Russkiy Toy

Also called Russian Toy, Russian Toy Terrier, Moscow Long-Haired Toy Terrier

A bright, happy little dog with plenty of curiosity.

Size	Toy
Weight	1.5 to 3 kg (3 to 7 lb)1 2
Height	20 to 28 cm (8 to 11 in)1 2
Lifespan	from 12 years3
Coat	Smooth or long
Origin	Russia, developed from English Toy Terriers kept there.1 2
Group	FCI group 9

Recognised breedShort profile

Cheerful and lively

Very loyal to its family

Eager to please and trainable

1 3 2

Personality what they are like

A bright, happy little dog with plenty of curiosity. It is closely attached to its people, keen to please, and neither timid nor snappy; it may be reserved with strangers and will announce visitors.1 3 2

Coat and looks how to spot one

smooth or long

A tiny, square-built, fine-boned dog with large upright ears. The smooth variety has a short, shiny coat; the long-haired one has moderate body hair with fringed ears and feathered legs and tail. Neither coat is thick enough to hide the outline.1 3 2

Coloursblack and tanbrown and tanblue and tanlilac and tanredred sablefawncream1 2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Russkiy Toy. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Up to about an hour of exercise a day; it enjoys games, agility and obedience despite its size.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The Royal Kennel Club suggests daily grooming attention; the long-haired variety needs its ear fringes and feathering brushed to stay tangle-free.3 1

Home where they are happiest

Well suited to apartment living, as long as it still gets daily walks and play.3

Company who they like around

A companion breed that wants to be near its owner and does best with plenty of company.3 1

The story where it all began

Small English terriers were fashionable in Russia from the 18th century, and in the 1950s Russian breeders rebuilt the type into a distinct toy dog. A long-coated variety appeared in 1958 from a puppy with fringed ears, and the breed was twice brought back from very low numbers in the 20th century.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
The long-haired variety traces back to a single male puppy born in 1958 with fringes on his ears.1
2
It is counted among the smallest dog breeds in the world.2
3
Eleven of these little dogs were shown in Saint Petersburg in 1907.2
4
Finland became an important centre of breeding for the Russian Toy.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is called 'Russkiy Toy' because it was originally bred in Russia from the English Toy Terrier, and 'Russkiy' is the Russian word for 'Russian'.4

Name ideas for your new friend

MoyaPryanikZvezdaKroshkaMaksikLeyaTishkaSvetlanaBorisYagodaPupsikNika

A day in the life told by a Russkiy Toy

I wake up on the softest pillow in the house. That means breakfast is near. I do my tiny tap dance on the duvet until my human smiles. Then it's time for a parade through every room, checking that all is in order. A knock at the door. I race to announce it with my highest yips. It's just the mailman. I let him know I'm watching. Later, we play fetch with a squeaky mouse. I leap and twist midair, catching it like a furry acrobat. Afterward, I curl in a lap for a nap. The best part? When my human whispers, 'You're so good.' I puff up like a little emperor.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 352, Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs), Section 9 Continental Toy Spaniel and Russian Toy. Provisional 21 February 2006, definitive 11 July 2017; smooth and long-haired varieties.5
The Royal Kennel Club: Toy group, registered as Russian Toy (Imp).3
AKC: Foundation Stock Service since August 2008; eligible for companion events from January 2010.2
UKC: Recognised 2008.2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Russkiy Toy, and at what times?

Feed your adult Russkiy Toy at least two meals a day, ideally in the morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals throughout the day. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.6

What should a Russkiy Toy eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A balanced dog food suitable for a toy breed is best. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always consult your vet for a tailored diet plan.7

How often should I bathe a Russkiy Toy?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, about every two months. The ASPCA recommends at least once every three months, so you can adjust based on your dog's activity. Use a gentle dog shampoo.8 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Russkiy Toy need brushing?

For the smooth variety, weekly brushing is enough. The long-haired Russkiy Toy needs daily brushing to prevent tangles, especially on ear fringes and feathering. Pet Wiki's plan suggests weekly brushing as a starting point.3 1 8 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Russkiy Toy's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every three weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a professional groomer.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Russkiy Toy need?

Your Russkiy Toy needs up to an hour of exercise daily, including walks and play. They enjoy games and even agility despite their size. Pet Wiki's plan suggests daily walks and playtime.3 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Russkiy Toy's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth daily with a dog-safe toothpaste and check ears weekly for dirt or moisture. Never insert anything into the ear canal. For the long-haired variety, keep ear fringes brushed to avoid tangles.8 1 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Russkiy Toy live?

A Russkiy Toy typically lives around 12 years, though some may live longer with good care. Regular vet checkups help ensure a long, healthy life.3

Is a Russkiy Toy good with children and other pets?

The Russkiy Toy is a bright, happy dog closely attached to its family and keen to please. It is neither timid nor snappy, but may be reserved with strangers. With proper socialization, it can get along well with children and other pets, so always supervise interactions.1 3 2

Can a Russkiy Toy be left alone?

The Russkiy Toy is a companion breed that thrives on being near its owner. It does best with plenty of company and may become anxious if left alone for long periods. If you must leave it, consider doggy daycare or a pet sitter.3 1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.