F.A.Questions - RubyUKC

1. What is a Russian Toy dog?

2. Are they a mixed breed?

3. How big are they?

4. What should they look like?

5. What color are they?

6. Do they need special food?

7. What are their exercise needs?

8. Do RTs need to be kept on leash at all times?

9. What is their temperament like?

10. Grooming needs

11. Is this dog for you?

12. Can I show my Russian Toy?

13. Where can I find a Russian Toy?

14. What is the REAL name of this breed?

15. Can Russian Toy Dogs be left at home alone?

16. Are RTs prone to be nervous or anxious?

17. Are there any inherited conditions or diseases that I should be aware of?

18. What is the process for finding a puppy?

19. There are so many different collars, what would be the best type to use on my RT?

20. Will the puppy be registered when coming from the breeder?

21. How much will the puppy cost? What is included in the price?

22. What is the process used to transport the puppy?

23. Will there be a down payment required? If so, when will that be needed?

24. What if I have questions or concerns once I get home with my new puppy?

1. What is a Russian Toy dog? Russian Toy dogs are a very rare breed in the United States at this time. They were developed in Russia at the beginning of the 20^th century. Long coated RTs first made an appearance during the 1950’s when breeders were trying to bring back this old breed that was almost wiped out during the Revolution and during Communist times. Several breeds were used to revive the Russian Toy, as well as dogs that resembled or came close to them but that had no known pedigree. For a more in-depth history, please click here:

2. Are they a mixed breed? No. Because Russian Toys have already been bred for well over 100 years in Russia, at this time the breed has become easily recognizable with it’s own type. Due to careful breeders making every effort to closely follow the FCI breed standard and working together for the betterment of the breed, Russian Toys are becoming popular all over the world.

3. How big are they? Russian Toy Dogs range from about 3 lbs to 6 lbs 10 oz, with some being smaller and some being larger. The FCI standard states that their height may be from just under 8” to slightly over 11” with some being smaller and some being larger, the standard does not specify a weight.

4. What should they look like? This is a very small, elegant, lively, fine-boned, long-legged, square breed that comes in either smooth coated or long coated varieties. The smooths have a coat like a smooth Chihuahua or Boxer. The longs have only moderate body coat but they have distinct feathering on the backs of the front legs, on the backs of the rear legs, and on their tail and ears. The ear hair is called a ‘fringe’ and it should completely cover the sides and tips of the ears by the time the dog is 3 years old. This fringe is the crowning glory of the long coated variety and is highly prized by breeders. Black & tans generally have the most profuse fringe.

5. What color are they? Most Russian Toy dogs are either black and tan or varying shades of red with or without a black or brown overlay, but some come in chocolate and tan, blue and tan, or dilute colors such as lilac or cream. Richer shades are preferred.

6. Do they need special food? Like most toy dogs, Russian Toys do not eat very much. Variety is important and small kibble is best. Grocery store food will probably not be of good enough quality to maintain your RT’s health. Most high end specialty dry foods are excellent. An occasional teaspoon of extras such as unsweetened yogurt, cottage cheese, a few veggies, small piece of cheese, or a very small piece of your steak won’t hurt. Please don’t feed pork or fatty foods (these can cause pancreatitis), and of course no chocolate, macadamia nuts, grapes or raisins, human foods with xylitol, or raw meats (can cause death from salmonella or e-coli overload).

7. What are their exercise needs? The Russian Toy has a good amount of energy. They can get enough exercise running around the house and following you everywhere, but they do love to go outside and romp on the lawn and also enjoy walks with you. If you have hawks or owls, foxes or coyotes in your vicinity, allowing your RT outside alone can have disastrous results. When the weather is bad, playing fetch with a toy, especially if it has a squeaker, is also great fun. They can also run and play unleashed with other small dogs in a fenced area.

8. Do RTs need to be kept on leash at all times? Yes, however, Russian Toys may run free provided they are well trained to come when called. Through these lessons, they learn to be good dogs and to obey when off leash or when playing with other dogs. When in a totally unfenced area, it is safer for your RT to be on a leash because Russian Toys are quick and can dart out into traffic and lose their life, as well as being easily snatched by a prey animal (see #7). They are terrier types and eager to explore when off leash, so must be watched carefully.

9. What is their temperament like? This is an intelligent, lively, inquisitive breed. Russian Toys need mental stimulation and can get bored if they are ignored and just kept in the house with nothing to do, which can cause them do naughty things like chewing on forbidden (expensive!) objects.

Temperaments vary with some RTs being ready to take on the world and others being a little more hesitant and needing extra socialization. Some are extremely outgoing, kissing everyone they meet. Others can become aggressive with strangers if not properly socialized or when encouraged to be distrustful of people they don’t know. Like most dogs, they will bark to alert at strange noises or when someone they do not recognize comes to your door. Taking your Russian Toy with you everywhere is a great way to develop a confident, tolerant temperament.

10. Grooming needs Grooming the smooth coated and long coated varieties is very simple, they are ‘wash and wear’ dogs. A monthly bath is sufficient, though it is very important to dry them completely before allowing them outside again as they can easily get chilled. Brushing the smooth weekly will help minimize shedding. The longcoat should be brushed occasionally as well, so they do not mat or tangle. Care of the ear fringes on the long coated variety consists of keeping them free mats, tangles or food particles and gently combing the fringes to keep them tangle-free. Nails should be trimmed weekly or every other week. Ears may be cleaned after a bath. As with most toy dogs, dental care is important, so teaching your Russian Toy to enjoy having their teeth brushed several times a week with a soft baby toothbrush will help to keep the teeth clean and healthy. A doggy dental toothpaste makes the experience more enjoyable for your RT because they love the taste! (Never use human toothpaste.)

