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7. The Origin and History of the Russian Toy
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Breeders of Russian toys, which have captured the hearts of dog lovers all around, have a remarkable background closely entwined with Russia's social and cultural developments. This small dog friend with a sophisticated look and energetic attitude has a multi-century narrative. Small English-type terriers were highly sought-after fashionable friends in the Russian aristocracy of the 18th century, where the breed first emerged. Brought from England, these early Russian Toy forebears became fast prestige symbols among the Russian elite. These little terriers were selectively bred to fit the tastes of the Russian nobility as the years went by, therefore progressively evolving into a separate breed with special traits. Breeders of the Russian Toy concentrated on honing the dog's size, temperament, and unique traits as development of the breed proceeded through the 19th and early 20th century. But the breed had great difficulties during the turbulent years of the Russian Revolution and the following Soviet regime. These little, elegant dogs were targets during the social upheavals since they were associated with the nobility and their numbers dropped drastically. The breed survived these tough conditions only thanks to the commitment of a tiny handful of aficionados. The Russian Toy saw a sea change after the Soviet Union fell in early 1990s. The breed started to be known outside of Russia as Russia opened her borders and cultural interaction grew more regular. This little-known breed piqued the interest of dog enthusiasts from throughout the globe, and efforts to introduce it on a global scene started with real force. Standardising the breed and advocating it both locally and abroad was greatly aided by the Russian Kynological Federation (RKF). A historic turning point for the breed, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) gave the Russian Toy temporary status in 2006. This acknowledgement encouraged the species to become more well-known globally and spread to many nations all across Europe, North America, and beyond. The Russian Toy stayed somewhat rare outside of Russia for many years, despite its increasing global popularity, therefore maintaining its reputation as a secret treasure in the field of dog breeds.
Renowned for their graceful appearance, delicate form, and expressive traits, the Russian Toy is a breed that best embodies the adage "good things come in small packages." This small dog is also Breed standards set by several kennel organisations, including the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), place the Russian Toy between 20 and 28 centimetres (8 to 11 inches) tall at the shoulder. Being among the smallest known breeds worldwide, their diminutive stature definitely qualifies them as toy group of dog breeds. Russian Toys, despite their small scale, have a well-proportioned body with delicate bone structure that lends grace and agility. Their usual weight falls between 1 and 3 kg (2.2 and 6.6 pounds; the recommended weight is not more than 3 kg. Their swift and energetic movement—which is typified by a free and simple gait—is aided by this lightweight design. The Russian Toy's big, straight ears—which are situated high on the head and greatly affect the breed's alert and attentive expression—are among their most remarkable characteristics. Usually compared to those of a bat or, in the case of the long-coated variant, to the ears of a papilion, these notable ears are a trademark of the breed. Head short and slim, the head of the Russian Toy has a somewhat rounded skull and a well defined stop. Their muzzle is sharp but not too long; it tapers gently towards a little black nose. Another unique characteristic of a Russian Toy is its big, round, rather noticeable eyes. Usually black in colour, they accentuate their expressive, almost doe-like look and wonderfully contrast with the dog's coat. The Russian Toy breed is unusual in that it has two different coat types: long-coated and smooth-coated. The dog looks sleek and sophisticated from the short, close-lying hair of the smooth-coated kind devoid of an undercoat. By comparison, the long-coated version features a rather lengthy coat with straight or slightly wavy hair. Long, flowing fringes that stretch beyond the outside corners of the ear leather define the ears in long-coated Russian Toys and give a unique and appealing appearance. Black and tan, blue and tan, brown and tan, and solid red of many tones are just a few of the colours available for a Russian Toy's coat. Though significant white marks are not desired according to breed standards, some people may also show white marks on the chest and toes.
Though small, the Russian Toy has a personality that is everything but little. Those who value an active and involved pet will find great delight in this breed since it is known for its vibrant, energetic, and loving character. Often building close relationships with their owners and becoming rather attached, Russian Toys are renowned for their constant allegiance to their human family members. Often seeking out laps for cuddles or following their owners from room to room, this loyalty shows up in their want to be always near their loved ones. Although this intimate relationship is appealing, owners should be advised that, without appropriate training and socialising from an early age, Russian Toys can be prone to separation anxiety. Russian Toys have a strong and courageous attitude that belies their modest size. This quality is a legacy from their ratting background, where valour against much more formidable enemies was highly valued. Russian Toys thus often show a fearless attitude, which occasionally results in their challenging much bigger dogs or trying to defend their owners from supposed threats. Although this bravery is commendable, owners must control this behaviour to keep the dog from entering unsafe circumstances. Russian Toys are quite trainable because of their intelligence and eagerness to please. They may pick a great range of commands and tricks and shine in obedience training. Their intelligence is matched, though, with a certain degree of freedom, which occasionally shows up as stubbornness. This breed responds well to consistent, positive reinforcement-based training approaches since they react well to praise and prizes but may get disinterested or resistive to demanding or repetitious training procedures. The Russian Toy's awareness and inclination towards verbal expression are among its most obvious personality qualities. Following their watchdog background, these small dogs are fast to notify their owners of any odd sights or sounds. Although this makes them great watchdogs, if improperly controlled through training, it can cause too much barking. Early socialising is essential for Russian Toys to differentiate between real threats and regular ambient stimuli, so lowering unneeded barking.
