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.

AKA: Rosyjski Spaniel

Description: The Russian Spaniel is relatively small, but it has a strong and well-built body. This and its muscular legs help the dog with its work as a gun dog. Its coat is skintight, with hair of average length but with wavy fringes on the back of the legs and ears.

Dynamics: The Russian Spaniel is a loyal and devoted dog. It makes a great family as it is eager to please and can also stand in as a guard dog. It is also playful, and can get along well with children. Towards other dogs and pets, it is amiable and friendly. It has to be socialized well, however, to be able to get along really well with other pets and animals. In training the Russian Spaniel, the owner has to be firm, calm, and confident so as not to confuse the dog as it learns the house rules.

As a gun dog, the Russian Spaniel is a natural. It does not need a lot of training and instead instinctively starts on its work early in life. In its training, it should learn how to go about seeking out its game, bringing it out to the open, and retrieving it. The Russian Spaniel is great in hunting marsh, field, woodland, and aridland birds, as well as waterfowls, rabbits, and other small game.

Breed Group: Gun Dog

Weight: 28-35 pounds (13-16 kg)

Height: 15-17 ¾ inches (38-45 cm)

Color: The color of the Russian Spaniel’s coat is usually white with dark spots and speckles. The spots can be either black, brown, or red. The head and the ears are also usually in a dark color. Other colors for the coat is also possible, and can vary from solids to tricolors.

Country of Origin: The Russian Spaniel is descended mostly from English Cocker Spaniels and English Springer Spaniels. It was bred in Russia back in the end of the nineteenth century when a black English Cocker Spaniel was brought to the country for the royal Nikolai Nikolaevich. Soon after that, more spaniels and other breeds were imported and the mixing of the breeds led to the development of many new dog breeds, one of which is the Russian Spaniel.

Activities: The Russian Spaniel possesses great stamina and is an energetic and playful dog. It should be walked everyday and be exercised and have play sessions.

Grooming: The Russian Spaniel does not need a lot of grooming. Its coat is not that long and is also waterproof. An occasional bath and regular brushing will be enough to keep the dog clean and its coat shiny.

Other Info: The Russian Spaniel has a life expectancy of 14 years. It is prone to overeating so it should have a strict diet to avoid bloating and other health problems. This breed will be okay living in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised.

Description: The Lithuanian Hound is a sturdy and muscular dog. It has a heavily boned body with short glossy coat. The head is a little large, and broad between the ears. Its eyes are brown, its nose black, and its ears have rounded tips and hang down close to the cheeks. The muzzle is proportionally sized to the head. The jaw forms a scissors bite.

The body of the Lithuanian Hound is medium-sized. The neck is a little long and has no dewlap. The Lithuanian Hound’s chest is long and deep and broad. As for the legs, they are all perpendicular, with muscular thighs. The hocks are straight and the feet are round, all strong. The tail is held low, gradually tapering.

Dynamics: The Lithuanian Hound is an excellent sight hound. It has the attitude and instincts of a hunter — persistent, brave, vigorous, and fast. It is specially good in hunting hare, fox, and boar. It is quite an intelligent and lively breed, and very energetic. With its family, it is pleasant companion. It is eager to please its owners and is agreeable. This breed is also known for its voice.

Breed Group: Hound

Weight: 60-75 pounds (27-32 kg)

Height: 21-24 inches (53-61 cm)

Color: The Lithuanian Hound is almost always mistaken with the Rottweiler and the Black and Tan Coonhound because of its coat, which is a glossy black with limited tan markings.

Country of Origin:The Lithuanian Hound came from Russia as the result of breeding and crossing Beagles, Bloodhounds, Polish Hounds, and Russian Hounds. This breed is rare and is not really seen outside the Lithuanian Republic.

Activities: The Lithuanian Hound is a dog full of energy and spirit. It likes to spend its time outdoors, running and playing. This breed needs to be taken out on a daily walk. It also needs a lot of exercise.

Grooming: The coat of the Lithuanian is naturally short and glossy, and therefore does not require extensive grooming. An occasional brushing is enough.

Other Info: The Lithuanian is not suitable to live in an apartment, as it likes to spend its time outdoors and has a lot of energy. The breed is also prone to common dog diseases but is otherwise a healthy dog.

Photo: www.GreatDogSite.com

AKA: Suomenpystykorva, Finsk Spets, Loulou Finnoi

Description: The Finnish Spitz looks like a fox, with its pointed muzzle and perked ears. The ears are set high on its head, pointed and openly facing forward. The breed also has a black nose, black lips, and dark almond-shaped eyes. The jaws meet in a scissors bite.

The Finnish Spitz’ body is squarely proportional and has a thick coat, with medium-length hair that makes the breed look a little puffy and feathery. The chest is deep and the tail is carried curled on it back.

Dynamics: The Finnish Spitz is a lively breed with a friendly temperament. It is playful and seeks constant attention and affection. It is also brave and protective of its family. It gets along well with the other family members and the children. It can have problems with other dogs, though, and will try to dominate them. It can also be cautious and reserved with strangers.

The Finnish Spitz can be willful. It is loyal to its owner but may question its owners orders sometimes. Training it requires patience and consistency. The Finnish Spitz is also known for its bark; it is known as the “barking bird dog” in Finland.

Breed Group: Hounds, Northern, Non-sporting

Weight: 31-35 pounds (14-16 kg)

Height: 15-20 inches (38-51 cm)

Color: The Finnish Spitz pup comes out in a dark grey, black, brown, or fawn color. As it grows the coat lightens and becomes either a golder red or a yellowish-red. The shade can range from a pale honey to a dark chestnut. Small white markings is allowed.

