Description

Russian Toy Terriers are toy dogs. It is a very special looking breed. It is one of the smallest breeds in the world, and it can be either longhaired or smooth haired. Smooth haired Russian Toy Terriers look like a little deer. It has four long legs, strong body, long neck, and a small head with a little muzzle, big smart eyes and large stand-up triangular ears. The Longhaired Russian Toy Terrier , also known as the Moscow Longhaired Toy terrier is a copy of the smooth haired variety and differ only because of its beautiful long fur on its ears. If you see a Longhaired Russian Toy Terrier you will be really impressed. Short coat all over the body and these ears looking like a butterfly? You will never find another dog making such an effect! Both varieties can be crossed and have longhaired and smooth haired pups at the same litter, however a couple of smooth haired toys can give a longhaired pup in their litter (like at the very beginning of the breed) but two longhaired toys never-ever will give birth to a smooth haired variety. For top show Russian Toy Terrier mostly wide spread colors are black and tan, red (from light to deep) and sable in both long and smooth hair varieties. You may also find brown and tan, rare in Longhaired Russian Toy Terriers, and blue and tan, the most rare color. The Russian Toy Terrier of breed quality can be with little white spots on the chest and toes and pets can be solid black, brown or blue (except red) It doesn't mean that red color Russian Toy Terrier cannot be of pet quality. But it will not be because of color. White color is prohibited. This breed has a small head and a small nose with is either black matches with the dog's color. The stop is clearly defined. The skull is quite high but not too wide (width at the level of cheek-bones does not exceed the scull height). The muzzle is lean and pointed, slightly shorter than the scull. The lips are thin, lean, tight and dark or matching with the color. Jaws/Teeth are small and white. It has a scissor bite - six incisors on upper and lower jaws are desirable. The eyes are quite big, rounded, a bit prominent, set well apart and straight, dark. Eyelids are dark or matching with the color, tight-fitting. The ears are big, thin, set high, upstanding. The neck is long, lean, set high, slightly curved. The chest is quite deep, not too wide, oval-shaped. The tail is shortly docked (two or three vertebras are only left), gaily curried high. In countries where tail docking is prohibited by law, it can be left in its natural state. It should be carried a little higher than level of back, desirable of sickle curve.

Origin

At the beginning of the 20th century, the English Toy Terrier was one of the most popular decorative dogs in Russia. However, in the period, of dogs fell to a critical level. Only in the mid-fifties did, Russian dog-breeders began the rebirth of the breed. Practically all dogs, which were used in breeding, had no pedigrees; many of them were not of pure blood. Standard established for Toy Terrier significantly differed from the English Toy Terrier's standard in many aspects. From this moment, the evolution of the breed in Russia went its own way. On the slightly longer hair, gave life to a male dog with a spectacular fringe on its ears and limbs. The decision was made to keep this characteristic. The male was mated with a female dog which also had a slightly long hair. So the longhaired variant of the toy terrier appeared. It was called Moscow Longhaired Toy Terrier. A dog breeder from Moscow Yevgueniya Fominichna Zharova played an important role in creation of this breed variant. The long isolated evolution and specific selection process have resulted in the creation of a new breed - the Russian Toy Terrier of two types: longhaired and smooth-haired.

Temperament

Loving, intelligent, trustful companion for you and your family. You will fall in love instantly, and the only problem your RTT create immediately upon arrival he makes you want another one. Agile, hardy, fearless, lifetime devoted to the owner, - this is how Russian Toys owners describe their dogs. Small, elegant dog, tall on legs, of square built. Active, very lively, neither shy nor vicious. They are said to be easy to train. Obedience training is recommended for any dog size. RTTs are fun to work in agility trials. A true companion dog. Would love to go with you everywhere and due to his size you can take him. Enjoys participating in anything you do.

Height

Height: Male: 27-29 inches (70-75 cm.)

Weight

Weight 3- 6 pounds (1.3-2.7 kg.)

Known Health Problems

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Conditions for Living

The Russian Toy Terriers are good for apartment life.

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

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Grooming

The smooth, short-haired coat should be gently brushed occasionally or simply wiped over with a damp cloth. The long coat should be brushed daily with a soft bristle brush. Bathe both types about once per month, taking care not to get water in the ears. Check the ears regularly and keep the nails trimmed. This breed is an average shedder.

Group

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