The Russian Toy Terrier, also called the Russkiy Toy, is one of the smallest dog breeds known for its smart and cheerful disposition. Neither shy nor aggressive, it loves to snuggle and stay close to its human companion.
It is a lean and fine-boned dog that comes in two varieties: the smooth-coated and long-coated Russian Toys. Although the Smooth-coated type tends to be more terrier-like as far as its behavior is concerned, both the varieties share a lively personality.
Since it thrives on human companionship, you should devote enough time or else it would become bored or aggressive. If you cannot keep up with this fairly energetic breed, you should look for a more easy-going and gentler breed.
A short-haired English Terrier-like dog was owned by the Russian ruler Peter the Great
Eight Russian Toy Terriers participated in a dog show in St. Petersburg
Since the breed was linked to nobility, both its popularity and numbers diminished with the advent of communism
The first breed standard for the two varieties, authorized by the Russian Ministry of Agriculture, was written
A new breed standard was published by the Russian Kynological Federation, bringing the long-coated Moscow Terrier and short-coated Russian Toy under one breed, the ‘Russian Toy Terrier’
Imported exotic breeds became so popular that they pushed the Russian Toy to the point of extinction
Interest in the Russian Toy grew as many kennels were set up outside Russia, including Czech Republic, Finland, Ukraine, Belarus, and Estonia
Recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) and included in the Foundation Stock Service (FSS) of the American Kennel Club (AKC)
Gained definitive recognition from the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI)
It is a moderately energetic breed and so needs regular activity. Because of its small size, however, it should not be exercised for a long time. A daily walk or a run in the yard is usually sufficient for your Russian Toy.
Since small breeds have weaker necks and tracheas than the larger ones, you should attach a leash to a harness when taking your Russian Toy Terrier out for a walk. Make sure not to leave a harness or collar on your dog while in the house.
The long-haired Russian Toy needs more maintenance than the smooth-coated type. Its coat is 1-3 inches long and has thick hair on its ears, forming a fringe. You may brush its coat twice or thrice a week and keep its fringes free of debris. Make sure to bathe your dog every month or so with a mild shampoo to keep its coat healthy and shiny.
The smooth-coated variety has short, close-lying fur without a fringe, which needs regular weekly brushing. Also, an occasional bath would help keep your dog’s coat free of dry, flaky skin. You may also regularly wipe its coat with a chamois cloth to maintain its luster.
Whether you give it home-cooked or commercial dry dog food, it should have all the essential nutrients needed for its overall development. Any diet, especially if it includes human foods, should have your veterinarian’s approval.
If you want to buy commercial dry food for your Russian Terrier, ORIJEN and Eukanuba are some of the brands you may choose.
It is an agreeable dog that is always eager to please its people, so training your Russian Toy is relatively easy. It may be stubborn at times, for which you need to be a little firm during the training process.
Early socialization and training for obedience are recommended to help your pup grow into a disciplined dog. Leash training would also help it to remain calm when taken out for a walk.
