Description

The head of the Raibs Suns has a somewhat rounded skull with medium stop fine in the muzzle but not snippy. A medium length scissor bite preferred, level permitted (undershot/overshot to be penalized) The ears are small to moderate and may be erect or tipped (dropears to be penalized) The eyes are dark. The pigment of the nose and eye rims should be black preferred, except may be blue or self-colored in light haired dogs. The body is rounded with well sprung ribs. It has a medium deep chest with a level topline. It has a medium length neck to carry the head high. The tail is long, turned overback and carried close, may tip to side (loose carried tail to be penalized) The forelegs are straight, parellel, strong (down pasterns to be penalized). It has hindlegs with medium angulation, hocks are parellel (cowhocks to be penalized) The feet are small, well up on toes (flat foot to be penalized) Black pads and nails are preferred, they may be pink or self-colored in light haired dogs. Rear dewclaws must be removed, front dewclaws may be removed. The Raibs Suns is a small to medium size dog with abundant coat of many colors. Any color is permitted but the order of preference is: 1) mottled or dappled 2) parti (white with patches or spots) 3) other patterns and bi- and tri-colored 4) solid, may be grizzled or clear 5) white The coat is soft, silky, medium long slight undercoat permissible (heavy undercoat to be penalized)

Origin

The Raibs Suns is a bit controversial. Dog Breed Info Center is not sure of the exact origin or status of this type of dog. Here are both sides... some claim: This dog is a mongrel commonly found in Slavic countries such as Latvia, and that there is consequently, of course, no breed standard. While others have stated: The Raibs Suns origins seem to point to the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania). It is a mix of several small breeds. Exactly what types of breeds went into the Raibs Suns is unknown. Some speculate it has Maltese and German Spitz blood in its veins. The German Spitz would explain the 2 sizes that can be found and the erect ears. The smaller one would be a Pomeranian descendant and the larger would have common roots with the Kleinspitz (Little Spitz). German Spitz (just like the name "Pomeranian" suggests) have a Baltic origin. The coloring of the Raibs Suns is what makes it hard to determine and the language barrier makes it very difficult to find out. The name Raibs Suns translated to English means "mottled dog" or "spotted dog". It is unknown what produced the merle or dappled specimens.

Temperament

The Raibs Suns is an intelligent little dog, lively and alert, fearless.

Height

Height: Males 27-28 inches (66-75 cm.) Females 25-28 inches (64 - 70

Weight

Weight: Small 4-7 pounds (1.8-3.2 kg.)

Known Health Problems

Prone to luxating patella, inadequate dental hygiene

Conditions for Living

The Raibs Suns needs to live indoors. They are hearty enough for brief periods of exposure to weather extremes. They especially do well in the company of another small dog.

Exercise Requirments

Although it is tempting to carry these dainty creatures about; these of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display a wide array of behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard. Don't think that just because he is small he should be confined to a small space.

Life Expectancy

About 12-15 years

Grooming

Occasional brushing to remove mats and tangles, clipping not usually necessary. The Raibs Suns sheds little to no hair.

Group

Toy