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Toy group · Russia

Russian Toy

Also called Russkiy Toy, Russian Toy Terrier, Moscow Toy Terrier.

Tiny dog, moderate energy, quick to learn.

  • Cheerful
  • Active
  • Loyal
  • Intelligent
  • Loving
AI-generated illustration of an adult Russian Toy
AI-generated illustration
Size
Toy
Weight
1 to 3 kg3 to 6 lb
Lives
12 to 14 years
Energy
Moderate
Trains
High
Barks
Moderate

Training

Training a Russian Toy

Toy breeds. Train them like a dog, not an ornament. Small dogs skip the manners work because they can be picked up.

  1. Handle with Care

    Start here

    One of the smallest breeds. Fragile bones mean careful handling during all training.

  2. Surprisingly Trainable

    More eager to please than many toy breeds. Responds well to positive training.

  3. Prevent Small Dog Syndrome

    Tiny size tempts owners to skip training. Maintain same expectations as larger dogs.

The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.

Add your Russian Toy and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, on video with Atlas and Shango.

Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.

At home

Living with one

Bred for company. Small in body, and often bigger in personality than the owner expected.

Gets on with

  • ChildrenLow
  • Other dogsModerate
  • StrangersModerate
  • CatsModerate

Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.

Exercise
20-30 minutes daily. Short walks and indoor play. Size limits activity.
Grooming
Low to moderate. Smooth coat needs minimal care. Long coat needs regular brushing.
Drool
Very Low
Coat
Smooth, Long-hairedBlack and Tan, Blue and Tan, Brown and Tan, Red, Sable
In a flat
Can work, with enough exercise outside it.

Health

Things to ask a breeder or vet about

  • Luxating Patella

    Moderate

    Kneecap problems very common due to tiny size

  • Bone Fractures

    Severe

    Fragile bones easily broken from falls or rough handling

  • Dental Disease

    Moderate

    Crowded teeth prone to early decay

Where they come from

History

Developed in Russia from English Toy Terriers. Nearly went extinct after Russian Revolution but was revived by breeders in the 1950s. Comes in smooth and long-coated varieties.

Similar breeds

All breeds

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