AKA: Chien D’ours de Tahltan, Tahltan

Description: The Tahltan Bear Dog was fox-like in appearance, with some likeness to that of the spitz and pariah breed types. This breed is already considered extinct despite claims that there are still a few remaining. What is clearly known about its appearance is that its coat is short, thick, and rough. Its most distinctive feature is its tail, which has been described as short and bushy. The Tahltan Bear Dog carried it erect, making it look like a shaving brush or whisked broom.

Dynamics: As a hunter dog, the Tahltan Bear Dog was athletic and agile. The breed was raised to help the Tahltan natives hunt bears, hence the name. The Tahltan Bear Dog had great power despite its seemingly small stature. It was also brave and courageous, which should be expected when one is facing a bear. Its hunting instincts aside, the Tahltan Bear Dog was kind and gentle to human s and smaller animals.

Breed Group: Southern

Weight: up to 15 pounds

Height: up to 15 inches

Color: The Tahltan Bear Dog’s coat is usually black with white markings. But there has been reports of other varying colors. Black with white markings is considered the standard.

Country of Origin: The Tahltan Bear Dog was raised by the Tahltan Natives. It was indigenous to Canada

Photo: Pharaoh Hound

AKA: Lajka Ruissisch Europaisch, Karelean Bear Laika, Russko-Evropeïskaïa Laïka, Laika, Russko-European Laika, Russian-European Laika

Description: The Russo-European Laika is wolf-like in appearance and generally has a white-marked black coat that is short and rough. It has a triangular head with an elongated muzzle, with dark eyes, large erect ears, and black nose. Its jaws form a scissors bite. The neck is short but strong, and the body is hardy with a deep oval chest. Its legs are powerful, and the tail is carried curled up. There are come Russo-European Laika that are born tailless.

Dynamics: The Russo-European Laika is an affectionate and devoted dog. When it reaches the age of eight months or older, it becomes attached to its owner and never forgets him or her. This breed can get aggressive and suspiciously reserved with strangers, and is not for the weak of heart. It does not bite though, fortunately. It usually avoids being petted or touched. To remedy this attitude, it is strongly recommended that the Russo-European Laika be socialized and handled and petted more often beginning at puppyhood. It will also get along well with children through socialization.

The Russo-European Laika is a territorial dog and usually show heavy dislike when its domain is intruded by other pets or another dog. This dog is a hunter, and its hunting instincts and attitude can be discriminating against predators and small game and prey. The Russo-European Laika should be taught as a puppy to leave domesticated animals and other household pets alone.

Breed Group: Northern

Weight: 40-50 pounds

Height: 20-24 inches

Color: The Russo-European Laika has a black coat that has white patches. There are dogs of this breed with a gray or red coat, and black is not really the standard color. However, black with white markings is the most common and is therefore the one generally accepted by the majority.

Country of Origin: The Russo-European Laika was bred in Russia and Finland in the 1700s.

Activities: Like all dogs, the Russo-European Laika needs to be walked daily and be given time to romp around and exercise itself. It is a natural hunter, and is an expert in treeing small game like squirrels and raccoons and baying moose, wild boar, and bears. The Russo-European Laika also makes a great guard dog because it gets easily alerted by other dogs, animals, and intruders.

Grooming: The coat of the Russo-European Laika is short, and so wiping it over with a damp cloth or an occasional brushing is enough to groom the dog. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: This is generally a healthy dog. The Russo-European Laika is not a city dog and may not do well living in an enclosed home or apartment.

Photo: Konrad Loesch

AKA: Borzoi, Russkaya Psovaya Borzaya, Psowaya Barsaya, Barzoi, Psovoi

Description: The Borzoi is a tall dog that has an aristocratic appearance because of its height and its long narrow head. It has a slightly arched muzzle, black nose, and dark oblong eyes. Its ears normally lie back on its neck. The back of the Borzoi is naturally and gracefully curved. It has a narrow chest and there is a heavy mane of hair on the neck. The tail is long and curved, hanging low. The coat of the Borzoi consists of long silky hair that can be wavy or with large curls.

Dynamics: The Borzoi is an intelligent and proud breed. It can be trained and it can be very loyal to its family. But it is also a very independent dog, and does not bend easily to please people. Training the Borzoi should be based on mutual respect. Once the Borzoi trusts you and sees you as a friend, it will become sweet and affectionate with you.

The Borzoi is a serious and quiet dog. It can keep itself clean like a cat, and, while getting along fairly well with children, values its rest and does not take into rough play sessions. The Borzoi is by nature a hunting breed so it has to be watched carefully lest it runs off to chase other animals. It is very fast and has little territorial instinct. It cannot be trusted with small animals and non-canine pets. This breed also needs to be socialized well at an early age.

Breed Group: Hounds, Sight Hound and Pariah

Weight: males 75-105 lbs (34-48 kg), females 60-90 lbs (27-41 kg)

Height: males at least 28 inches (71 cm), females at least 26 inches (66 cm)

Color: The coat color of the Borzoi can be white, golden, tan or gray with black markings, either solid or mixed.

