Russian Toy Dog Breed Pictures, Characteristics, and Facts

The Russian Toy originated from the similar English Toy Terrier; the breed originated, as their name implies, in Russia. The primary purpose of the breed originally was hunting & fighting rats. This means that today, your Russian Toy is likely to love games of chase, engaging in hands-on play, and puzzle toys. Another purpose for the breed was as a watchdog — this can be seen in the breed’s wariness of strangers and vocalizations. 

This breed was almost wiped out in the 1920s due to the rise of Communism and the breed’s original links to aristocracy. In the 1990s, the breed was once again almost lost due to an influx of foreign breeds. At the time, the breed was almost entirely found in its country of origin.