Page 277 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

Russian Toy

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Red
8–11in Up to 7lb Over 12 years Black and tan
(20–28cm) (3kg) Blue and tan

Small but not delicate, and with a big personality,
TINY TERRIER
this lovable dog thrives on human company
Small dogs have always been very popular
as pets and many different breeds have been
Also known as the Russkiy Toy, this smooth-haired Russian Toy. The long-haired
created. One of the most recent is the Russian miniature dog is descended from English Russian Toy appeared in Moscow in 1958
Toy, which was accepted by the FCI in 2006.
Toy Terriers (see p.211), which were first when a puppy with a silky coat and fringed
It is one of the smallest breeds in the world,
and is about the same size as a Chihuahua brought to Russia in the 18th century to ears was born to smooth-haired parents.
(see p.282). Despite indulge the aristocracy’s enthusiasm for the After the fall of the Soviet Union in
its small size, two English way of life. This association with the 1980s, numbers of both the long- and
features of this tiny
nobility led to a serious drop in numbers short-haired toy terriers declined again, this
terrier are described during the Communist Revolution of 1917. time due to an influx of Western breeds.
as large—its dark,
Then in the late 1940s the decline was Though both types of Russian Toy remain
expressive eyes,
and its erect, further exacerbated when only dogs rare, official recognition in Russia in 1988
triangular ears. with a military function were bred. A few ensured their survival. Despite its tiny size and
miniature dogs did, however, survive and fragile appearance, the Russian Toy is active
their descendents became known as the and energetic, and usually has robust health.

SMOOTH-
HAIRED PUPPY Small,
round head
Pronounced
stop
Ears fringed with
long, silky hair
Round,
prominent
eyes
Long, slightly
wavy coat

Brown
and tan

Short,
close coat
Well feathered
tail extends
to hocks
Fawn
with black
overlay

Slight feathering
on back of legs

LONG-HAIRED SMOOTH-HAIRED

Small,
oval feet

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