Russian Toy breed guide

The Russian Toy is a good-natured imp that loves to run and play. Some dash through the house or yard chasing toys as long as you can keep up, while others are happy to lounge in your lap all day, content to be the prize jewel of the home.

They thrive on human companionship and will let you know when they feel neglected. AKC says they are agreeable and eager to please but still terriers at heart that may be stubborn and try to be the boss.

Russian Toys live 12 to 14 years. AKC calls the breed healthy overall, with teeth as the primary concern: most do not lose all their baby teeth and need surgical removal of the remainder by nine months and periodontal disease can begin by one year of age.

Regular dental care such as tooth brushing can reduce plaque and prevent surgical cleaning or tooth removal.

The longhaired variety needs more grooming than the smooth-coated one: the long coat has body hair 1 to 3 inches long, ears covered with a long fringe and fringe on the rear of the limbs. It should be brushed two to three times a week.

Moderately high energy means regular exercise, but a yard or a short run is usually sufficient because of the small size. They love walks and running and playing until they collapse in your lap for a snuggle.

The Russian Toy began with English stock in the 18th century, when the English Toy Terrier arrived in Russia. A preserved small black and tan terrier from 1716 to 1725 stands in the Zoological Museum in St. Petersburg, labeled as belonging personally to Peter the Great.

In 18th-century Russia importing English Toy Terriers became popular with socialites.