Russkiy Toy

The Russkiy Toy is one of the smallest and most ‘elegant’ of the toy breeds, originally bred in Russia. It has a fascinating history, tracing back to the 18th century where it was a favorite among Russian aristocracy. Disaster almost struck for these little dogs though, as the breed faced near extinction during the Russian Revolution.

Breeding was revitalized in the mid-20th century, but they nearly went extinct again as the Soviet Union collapsed and an influx in trade of foreign breeds took hold. Needles to say, they survived but they are still very rare to find outside of Russia.

Distinguished by its fine-boned structure and large, expressive eyes, the Russkiy Toy comes in two varieties: smooth-haired and long-haired. Despite its small size, this breed is lively, affectionate and makes an excellent companion.

The Russkiy Toy was recently recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2022 and is also acknowledged by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), provisionally from 2006 and fully since 2016. It is also recognized by many other major clubs, including the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the Kennel Club (KC) in the UK. 

Read on to learn more about the history, characteristics, and daily life of living with a Russkiy Toy.

History & Origins Of The Russkiy Toy Breed

The Russkiy Toy, also commonly known as the Russian Toy, traces its roots back to 18th and 19th century Russia. It was developed from the English Toy Terrier to be a companion dog as well as to help control rat populations. It soon became a favorite among the aristocracy.

Some sources suggest that the dogs were exhibited in show as far back as the 1870’s, though it is more widely accepted that 1907 was the first ‘true’ show of the breed. After this, into the 1920’s their fate started to take a bit of a nasty turn. When the aristocracy was overthrown and Communism took off in Russia, the breed became a bit of a target. It was a symbol of the old ways, of the overthrown elites and it was not a ‘popular choice’ to own one of these dogs. Breading faltered and the numbers diminished. 

By the mid 20th Century when breeding started to gain some momentum again, there were only a few pedigree dogs left and in recovering the breed a ‘new’ version was essentially created. The contemporary Russkiy Toy can look very different to the earlier type, with more ‘terrier’ in them, and many different facial features. While they also used to be only short-haired, the resurgence in breeding in the 1950’s also brought about the long-haired variety which was entirely new.

A new breed standard was published in 1988 by the Russian Kynological Federation (RKF) which described both the long and short haired varieties under the name ‘Russkiy Toy Terrier’. The name was changed to ‘Russkiy Toy’ when provisionally recognised by the FCI in 2006, and it has since been fully recognized with the federation, as well as other major kennel clubs. 

Quick Facts About The Russkiy Toy

• Lively and Energetic – The Russkiy Toy is known for its lively and playful personality. Though small, they are surprisingly energetic and love engaging in various physical and mental exercises.

• Affectionate and Loyal – Russkiy Toys form strong bonds with their owners, developing a deep loyalty and affection. They are comfortable indoors on a lap or outdoors in nature, wherever the family are.

• Alert and Intelligent – With a keen sense of awareness, the Russkiy Toy is an excellent watchdog, though they do like to bark and not just to alert. Their intelligence makes them quick learners, responsive to training, and eager to please and this can be key to helping them learn when to use their voice appropriately.

• Compact and Elegant – Despite their small size, Russkiy Toys have a graceful and refined appearance. Their delicate frame is complemented by a very unique face with expressive eyes and high-set ears.

• Adaptable and Versatile – This breed adapts well to various living environments, from apartments to larger homes. They are versatile and can fit into different lifestyles, provided they receive adequate attention and care. They are not big, active working dogs, but they do love to run and play.

Characteristics Of The Russkiy Toy

Though a rare breed, the Russkiy Toy has a few names and nicknames you may hear. The first and most obvious is the Russian Toy which is exactly the same just in the English translation. You might hear them go by adapted names such as Russkiy Toy Terrier or Russian Toy Terrier – these date back to a time before the ‘terrier’ was dropped from the name back in 2006 when the breed was officially recognized by the FCI. Less obvious names include the Moscow Toy Terrier and the Moscovian Miniature Terrier. These are exactly the same breed, just variations of the name that hark back to their roots.

