrier, is a small-sized breed that, as its name suggests, originates from Russia. Its history is quite remarkable as its ancestors are both distant and very recent. Historical events nearly led to its complete disappearance. The first English Toy Terriers were imported to Russia in the 17th century and are the worthy ancestors of the Russkiy Toy.

With great popularity at the Russian royal court, they were massively imported into the country, and numerous crossbreedings took place without specific morphological selection, resulting in specimens with a unique type. Later, in the early 20th century, the Russian revolution caused the collapse of the aristocracy, leading to a decline in the popularity of the Russian Toy. Starting in the 1940s, the Russian government undertook efforts to save the breed, which had been neglected for decades and was on the brink of extinction. This initiative was successful in the 1960s, leading to the resurrection of the Russkiy Toy.

However, the introduction of new similar breeds resulted in the development of two distinct types: long-haired and short-haired. After many years of waiting, the breed was officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale on November 7, 2017, as well as by most major canine organizations worldwide.

The Russian Toy is a small-sized dog, both elegant and refined. It is often confused with the Chihuahua due to their resemblance. Well-proportioned overall, its structure is homogeneous and balanced. Despite its small size, it is robust and solidly built. Its lines are clean and athletic, with its body length slightly greater than its height at the withers, a feature more pronounced in females, giving its body a rectangular appearance.

Its bone structure is rather delicate, but it has a well-developed chest, deep chest, and a tucked-up belly. Its backline is straight and fleshy, with a subtle curve at the loin. Extending from its hindquarters is a long, thin tail carried horizontally. Its head is round in shape, but it should maintain a fine and narrow aspect. Its skull is flat, and the stop is not very pronounced. Its coat can be long or short, with a soft and shiny texture. Coat colors accepted by standards include black, brown and tan, and solid brown.

The Russkiy Toy is a particularly affectionate dog and strongly attached to its owners. It tends to be exclusive in its social interactions but greatly appreciates the company of its masters. As a result, it may naturally be cautious around unfamiliar people. Alert and attentive to its surroundings, it is always on the lookout for any signs of affection and will reciprocate the love you show it.

It is a willing small dog that will easily follow you on walks or in your activities. While its energy requirements are not immense, it remains an energetic and dynamic companion. Its training is relatively straightforward. Being dependent on its owners, it will follow you wherever you go. However, it is strongly recommended never to use violence during its training, as it is highly sensitive. It's an ideal family dog, getting along wonderfully with adults, children, and other animals.

Extremely loyal and gentle, it is an outstanding companion dog that deserves to be better known. If you consider it a full-fledged member of your family, it will provide you with patience, joy, and affection throughout its life.

In adulthood, the Russian Toy generally weighs between 2 and 4 kg (4.5 to 9 lb) and measures 20 to 28 cm (8" to 11") at the withers.