Russian Toy Terrier (Russia)

The Russian toy-terrier, known earlier as Moscow Toy Terrier is a toy dog breed. It originated in Russia. There are long hair and short hair varieties.

The ancestors of the Russian Toy Terrier were English Toy Terriers that were very popular in Russia in the begining of the 20 century. But after the communist revolution the number of these dogs decreased dramatically, for they were considered to be aristocrats' dogs. In the middle of the 20 century Russian breeders started restoring the breed. The number of the dogs they had was very limited. The crosses to Longhaired Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier and some other breeds were made. The result was a new brand breed, which was called the Moscow Longhaired Toy Terrier and later renamed to the Russian toy-terrier.

The Russian toy terrier is a small elegant dog, the average height being at withers 8-11 inches and average weight between 4 1/2 to 6 1/2 pounds. The smaller size the better. The head is small. The ears are big and raised. The legs are slender.

Russian toy-terriers are lively, agile, never aggressive. They make an excellent companion.