Country of Origin: The Borzoi originated in Russia, although it is thought to have been brought there from Arabia. Its popularity spread throughout Europe when Queen Victoria came to own one.

Grooming: The Borzoi has a long silky coat but it is actually easy to groom. Regular brushing is enough. Bathing isn’t required, but dry shampoo may be necessary occasionally. Clip the hair between the toes to make it comfortable for the Borzoi.

Activities: The Borzoi needs plenty of exercise and some time to run around off the leash. Aside from hunting, the Borzoi’s talents include sighting and lure coursing.

Other Info: The Borzoi has a life expectancy of about 10-12 years. This breed is sensitive to drugs and is picky about its meals. It is prone to bloat. Avoid exercises after its meals. The Borzoi will do well in an apartment as long as it is taken outdoors and exercised sufficiently. Keep the dog in a least most often because it might run off suddenly when it finds something interesting to chase after.

Photo: Taru T Torpström

AKA: Russian Bolonka, Bolonka-Zwetna

Description: There is yet no standard look for the Russian Tsvenaya Bolonka, as it is not yet really recognized by any international kennel club. The general appearance would be similar to that of a Bichon Frise, but there have been more developments to the breed, including the development of colored coats instead of the pure white.

Dynamics: The Russian Bolonka is a happy, lively, and playful dog. It is affectionate and very loving. It is also an intelligent and energetic dog, and only needs a firm and consistent training to be a great companion. It is also observant and sensitive to its owner.

Breed Group: no official breed group as it is not yet internationally recognized

Weight: 2-5 kg

Height: 24-26 cm

Color: White is the generally accepted color for the Russian Bolonka. However there are attempts to breed colored versions of the breed.

Country of Origin: The Russian Bolonka originated in Russia, where it was developed from arguably either the Bichon Frise or French Bolognese.

Activities: The Russian Bolonka needs to have its daily walk, like all dogs do. Play sessions and other exercises will also be very productive for the dog.

Grooming: Daily brushing of the Russian Bolonka’s coat is needed in order to avoid matting. Bathe only when necessary, and keep its ears and eyes clean. Keep its nails trimmed too.

Other Info: The Russian Bolonka is a flexible dog and can live either in a town or city. It will do fine living in an apartment.

Photo: Stefan Braun

AKA: Russian Toy Terrier, Russkiy Toy, Moscow Toy Terrier, Moscovian Miniature Terrier, Russian Long-haired Toy Terrier, Moscow Long-haired Toy Terrier

Description: The Russian Toy is also commonly known as the Russkiy Toy, and it is among the smallest dog breeds in the world. It is a toy-sized dog, and it comes as either long-haired or smooth-haired. The smooth-haired Russian Toy has the appearance of a small deer, with longs legs that are proportional to its size, a long neck, and a small head with standing triangular ears. The long-haired Russian Toy, also called as the Russian Toy Terrier or the Moscow Long-haired Toy Terrier, is distinguished from the smooth-haired Russian Toy because of the long fur on its ears. Aside from this, both kinds of Russian Toy look similar. The breed has a small head with a small nose that can be either black or goes along with its coat color. Its head is not that wide, and there is a well-defined stop and a pointed muzzle. The jaws form a scissors bite, with the lips dark or matching its coat color. It has smart big eyes that are set well apart. Its body is strong, with a deep but not wide chest, and its tail is shortly docked and carried high.

Dynamics: The Russian Toy is a loving and intelligent pet. It is a trustful and devoted companion, as well as an active and intelligent one. It is agile and hardy, and it loves action and play. It is also easy to train. The Russian toy is also neither shy nor vicious. However, one should take care to note that dogs will not be obedient if it doesn’t see you as the pack leader. Therefore, owners should train the Russian Toy firmly and confidently.

Breed Group: Toy

Weight: 3- 6 pounds (1.3-2.7 kg)

Height: 8-10 inches (20-26 cm)

Color: Preferred coat colors for the Russian Toy are black and tan, any shade of red, and sable. There are also Russian Toys that come in brown and tn, and blue and tan, although this is rare. There can be white spots on the chest and toes. There are also Russian Toys that come in solid black, brown, or blue.

Country of Origin: The Russian toy is descended from the English Toy Terrier, a breed that was popular in Russia in the 20th century. Around 1920-1950, the shipping of toy terriers was almost stopped and the breed declined in the country. Russian breeders then began to develop a breed similar to the toy terriers, of which the result was the Russian Toy.

Activities: Like any other dog, the Russian needs and enjoys a daily walk. The Russian Toy is also fond of playing and running and is always very active and energetic.

Grooming: The smooth-haired variety of the breed only needs an occasional brushing or a simple wipe over with a damp cloth. The long-haired Russian Toy should be brushed everyday with a soft bristle brush. Bathe both types only when necessary. Check the ears and trim the nails.