Is a tiny but mighty Russian Toy the right dog for you?

Looking for a small breed dog that will fit perfectly in your city apartment? Say hello to the Russian Toy Dog.

These pint-sized pups are some of the smallest breeds in the world, and they have a long history dating back to the 1700s when it was common to see them sitting in the laps of Russian nobility.

The first Russian Toy dogs were officially recognized as a breed in the early 1900s when several were entered into a dog show in Saint Petersburg.

The Russian Toy Terrier arrived in the United States in the 1990s. Despite their name, the dogs were initially bred in the United Kingdom as ratters and also are known as English Toy Terriers.

Appearance and size

As its name suggests, this is a tiny breed — males typically weigh between 4 and 6 pounds, while females usually weigh between 3 and 5 pounds.

The breed has a compact body with short legs and a long body. Its head is relatively large compared to its body and has large, triangular ears that stand upright.

The coat of the Russian Toy comes in two varieties: smooth short coated, or long.

Smooth-coat Russian Toys have short hair that lies close to their bodies, while the long-coated variety has less dense, longer hair.

While long-haired coats need more brushing to prevent tangles, both coat types are relatively easy to care for and only require occasional baths.

Their coat colors include blue and tan, brown and tan, black and tan, red sable, and brown sable.

Average lifespan

When looking for a furry friend to bring home, you must consider how long that animal will be in your life. That’s why the Russian toy dog is such a great option — these pups have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

That’s on par with other small dog breeds and slightly longer than the average lifespan for all dogs, which is 10 to 13 years.

So, if you’re looking for a canine companion that will be with you for the long haul, the Russian toy dog is a great option.

Health problems

The Russian Toy Dog breed is generally relatively healthy, but they experience a few health problems.

For instance, Russian toy dogs are prone to dental problems since they have such small jaws. They are susceptible to patellar luxation when the kneecap slips out of place.

However, as long as you keep up with regular vet check-ups and take care of your dog’s teeth, these health problems should not cause any significant issues.

Temperament

These spunky little dogs are gaining popularity due to their affectionate nature and low-maintenance coat. But before you bring home a Russian Toy, it’s essential to know a little about its temperament.

Russian Toy Dogs are typically very loving and affectionate with their family. They enjoy being close to their people and often follow them around the house. While they can be shy around strangers, they warm up quickly with a little bit of patience.

Russian Toy Dogs are also very intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train.

They’re also generally good with other animals, making them a great choice if you already have another pet.

Despite their outgoing nature, Russian Toy Dogs also make excellent watch doggies thanks to their strong territorial instinct.

They bark to alert their owners of any strangers approaching their home, but they are not aggressive dogs and quickly back down when confronted.

A Russian toy is a good choice if

Russian Toy dogs are the perfect size for city dwellers who don’t have a lot of space in their homes.

They’re also relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming; a quick brush once or twice a week is all they need.

And despite their small stature, they pack a lot of personality into their little bodies. A Russian Toy Dog might be the right choice for you if:

You want a dog that loves being with people

One of the best things about Russian Toy Dogs is that they genuinely enjoy being around humans. They make excellent companion animals and are always up for snuggling, playing, or chilling together. A Russian Toy Dog may be the perfect pup if you’re looking for a dog who will be your devoted friend and never want to leave your side.

You work from home or take your dog to work 

While they love being around humans, Russian Toy Dogs sometimes don’t do so well when left alone and can suffer from separation anxiety. If you work from home or can take your pup to work, this is ideal for a Russian Toy Dog.

You want an active snuggle buddy

A Russian Toy Dog might be the perfect fit if you’re looking for a dog who can keep up with your active lifestyle but is also content to lounge around at home.

They make excellent walking and running partners but are also content to chill out at home with their favorite human companions.

Reasons not to choose a Russian Toy

If you work long hours or travel frequently, this might not be the right breed.

These dogs need lots of attention and companionship to thrive, so they’re not the best choice for someone who’s gone all day long.

Adopt from a rescue group

You should adopt your Russian Toy dog from a rescue group for many reasons instead of buying one from a breeder. One of the main reasons is that there are already so many dogs in shelters that need homes, and by adopting one, you’re giving them a second chance at life.

Additionally, adoption fees are typically less expensive than purchasing a dog from a breeder. Most rescue groups will have their dogs spayed or neutered before adoption, saving you even more money in the long run.

Finally, when you adopt from a rescue group, you can rest assured that your new dog has been vet-checked and that any health issues they may have will be disclosed to you upfront.

Find a Russian Toy rescue group

Russian toy dogs are still somewhat rare, so it can be difficult to find one to rescue.

If you know where to look and are willing to be patient, you may be able to rescue your new little friend. First, try doing an internet search for “Russian Toy dog rescue groups.” This should give you a good starting point to begin your search.

You can also check with your local animal shelter or Humane Society; many of these organizations have relationships with specific breed rescue groups and can help connect you with one near you. Finally, ask any friends or family members who have adopted dogs where they got theirs — they may be able to recommend a great rescue group in your area.

Final thoughts on adopting a Russian Toy

Russian Toy Dogs are becoming increasingly popular due to their loving nature and easy-to-care-for coat.

But before you bring one home, it’s essential to know a bit about their temperament. Russian Toy Dogs are typically very loving and affectionate with their family, enjoying being close to their people.

They can be shy around strangers at first but warm up quickly with a bit of patience.

Russian Toy Dogs are also intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train.

They’re generally good with other animals, making them a great choice if you already have another pet.

Even though they’re outgoing, Russian Toy Dogs make excellent watchdogs thanks to their strong territorial instinct.