Russian Toy
One of the smallest breeds in the world, developed in Russia out of English toy terriers. The long coated variety carries a heavy fringe on the ears.
Photo by Dahmsto, CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
The Russian Toy was developed in Russia from English Toy Terriers and was nearly lost when Western breeds fell out of favour after the revolution. It was rebuilt from surviving dogs and comes in two coats, smooth and long, the long haired variety having distinctive fringes on the ears.
At under six and a half pounds it is one of the smallest breeds in the world.
Temperament
Lively, affectionate and alert. Russian Toys are devoted to their people and reserved with strangers, and they are more confident than their size suggests.
They are intelligent and trainable and they bark, which is the main practical consideration. They bond very closely and dislike being alone. They are not suited to very young children, being genuinely fragile.
Care and grooming
The smooth coat needs a weekly rub down and the long coat brushing twice a week. Neither is demanding.
Patellar luxation, dental disease and fractures are the practical concerns, as with any dog this small. Progressive retinal atrophy occurs. Twelve to fourteen years.
Living and exercise
Twenty to thirty minutes a day plus indoor play. They suit flats.
A harness rather than a collar, and care about jumps from furniture. The breed is uncommon outside Russia and eastern Europe.
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