Russkiy Toy Puppies

Russkiy Toy puppies are typically born in small litters of one to three puppies, but occasionally litters can be larger. After the first few critical weeks with their mother and littermates, they will be ready for a new home.  Usually this will be around eight weeks but sometimes as long as 10 weeks of age, depending on their development and the scheduling of any health checks by the breeder.

When purchasing a Russkiy Toy from a reputable breeder, potential owners can expect to pay anywhere from $1000 to $3000 in the USA, depending on various factors. In the UK, prices can fluctuate significantly due to the breed’s rarity. Expect to pay at least £800 but be prepared for pay more. You are also most likely to have to join a waiting list once you have reached out to a breeder, as they are still very rare outside of Russia.

Appearance

The Russkiy Toy is a very petite and elegant dog. In fact it’s one of the smallest in the world. Standing between 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing around 3 to 6.5 pounds. This breed has a fine-boned, delicate frame, giving them a graceful yet sturdy appearance. There are two coat varieties: smooth-haired, with a short and close-lying coat, and long-haired, featuring feathered ears and tail. Males and females tend to be around the same size, and any under 7 inches or over 12 inches in size are considered to have a fault. In the same standard, any under 2 lbs in weight are also considered to have a fault, too small for the standard.

Their large, expressive eyes and erect, high-set ears are prominent features, almost bookmarking their alert and intelligent expression. The Russkiy Toy’s legs, though delicate because of their size, are slender yet more than strong enough to  support their agile movements. The tail can be either natural or docked, and it is usually carried high.

The breed’s overall look is one of refined sophistication, combined with a lively and animated character making them a charming companion.

Coat

There are two types of coats in the Russkiy Toy breed: smooth-haired, which is short and close-lying, and long-haired, which features fringes on the ears and tail. The smooth-haired variety does not have an undercoat. The long-haired dog should have wavy or straight hair, but it should not become curly. They should also have notable fringes on their ears that develop fully as they age. Grooming should be more frequent for the long-haired, to keep their coat healthy and free from grime and debris.

Color

The FCI and the AKC both have their own standard for recognizing breed colors. They mostly align but there is some difference in what is accepted in each of these respectively. Here’s a table that illustrates the colors described in each standard:

Temperament

Russkiy Toys are known for having a playful and affectionate temperament. They are intelligent and alert, often serving as effective watchdogs as they do like to bark. They bond closely with their owners and can be quite loyal, though they may be reserved around strangers. They do tend to have a bossy streak, typical of a terrier that needs to be worked on in training to keep them well mannered and obedient.

Lifespan

The typical lifespan of a Russkiy Toy is around 10 to 12 years, though in good care and health, up to 14 years is not uncommon.

Known Health Issues

While the Russkiy Toy is generally a healthy breed, there are a few health issues that can affect them. These are some of the known health issues to look out for:

Dental Issues – Due to their small mouths, Russkiy Toys are prone to dental problems such as overcrowding and early tooth loss.

• Treatment: Regular dental cleanings, proper oral hygiene, and providing dental chews can help manage these issues. In severe cases, tooth extraction might be necessary.

Gingivitis and Periodontitis – These dental conditions are common in small breeds, where gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.

• Treatment: Regular professional dental cleanings and at-home oral care, including brushing and dental chews, can prevent and manage these conditions. In advanced cases, veterinary intervention may be required to treat infected or damaged teeth and gums.

Patellar Luxation – This condition occurs when the kneecap dislocates from its normal position, causing lameness or difficulty walking.

• Treatment: Mild cases can be managed with physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications. Severe cases might require surgical intervention to realign the kneecap.

Bone Fractures – Due to their delicate build, Russkiy Toys are susceptible to fractures from falls or rough handling.

• Treatment: Immediate veterinary attention is required for fractures. Treatment often involves immobilizing the affected limb with a cast or splint and in some cases, surgery may be needed to repair the fracture.

