| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
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The Russian Toy, also known as the Russkiy Toy, is a recent breed of dog and a symbol of Great Mother Russia.
Today we will be talking about a son of the Russian homeland. It is a breed born and created ad hoc in the Soviet territory. The Russian Toy is a laboratory-bred dog. Some say that it was created by accident, when in fact this breed is the result of many meticulous crossbreeding that took place after the 1950s.
Russian Toy: Curiosities
This breed was born out of the fascination with the English Toy Terrier. This British “little soldier” was very popular in Russia, so much so that it had spread throughout the former territories of the Tsar.
It would not be fair to simply say that the Russians wanted to “copy” the British Toy variety. Actually, the story is a bit more complex. As we said before, at the beginning of the 20th century, the British breed began to expand in Russia. This breed, which today we could call it as a breed to carry in the handbag, was highly appreciated in the richer social classes.
In other words, it became one of the favorite animals of wealthy Russians. On one hand, it was a friendly companion dog, on the other hand, it was a very nice “ornamental” dog, which could match with elegant clothing. However, between the late 1920s and early 1950s, something went wrong in the breeding chain of this breed, which slowly began to decline, resulting in a drastic reduction in the number of specimens for sale and in circulation.
Russian Toy: Varieties and Origins
When the British breed went on the verge of extinction, the high Soviet hierarchy could not be without its favorite dog breed. That is why in the middle of the 20th century, a team of experts set to work to find a solution.
It is not known if the real purpose of the scholars was simply to give new characteristics to the Terrier population or to create a completely different breed from the English breed, but what we do know for sure is that they created a kind of dog that fulfills both ideas.
They created a dog with some characteristics of the English Toy Terrier, but which could be also defined as a new breed. The following are the main characteristics of the Russian Small dog, both from the physical and temperamental point of view.
Let’s start by saying that the Russian Toy has suffered almost from the beginning from a division. We can distinguish two varieties:
- Long-haired Russian Toy
- Smooth-haired Russian Toy
The only real difference between the two is the length of their coat, a subject we will expand on later.
Russian Toy: Physical Characteristics
It is within the breed of small, compact, and elegant dogs. The characteristic that stands out most at first sight is related to its ears: they are quite large compared to the physical build of this breed. In fact, we could compare them to those of a “chic bat”. Although its ears are large, they are not unpleasant. On the contrary, they are beautiful and have become the trademark of this Russian small dog. They set him apart from his English cousin.
The Russian Toy may weigh around 7 lb (3 kg). It is really a small dog, but very well proportioned and muscular. Its limbs are quite long in proportion to other breeds of its size. Its nails, which can be black or the color of its coat, are noticeable. As mentioned above, the head is not large or disproportionate, but the ears are the only ones that protrude.
The muzzle is quite narrow and pointed. It has a small dark nose. Their round, glassy eyes are dark. They do protrude a little. Its tail is sometimes docked, otherwise it tends to have a sickle shape.
Let us analyze the two types of coat: the long-haired and the short-haired. The technical names of the two types are:
- Russian, long-haired Toy Terrier
- Russian, smooth haired Toy Terrier (short-haired)
The first variety to be born is the short haired one. How was the Russian, long-haired Toy Terrier born? It would seem that in this opportunity, its creation was also almost by chance.
In 1958, in Moscow, the long-haired Russian Toy was born. This variety somehow seemed to be able to satisfy the public taste. Then, it was “improved” through a series of crosses with long-haired specimens. New “look” pleased Russian dog lovers.
Russian Toy: Temperament
It is a companion dog. Therefore, by its nature, it is quite sociable and loyal. It is hardly ever aggressive or grumpy but is always willing to play and curious. The Russian Toy is very attached to its owner, to whom it shows its devotion and trust.
Don’t be fooled by its size. As it usually happens, giant dogs are the most “cowardly”, while small dogs such as the Russian Toy are quite brave and do not stop in the face of challenges.
Russian Toy: Price and Puppies
In Canada, Australia and Ireland, this breed is quite well known and popular, although it is not a “top player”. However, in the United Kingdom and in the United States there are breeders of Russian Toy and they are located in different “strategic” points. In short, we could say that it should not be difficult to find a specimen we can befriend.
But how much does this beautiful stuffed toy of Russian nobility cost? We can say that neither too much nor too little. The price of a Russian Toy puppy may vary between 800 and 1200 dollars, about 700-1000 English pounds. The price may vary from one country to another, or if you buy it on the Internet.
Buying a dog of this breed would be a great idea if you are looking for a friend with an excellent heart who can live many years and has low costs maintainance.
Russian Toy: Breeders, and Puppies For Sale
If you adopt a puppy, a reliable breeder will provide you with a veterinary certificate which states that the animal has been dewormed and is completely healthy.
You can always ask for the pedigree, which is essential: it allows you to check the purity of the dog’s breed. An animal with a pedigree has certain characteristics of its breed that differentiate it from the rest.
Now that we have clarified all the most important aspects, you can go in search of your new 4-legged friend, who is surely waiting for you.
You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:
- Russian Toy
- Manchester Terrier
- American Hairless Terrier
- Cairn Terrier
- Alaskan Klee Kai
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Griffon Belge
- Maltese
- Chihuahua
- Lakeland Terrier
