About
FAQs
What is the Correct Appearance of the Russian Toy?
The Russian Toy is an elegant toy dog that is usually between 7.5 to 10.5 inches tall and should not weigh more than six pounds. The height and weight should be proportional. Their coat is either semi-long or smooth. The Long-Coat carries a nice ruff on the chest and unique feathering on the extremities, tail and ears. Long coat Russian Toys will not have an adult coat until it is more than a year old and full fringing not until three years of age. While the Smooth Coat is sleek and smooth to the touch.
Russian Toys come in a variety of colors such as Black & Tan, Brown & Tan, Blue & Tan, Red, Sable (red with black banding or overlay) and Brown Sable (red with brown banding or overlay). In Black & Tan, Brown & Tan and Blue & Tan the tan points should be clear and appear on the cheeks, chest and small pips over the eyes. Many Russian Toys with tan points may also have tan markings on the legs and feet. The body is square and compact. The head is small and narrow with large round eyes.
What are the breed characteristics of the Russian Toy?
The Russian Toy is a toy breed with a lineage that dates back to the Russian aristocracy. The Russian Toy is general a good natured imp that loves to run and play. They thrive on human companionship and will let you know if they are feeling neglected.
Russian Toys love to play. They will dash through the house or yard chasing toys as long as you can keep up. While many are willing to do nothing more than lounge in your lap all day long, content in knowing that they are the prize jewel in your home.
There is a slight attitude difference between Long Coats and Smooth Coats. Smooth Coats tend to be a little more “terrier-like” than Long Coats. However, both share a larger than life personality.
What colors are Russian Toys available in?
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Black & Tan
Glossy black with clearly defined tan markings on the cheeks, lips, lower jaw, throat, chest, and twin pips over both eye
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Brown & Tan
Any brown, from a light brown to a deep chocolate brown, with clearly defined tan markings on the cheeks, lips, lower jaw, throat, chest, and twin pips over both eyes.
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Blue & Tan
Any shade of blue, from pale blue silver to rich gunmetal blue, with clearly defined tan markings on the cheeks, lips, lower jaw, throat, chest, and twin pips over both eyes.
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Red
Any shade of Red, ranging from pale fawn to the deepest red mahogany.
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Sable
Any shade of allowable red with a black overlay.
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Brown Sable
Any allowable shade of red with a brown overlay.
What type of grooming does the Russian Toy require?
Grooming is rather simple with the Russian Toy. Both coat varieties do well with a weekly or bi-weekly bath. Make sure to use both a good quality dog shampoo and crème rinse. The combination of a high quality dog shampoo and crème rinse will help to keep the coat and skin in superb condition.
Both coat varieties do minimally shed, but you will notice less shedding with the shorter hairs of the smooth coat.
The Smooth Coat is kept shiny and bright with a daily shammy wipe down to help minimize shedding.
Special attention must be taken to brush or comb out the ear fringing and feathering on the Long Coat to help keep them free of tangles. Remember to keep your Russian Toys nails clipped and the hair under the feet should be trimmed. No other trimming is necessary.
How long do Russian Toys live?
The Russian Toy has a typical life expectancy of 10-12 years with some living 15 years or more.
Why doesn't my Russian Toy have as much coat as the Russian Toys in pictures or on television?
Genetics, hormones, age, diet and climate all may influence the amount of coat on a Russian Toy. It generally expected that puppies lose much of their coat sometime between five and twelve months of age. Full coat may not be present until two or three years of age. Females also lose coat after their seasons, so an intact female will not have as much coat as a male or a spayed female.
Training?
To make your Russian Toy a well-behaved member of your community, the RTCA highly recommends early socialization of your puppy. Many all-breed kennel clubs, community centers, and veterinarians offer puppy kindergarten classes as well as many levels of obedience training. We encourage all Russian Toy owners to train their pets to be the best canine citizens they can.
What kind of collar and leash should I use?
Because small dogs have more fragile necks and tracheas than large dogs, it is recommended that a leash be attached to a harness instead of a collar when walking your Russian Toy. It is also recommended that you do not leave a collar or harness on your Russian while in your home. Many times a collar or harness can get caught on things around the house and injure your Russian Toy.