Daily Life

Food and Diet

An adult Russkiy Toy typically requires about ¼ to ½ cup of high-quality dry kibble per day, divided into two meals. Choose kibble rich in meat-based proteins like chicken or turkey and low in fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy to maintain their energy levels and overall health. Given their small mouths and digestive tract, you need to select kibble that is appropriately sized to prevent choking and aid digestion

For puppies, more frequent feedings are necessary to support their rapid growth and high energy levels. Feeding them three to four small meals a day with a puppy-specific formula ensures they receive the right balance of nutrients. As Russkiy Toys age, their metabolism slows, requiring adjustments to their diet. Switching to a senior-specific formula that is lower in calories but still rich in essential nutrients helps manage their weight and health.

Treats should be given in moderation, and fresh water should always be available to keep them hydrated. Regular vet check-ups are a good time to monitor their weight and tailor their diet as required, to ensure they remain healthy throughout their life.

Exercise

Short walks around the neighborhood or playtime in a secure, fenced area are ideal. These dogs enjoy games like fetch and running around in the yard, which helps burn off their energy and keep them fit. They are generally fine off the leash too, never really a problem themselves with other dogs. They are small though, and their friendly nature might get them in trouble if they approach less than friendly bigger dogs. So if you do walk them off the leash, pay attention to your surroundings for anything that might consider the little dog prey. 

Due to their small size, 20-30 minutes of good walking each day is usually sufficient, but they can do more if you have the time. They do have quite high energy, despite their small size. In addition to physical exercise, mental stimulation is crucial for the Russkiy Toy. Activities such as puzzle toys, obedience training, and interactive games like hide-and-seek are always fun with a small dog like this and they truly love the playtime. 

Because of their delicate nature, it’s important to monitor their exercise to avoid overexertion. They do have high energy, but can tire easily, so pay attention to signs of fatigue and allow them to rest as needed. Russkiy Toys also enjoy indoor play, making them suitable for apartment living as long as they receive their daily exercise.

Family Compatability

The Russkiy Toy is an excellent choice for families looking for a loving companion dog. The breed is known for its affectionate and loyal nature, bonding strongly with their family members. They are particularly good with older children who understand how to handle their delicate size. Their playful and lively personalities make them a joy to have around. Fitting well into most types of household that can provide them with a comfortable lap, as well as the stimulation they need.

Russkiy Toys are also social with other pets, although supervision is recommended when they interact with larger animals, particularly those they are unfamiliar with. They are small and delicate and while they might be friendly, they are an easy target if they catch a big dog in a bad mood. They do well in multi-pet households when properly introduced and socialized. However, they do not tolerate being left alone for long periods, as they can develop separation anxiety or become destructive out of boredom.

Ideally, these dogs are best suited for homes where someone is usually around to provide companionship and engage them in activities. While they are small, they are an alert breed and they do like to bark. They make good watchdogs, alerting you to the slightest thing out of the ordinary.

Training & Socializing

Training a Russkiy Toy can be rewarding and enjoyable, thanks to their intelligence and general eagerness to please. But they do still have terrier traits that can make them feel like they are the boss. This needs trained out of them early, but never harshly as this can have the opposite effect. Positive reinforcement methods, such as treats, praise, and interactive play, are most effective.

This approach helps reinforce good behavior and ensures they remain engaged and motivated. You need to be firm enough to let them know you are the boss, but not overly so that they lose interest or turn stubborn.

Early socialization and obedience training is really important for the Russkiy Toy. The earlier you start the better, and depending on where you live, puppy nurseries or kindergartens are a great place to get them familiar with other dogs and people. If these are not available near you, then introducing them to various environments, people and other animals will work equally as well to prevent behavioral issues while building their confidence.

Grooming

The Russkiy Toy does shed a fair amount of hair, but they don’t need as much grooming as many other small toy breeds. It really depends on if you have the long or smooth coated variety, as the long coated will obviously need more brushing than the smooth to keep the hair from matting. 

A weekly brush for the smooth variety will suffice, whereas two to three times per week for the long haired will do fine. For bathing, the long coated should have a bath every month, but you might get away with less frequent baths for a smooth Russian Toy. Use a good shampoo in both cases, suitable for sensitive skin. Nails and ears should be checked regularly as with any dog grooming routine. 

Breed Traits

Breed FAQs

Summary