| Country of Origin: | Russia |
| Registries: | FCI, DRA, NAPR, AKC/FSS |
| Breed Group: | FCI : Group 9 (Provisional) Section 9 #352, UKC: Companion Dog Group |
| Occupation: | Anti-rat dog and a watch dog |
| Size: | Height: 20 cm -25 cm (8 -10 inches) Weight: 1.4 – 2.7 kg ( 3-6 lbs) |
| Longevity; | 10-12 years |
| Exercise: | Daily walk |
| Training: | Obedience |
| Grooming: | Moderate |
| Colors: | Black and tan, blue and tan, brown and tan, sable or solid red of various shades |
It is interesting that the first evidences of this dog breed can be seen in the Saint Petersburg Museum of zoology. This dog belonged to the Russian emperor Peter The Great. Then in the 20th century, the Russian Toy dogs became one of the most popular breeds in Russia. During the October Revolution their number diminished.
The other name for Russian Toy dogs is also Russkiy. The first long haired Russian Toy dog was called Chikki and was born in 1958 from smooth haired terriers. In adulthood he mated with Irma, a female terrier with longer hair and they got three long haired puppies.
The Russian Toy is, as its name says, a very small dog breed from Russia. There are two different types of Russian Toy dogs. One of them is smooth haired and the other one is long haired. The main difference among the two types is the long hair on ears on the long haired type which is around 5 cm long. This dog breed was almost wiped out two times, but luckily there are still a popular breed even nowadays, although more rare outside of their native Russia.
This is at the same time considered to be one of the smallest dog breeds on the world. These dogs measure around 8 inches and weigh up to 6 pounds. The Russian Toy dog has a small distinctive head, large eyes and triangular ears. Their tail is curved in the shape of a sickle.
Booth smooth haired types and long haired types of Russian Toy dogs can be crossed and produce smooth and long haired puppies from the same litter. This dog breed has five main colors – black and tan, brown and tan, blue and tan and sable or solid red of various shades.
Same as many small sized dog breeds, the Russian Toy dogs can also suffer from patellar luxation. However, this is very usually an inherited defect. Also, these dogs can suffer from bone fractures.
Russian Toy dogs are very active and cheerful. However, the problem can be the fact that they tend to be very vocal. These dogs become very attached to their family. From the other side, they are very reserved towards strangers.