A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Russian Toy
The Russian Toy is a very small, lightly built companion available in smooth- and long-coated varieties. Consider gentle handling and choose a grooming routine that suits the amount of ear and body feathering.
An everyday routine
Plan a daily mix of walks, play, and rest. The amount that works for a particular dog depends on age, fitness, experience, and temperament.
Coat care to plan for
A relatively straightforward coat still needs routine checks, appropriate brushing, and attention to nails and teeth. Ask a groomer to demonstrate tools that suit this coat.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Russian Toy questions
How big does a full-grown Russian Toy get?
Adults stand 8 to 11 inches tall and weigh up to 6.5 pounds, which puts the Russian Toy among the smallest dog breeds in the world. A dog over 12 inches or under 7 inches tall, or one weighing less than 2 pounds, is disqualified from the show ring.
What is the difference between a smooth coat and a long coat Russian Toy?
They are two varieties of one breed. The smooth coat is short, shiny and close to the body with no undercoat. The long coat has body hair of 1 to 3 inches, feathering on the back of the legs and a heavy fringe on the ears. The long coat first appeared as a puppy born to two smooth-coated parents in 1958.
Do Russian Toys shed?
A little. Both varieties shed minimally, and you will notice it less with the smooth coat. Brush the smooth coat weekly and the long coat two to three times a week.
How long do Russian Toys live?
Russian Toys typically live 10 to 14 years, and some dogs live to 15 or more. These are breed-wide figures, not a prediction for one dog.
Do Russian Toys bark a lot?
They can. Barking is frequent and the breed makes a good watchdog. A Russian Toy is slightly aloof with strangers, and it will let you know when it feels neglected.
Are Russian Toys good apartment dogs?
Yes. The Russian Toy suits apartment living. It has moderately high energy, but a yard or a run is usually enough because the dog is so small, alongside regular walks. Walk a Russian Toy on a harness instead of a collar, because small dogs have fragile necks.
Is the Russian Toy a terrier?
It is a toy breed, though it has terrier roots. The breed began with English Toy Terriers brought to Russia in the 18th century and was long called the Russian Toy Terrier. The word Terrier was dropped from the name in 2006, and the breed has been recognized in the US Toy Group since 2022.
When does a long coat Russian Toy get its full ear fringes?
Later than most people expect. A long coat does not have its adult coat until it is more than a year old, and full fringing can take until three years of age. Puppies often lose much of their coat between five and twelve months, so a sparse-looking young dog is normal.
