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Breed profile

Russian Toy

A tiny, fine-boned Russian toy with big ears, in smooth or long coats. Lively and devoted, and quick to tell you someone is at the door.

A small chocolate and tan smooth-coated Russian Toy with large upright ears stands on grass in a harness
Tiny frame, big ears, plenty to say.Photo: Dahmsto / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Weight
1.5–3 kg3–7 lb
Height
20–28 cm8–11 in
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Group
Toy
Origin
Russia
Popularity
#145 US#132 UK · 2025

Known for: Flat-friendlyLap dogs

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Lively, Devoted, Alert, Cheerful.

Health problems to know about

  • Retained puppy teeth
  • Patellar luxation
  • Leg fractures

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

Short walks and indoor play cover most of the exercise. Brush the long-haired type a few times a week. Watch the teeth as puppy teeth fall out, and keep them off high furniture, as the legs break easily.

A good fit for

Flat dwellers, adults or older couples, people home most of the day.

Probably not ideal for

Homes with toddlers or boisterous dogs, people wanting a quiet dog, long days alone.

Sources

  1. Royal Kennel Club: Russian Toy
  2. Wikipedia: Russian Toy

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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