Russian Toy

The Russian Toy is one of the smallest breeds in the world, bred in Russia from the English Toy Terrier and found in smooth and long-coated forms.

History

English black-and-tan toy terriers were fashionable among the Russian nobility before the revolution, and the population that survived in the Soviet Union was rebuilt from the 1950s largely without imports — which is why it diverged into its own breed. The long-coated variety appeared in 1958 from a single smooth-coated dog with unusual feathering.

Temperament

The breed is known for being lively, affectionate and closely attached to its person, alert to everything and inclined to announce it.

Care and training

Exercise needs are small and met indoors. Both coats are easy. A dog this small feels the cold and is physically fragile — jumping from furniture is a genuine injury risk. Training benefits from not indulging the size.

Health

Known tendencies include patellar luxation, dental crowding and bone fragility from the very small frame. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.