Taking care of a Russian toy calls for a mix of sensitivity, commitment, and knowledge of the breed's particular demands. These little canines have strong energy levels and need regular exercise to keep both physically and psychologically healthy. A Russian Toy's happiness and health depend on a regular routine including walks, plays, and engaging activities. They benefit from at least thirty minutes to an hour of daily activity even though they do not require much overall exercise. This can cover quick walks, indoor play sessions, or canine sports like agility or obedience trials. Russian Toys should be sensitive to severe temperatures because to their small size, hence outside activities should be limited in really hot or cold conditions. Grooming-wise, the needs differ based on the kind of coat. Usually low-maintenance, smooth-coated Russian toys just need weekly brushing to spread skin oils and remove loose hair. To avoid matting and tangling of their silky fur, long-coated types do, however, require more regular care. Long-coated Russian Toys are advised daily brushing; special attention should be made to the ears, legs, and tail where the hair is longest. For all coat types, regular bathing—usually every 4-6 weeks or as needed—is plenty. Particularly in the long-coated variety where the plenty of ear fringing can trap moisture and trash, particular care should be given to keep the ears clean and dry to prevent infections. For Russian Toys, dental treatment is absolutely vital since their small mouths can cause teeth to crowd and consequent dental problems. Although daily brushing is best, at minimum teeth should be cleansed two to three times a week to avoid tartar development and gum disease. Usually every two to three weeks, regular nail cuts are also vital since excessive nails can cause pain and compromise the dog's stride. Regarding health issues, Russian Toys are usually healthy dogs with a 10–12 year life span. Like all breeds, they are prone to some genetic problems, though, which prospective owners should be advised of. Patellar luxation—a disorder in which the kneecap slides or dislocates from its usual position—is one of the most often occurring health issues in Russian toys. Lameness and pain may follow from this, and in extreme situations surgical intervention may be necessary. Frequent veterinary visits can help to identify this disorder early on. Another health concern to be aware of is genetic eye condition known as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which can cause blindness. To lower the occurrence of this problem in the breed, conscientious breeders will check their breeding material. Some Russian Toys also show Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, a disorder compromising the hip joint. This condition can cause lameness and pain and might call for surgical correction.
Raising a well-adjusted and well- mannered Russian Toy depends critically on training and socialising. Although these intelligent and eager-to-please dogs usually pick up quickly, their sometimes resistant character calls for constancy in training methods. Russian Toys especially depend on early socialising since it helps them grow into confident, well-rounded individuals. During this crucial developmental period—between three and sixteen weeks of age—exposure to a range of people, animals, and surroundings can help ward against anxiety and fearfulness later in life. Though their small scale makes Russian Toys physically fragile, this socialising should be done carefully. Russian toys allow positive reinforcement methods to be most effective. As rewards for good behaviour, praise, cookies, and play go nicely with these dogs. This sensitive breed should avoid harsh corrections or punishment-based training approaches since they could cause anxiety or panic. Russian Toys can have somewhat short attention spans, thus short, frequent training sessions are more efficient than long, drawn-out ones. As soon as you get your Russian Toy home, start basic obedience instruction. Teaching instructions like "sit," "stay," "come," and "leave it" not only helps your dog be more under control but also provide cerebral stimulation—something this bright breed needs. Another crucial element is leash training as, despite their small stature, Russian Toys may be prone to pulling. For walks, a harness instead of a collar helps guard their fragile tracheas. With Russian Toys, housebreaking can prove difficult, much as with many petite breeds. Their rapid metabolisms and small bladders suggest that they might have to eliminate more often than more average dogs. Housetraining depends mostly on consistency; regular trips outside—especially after meals, sleeps, and play sessions—are vital. Using pee pads, some owners find success with indoor toilet training; this can especially help in flats or during bad weather. Correcting Russian Toys' inclination to bark too much is one of the most crucial elements of their training. Although their alert quality makes them great watchdogs, unbridled barking can be disruptive. Teaching a "quiet" command and praising quiet behaviour will assist control this tendency. Enough mental and physical stimulation is also crucial to avoid boredom-related barking.
