Russian Toy

The Russian Toy dog originates from England’s small toy terriers and the Russian elite’s fascination with English culture. Companion-type toy dogs first appeared in Russia in the early 1700s, exemplified by Lizetta, a black and tan toy terrier owned by Emperor Peter the Great, showcased in St. Petersburg’s Museum of Zoology. However, the October Revolution of 1917 declined the breed’s popularity due to its association with the aristocracy. This prompted the development of a new breed standard, distinct from the English-style breed. Since the 1950s, the contemporary-style Russian Toy has evolved significantly, with the first long-haired litter born in 1958.

New to pet parenthood? The Russian Toy dog might be your ideal match. They’re manageable in size and easy to groom. They love short walks and basic training, but they’re best suited for older children or child-free homes where they can be delightful companions that will brighten your days.

Russian Toy dogs need at least an hour of exercise each day, but they’ll be up for more if you are. These little guys have brains as sharp as their barks, so throw in some training sessions, doggy sports, or brain-teasing puzzles to keep them entertained and happy.

Small enough to live almost anywhere, the Russian Toy does not need lavish or vast housing. But watch out for bustling city streets—those tiny paws may find them overwhelming as they can be easily stepped on and don’t love a lot of chaotic noise. With their knack for squeezing through tiny holes, top-notch fencing is a must if you live in a more suburban or rural area.

Give your short-haired Russian Toy dog a brush down once a week. The long coat variety requires combing through every other day and thoroughly brushing weekly. This variety can also pick up a lot of debris and yucky things in their hairy feet and feathering, so teach them to tolerate bathing and drying from an early age.

The Russian Toy dog is quick on the uptake and loves a good training session. Whether grooving to some heelwork music or mastering trick routines, they’re all about the fun and games. Don’t underestimate their size, though—these little lovers can hold their own agility courses. There’s a lot of activity and eagerness in their pint-size packages.

Russian Toys are exceptional little dogs for a family as long as children understand that this is a real dog, not a toy or plaything. Consider waiting until children are old enough to know how to respect a dog’s needs, as this is a delicate little breed with easily damaged limbs. They are best suited to families with older children who enjoy dog training.

The cost of a Russian Toy dog from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.