Russkiy Toy
Russian Toy Terrier, Russkiy Toy, Moscow Toy Terrier, Moscovian Miniature Terrier, Russian Longhaired Toy Terrier, Moscow Longhair Toy Terrier
This toy breed dog is rare but is quickly gaining popularity across the United States. As one of the tiniest toy breeds, he rivals the Chihuahua in both size and temperament. With a lively spirit and a bold attitude, he thrives as a therapy dog and excels in dog sports such as agility and rally. His high energy levels make playtime vital, and consistent exercise is important to keep him calm and happy at home. Given his petite size, the Russian Toy should never be left unsupervised outdoors, as he is at risk from predators like hawks and owls.
Breed Origin
The Russian Toy has a fascinating history, once cherished as a beloved pet among the Russian aristocracy. It is commonly thought that this breed traces its roots back to the English Toy Terriers, which were gifted to Russian nobles by English royalty. These small dogs quickly became a status symbol, with many aristocrats owning at least one. However, after the Russian Revolution, the English Toy Terrier nearly disappeared from the country. To develop the Russian Toy, breeders undertook extensive selective breeding, combining the English Toy Terrier with toy spaniels of unknown lineage. This careful process not only altered the breed's appearance but also fostered unique personality traits. Initially, the Russian Toy was exclusively available in a smooth coat until 1958, when a longhaired male puppy named Chiky was born to two smooth-coated parents. Chiky was subsequently bred with a female that had slightly longer fur than the typical Russian Toy, and their descendants established the longhaired variety, which became known as the Moscow Longhaired Toy Terrier. In 2006, the Federation Cynologique Internationale officially recognized the Russian Toy as a separate breed, acknowledging both the smooth and longhaired types as part of the same lineage. The United Kennel Club followed suit in 2008, granting formal recognition to the Russian Toy. By 2010, the American Kennel Club included the Russian Toy in its Foundation Stock Service, enabling the breed to participate in AKC-sanctioned companion dog events.
Breed Appearance
The Russian Toy is a small toy breed that comes in two distinct coat varieties: smooth and longhaired. Many people compare the smooth-coated version to miniature deer because of its graceful features. This breed is known for its slender legs, elongated neck, and sturdy body. It has a small, well-proportioned head with large, expressive dark brown eyes. Its ears are small, triangular, and stand upright on its head. On the other hand, the longhaired variety resembles the smooth-coated type but differs mainly in the length of its fur. Instead of the sleek texture found in the smooth coat, the longhaired Russian Toy features longer hair on its ears and the backs of its legs, along with a feathery tail and shorter fur on its body. Both coat types are available in various colors, with black and tan, red, and sable being the most common. Other acceptable colors include solid black, brown, red, and blue. Although blue and tan, as well as brown and tan, are recognized, they are considered quite rare.
Care Routine
The Russian Toy is a breed that requires minimal upkeep, and grooming its two coat types is quite simple. For the smooth-coated variant, a daily wipe with a soft cloth or chamois is adequate. Additionally, using a soft slicker brush each day helps remove dead hair and promotes healthy skin. The long-haired version also needs daily grooming, which should include a comb and a soft slicker brush to prevent tangles, especially around the ears and feathering. To ensure cleanliness, it’s crucial to trim the hair around the anus and between the paw pads. While you’re checking the fur in these areas, also examine the nails and trim them as needed. Regular bathing is advisable for the Russian Toy, ideally every one to two weeks, using a mild shampoo. Since this breed falls into the toy category, maintaining a consistent dental care routine is vital for keeping their teeth clean and strong.
Behavior & Temperament
The Russian Toy is a classic toy breed known for its bold, delightful, and lively personality. Despite its petite size, this spirited little dog is always eager to face new challenges. It is essential for its family to keep a watchful eye to prevent any mischief. To ensure its well-being and happiness, the Russian Toy needs a moderate amount of daily exercise, which can be easily met with brief walks and fun playtime in the yard. Caution is advised when leaving this small dog outside unattended, as its diminutive size makes it an easy target for predators, including birds of prey. With a high level of intelligence, the Russian Toy can thrive as a therapy dog, although it may be too small to fulfill the role of a service dog. This breed flourishes in the company of others and enjoys engaging in dog sports like agility and rally. However, families with young children might not be the ideal match, as the dog’s fragile build makes it prone to injury if accidentally stepped on or dropped.
Play & Exercise
Things to Know
Cups Per Day
0.5 Cups
Daily Activity
30 Minutes
Average Lifespan
11 Years
Origin
20th Century
Type
Pure Breeds
Size
Small
Origin Country
Russia
Brush Frequency
Daily
Coat Texture
Straight
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Member Clubs
PETINNATE
Companion Dog
AKC
Miscellaneous Class
UKC
Companion Dog
Height & Weight
Weight
5 lbs (2 kg)Male: 5 lbs (2 kg) , Female: 5 lbs (2 kg)
Height
9 inches (23 sm)Male: 9 inches (23 sm) , Female: 9 inches (23 sm)
6 Months
2 lbs ( m 2 lbs, f 2 lbs )
5 inches ( m 5 inches, f 5 inches )
12 Months
4 lbs ( m 4 lbs, f 4 lbs )
7 inches ( m 7 inches, f 7 inches )
18 Months
4 lbs ( m 4 lbs, f 4 lbs )
8 inches ( m 8 inches, f 8 inches )
Eye Colors
Brown
Nose Colors
Black
Coat Colors
Black
Blue
Brown
Red
Sable
Mixes
Cherokee Monarch
The Cherokee Monarch is a mixed breed that emerges from the combination of a Papillon and a Russian Toy Terrier. This small breed, which has only recently entered the canine scene, usually weighs around 7 to 8 pounds. Renowned for their playful and loving demeanor, Cherokee Monarchs make excellent companions for children and typically coexist harmoniously with other animals. They are low-shedding, requiring little grooming, and are generally calm in the presence of strangers. Many pet owners find the Cherokee Monarch to be a charming addition to their households.
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