11. Is this dog for you? If you are looking for a small, very portable, easy care dog that does not need a lot of space, doesn’t cost a large amount of money to feed, and has a big personality, the Russian Toy may be the breed for you. They also excel in agility, obedience, rally and visiting shut-ins. Care must be taken with young children under 6 or 7 years old as Russian Toys are fragile and can easily get hurt if a child accidentally falls on or steps on the dog.

12. Can I show my Russian Toy? Currently, Russian Toys may be shown at UKC, ARBA, NAKC and IABCA shows in conformation events (called “Russkiy Toys”). They are allowed to take part in companion events at AKC shows. The Russian Toy Dog Club of America, Inc. is working closely with AKC to move the breed into the Miscellaneous class as soon as possible. Currently AKC has over 100 RTs in its Foundation Stock Service. In other countries, the RT is recognized with FCI. The Canadian Kennel Club has not yet recognized the Russian Toy.

13. Where can I find a Russian Toy You have come to the right place! This web site is a great place to begin your search for one of these rare dogs. Check our "Breeders List" page to see who might have something available and contact our members to learn more about this fascinating breed. There may be a waiting list because our members don’t breed multiple litters at a time and don’t always have something available. Generally, there are more males born than females and often males tend to be more affectionate than females, who tend to be more independent. We are making every effort to health test our dogs and breed only the best to the best. Please beware of kennels that have a constant supply of puppies at all times. One sign of an ethical, conscientious breeder is that they require non-show, non-breeding quality animals to be spayed or neutered when they are over 6 months old and may not release their registration papers until the time they have veterinary proof of altering. Buying from such a breeder is well worth the wait!

14. What is the REAL name of this breed? This breed has been known by many different names over the years, you may be familiar with some of them: Toy Terrier, Moscow Toy Terrier, Moscow Longhaired Toy Terrier, Russian Longhaired Toy Terrier, Russkiy Toy (FCI), and finally Russian Toy (AKC). When introduced to the breed, many people ask, “Russian Toy WHAT?” so the word ‘Dog’ may eventually be officially added to the name in the US, as it has been with the RKF (Russian Kynological Federation).

15. Can Russian Toy Dogs be left at home alone? The first months of life with a puppy is the ideal time to get them used to short periods of being home alone. A puppy should never be left for more than three hours without an opportunity to relieve itself. If a pup is left alone, it will often need more exercise and attention when you are home. Russian Toys are happy to use wee-wee pads indoors.

16. Are RTs prone to be nervous or anxious? RTs are naturally cautious and watchful with strangers and new situations. The Russian Toy has an affectionate nature, but the breed is very alert and reacts to every strange situation or noise (they were bred to alert their aristocratic Russian owners of persons approaching the owner’s estate.) Socialization and training are very important to making sure that your RT will be well-adjusted and more relaxed in new situations.

17. Are there any inherited conditions or diseases that I should be aware of? Although through careful breeding practices club members are working hard to eliminate them, there are some genetic diseases that occur in some RTs. The most common conditions that we track are heart conditions, eye conditions and luxating patellas. Conscientious breeders test for these issues and certify their breeding stock with OFA and CERF. Ask the breeder about what health tests have been done on their breeding stock. At this time, few Russian Toys have any of these health conditions, which are common in many Toy breeds.

18. What is the process for finding a puppy? Due to the rarity of the breed and the infrequency and small size of our litters, it can take up to one year or longer to obtain a pup. Generally it is easier to obtain a male puppy due to fewer females being born and many breeders keeping the females to show and breed. And remember, in general, males are found to be more even tempered and affectionate than females. There is a reason they are called ‘bitches’ J.! Please see our breeder list and feel free to contact any one of them.

19. There are so many different collars, what would be the best type to use on my RT? A flat buckle collar is fine or a gentle, properly fitted harness can be helpful in preventing stress on the throat. For showing your RT in conformation, a very fine, light weight show lead is sufficient. You must be careful that your tiny RT does not get his/her collar caught up on something, so please supervise your dog when it has a collar on.

20. Will the puppy be registered when coming from the breeder? Yes, pups are pedigreed and registered through AKC-FSS and/or UKC. Unfortunately, dogs bred and pups whelped outside of United States will not be eligable for registration with AKC-FSS.

21. How much will the puppy cost? What is included in the price? Because this is a very rare pure breed that is difficult to find in North America and outside Russia, they are priced accordingly, so please check with each individual breeder for their prices. Females generally cost more than males. The price will usually include vaccination and worming (and sometimes microchipping). At times older puppies, young adults and retired dogs who are already spayed/neutered are available at a lower prices to forever companion homes. You must discuss prices w/ your breeder of choice.

22. What is the process used to transport the puppy? Some breeders will require the new owners to personally pick up their new pup and there are some instances when air shipping and courier services are a good option. They do well when shipped by air.

23. Will there be a down payment required? If so, when will that be needed? Yes, since demand often exceeds supply, most breeders will require a down payment at the time you receive the breeder’s final approval for getting a puppy. A contract will be drawn up for you to know what the mutual requirements will be for ownership.

24. What if I have questions or concerns once I get home with my new puppy? Reputable breeders offer continual support to their puppy buyers and most breeders will ask that you contact them first in case you need to find a new home for your RT. One of the benefits to being a member of the Russian Toy Dog Club of America, Inc. is the ongoing support and information that we offer about RT issues; therefore, we encourage all new Russian Toy owners to become club members.

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