Russian Toy
Also known as Russkiy Toy, Toy russe, Petit chien russe
- Height at the withers
- 20 to 28 cm
- Weight
- 1.4 to 3 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 30 minutes
- Origin
- Russia
- FCI group
- 9 · Companion and toy dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- living with a cat
Less suited to
- young children, without close supervision
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
Overview
A very small, elegant toy breed with fine bones and a lively expression, found in a smooth-coated and a long-coated variety. Known for its playful temperament and its delicate build.
History and origins
Developed in Russia from English Toy Terriers in the early 20th century. It nearly died out after the Russian Revolution but was rebuilt from the surviving dogs after World War II, which led to the standardization of both varieties.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Patellar luxation
- Limb fractures
- Retained baby teeth and dental disease
- Puppy hypoglycemia
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short or long smooth coat, depending on the variety. Low shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Perfect, 5 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Russian Toy FAQ
How big does the Russian Toy get?
The Russian Toy stands 20 to 28 cm at the withers and weighs 1.4 to 3 kg. It is a very small dog.
Does the Russian Toy shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs little care.
Can the Russian Toy live in an apartment?
Yes, very well: calm indoors, it adapts perfectly to an apartment. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Russian Toy need each day?
Allow about 30 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Russian Toy good with children?
With caution: it does not cope well with the commotion of young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Russian Toy live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are patellar luxation and limb fractures.