Country of Origin: The Finnish Spitz was brought from Central Russia to Finland, where it was bred and popularized. It is the national dog of Finland.

Activities: The Finnish Spitz needs plenty of exercise to accommodate its huge amount of stamina. It makes a good watchdog and guard dog, can be used in hunting, and is a great family companion.

Grooming: The Finnish Spitz has a self-cleaning coat so it will be enough to groom it with just regular brushing and combing.

Other Info: The Finnish Spitz has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. It is a healthy breed. Common dog breed health issues like hip dysplasia and PRA are not common for this breed. The Finnish Spitz can live in the city and in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised. It prefers cool climates.

Photo: Sannse

AKA: Dansk/Svensk Gaardhund, Dansk/Svensk Gardhund, Farm Dog

Description: The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is a short and compact dog with a rectangularly proportional body. It has a shiny and short coat, which some say is odor-free. It has a wide chest and the tail can either be long or bob-tail. The tail is never docked as it is illegal in many European countries.

The head is triangular, with a wide skull and an obvious stop. The Danish-Swedish Farm Dog is often mistaken with the Fox Terrier if not for the shape of its head and stop. The rose-shaped ears fall folded forward. The jaws are powerful and form a scissors bite.

Dynamics: The Danish-Swedish Farm Dog is an intelligent and curious breed. It is very active and lively, always excited to play. It has a sweet temperament and is very friendly. It gets along great with children.

The Danish-Swedish Farm Dog generally gets along with other dogs but should not be trusted with non-canine pets. This is a fast and agile breed, with an instinct of a herder dog. It also has an instinct to dig, which makes it a good ratter and mouser. The Danish-Swedish Farm Dog is easy to train as the dog learns quickly. It can learn a wide variety of tricks and can do many different types of dog sports.

Breed Group: Companion Dog, Working Dog

Weight: 15-25 pounds (7-12 kg.)

Height: Male 12-14 inches (32-37 cm.)

Color: The coat of the Danish-Swedish Farm Dog comes in white with chocolate brown and/or red or reddish brown; can be tricolor or bicolor.

Country of Origin: The Danish-Swedish Farm Dog is a very old breed, dating at least back to the 1700s. It originates in Scandinavia. It was originally called the Danish Fox Terrier or the Scanian Terrier. Oftentimes it was called the Rat Dog too.

Grooming: The Danish-Swedish Farm Dog’s short coat only requires occasional brushing with a rubber brush to remove loose and dead hair. Bathe only when necessary. This breed undergoes a seasonal heavy shedding and some little shedding as the year goes on.

Activities: The Danish-Swedish Farm Dog is bred as a working and farm dog. It is happiest when it has a job or when its playing. It can chase after small animals like a squirrel or a rabbit, and it can rat out rats and mice. The Danish-Swedish Farm Dog is also a good watch dog, barking only when necessary.

Other Info: The Danish-Swedish Farm Dog has a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. It is a generally healthy breed and is a natural on a farm home. It will be fine living in an apartment as long as it it taken outdoors from time to time and sufficiently exercised.

AKA: Russian Wolfhound, 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, Sighthound 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.

AKA: Chornyi, Terrier Noir Russe, Russian Bear Schnauzer, Black Terrier, Tchiorny Terrier

Description: The Black Russian Terrier is a medium-sized rare breed that has a large black nose, full black lips, dark almond-shaped eyes, and triangular ears with a rounded apex and pendant. The ears are set high on the head and reaches down to the outside corner of the eyelids. Its head is long and has a blocky shape, with a broad skull and a well-defined stop. The teeth forms a scissors bite.

The length is squarely proportional to its height. The neck is thick and muscular. It has a highly set tail and large bear-like feet. The legs should be covered with 2 to 4 inches of hair. The forelegs are straight and well-boned, as are the hindlegs except that the hindlegs are angular. The shoulders are large and muscular, with the blades broad and sloping. The tail is set high, and cropped.

Dynamics: The Black Russian Terrier is an observant and protective dog. It gets suspicious of strangers. It need to be treated lovingly and firmly to be able to interact well with people. It is a sensitive dog, playful, adaptive, and enthusiastic. This breed likes to have intense contact with people and other animals. It avoids fighting with other dogs, although a male Black Russian Terrier may have a problem with dominant dogs.

It is easy to train the Black Russian Terrier. It enjoys training and is eager to please its owner. Training should be firm, though. Do not give the dog comforts that he will not be able to enjoy in the future (sitting on the bed, lying on the couch, etc.) or he will get used to it. This breed is people-oriented. Close interaction with the family brings out its good qualities.

Breed Group: Terrier, Working, Guardian

Weight: 80-143 lbs (36-65 kg)

Height: males 25-29 inches (64-74 cm), females 25-28 inches (64-72 cm)

Color: This breed comes in plain black.

Country of Origin: The Black Russian Terrier comes from Russia. It was bred from about twenty breeds which included the Giant Schnauzers, Rottweilers, and Airedale breeds. The Black Russian Terrier is like the German shepherd dog without the undue aggression.

Grooming: In grooming the Black Russian Terrier, regular trimming for two to three times a year and a professional grooming is necessary. Stripping is needed if the coat is soft. Brush the coat at least once a week. Remove hairs from ear ducts and clip the hair from under the paws.

Activities: The Black Russian Terrier loves to run and play and have fun.

Other Info: The Black Russian Terrier has a life expectancy of about 10-11 years. The breed is generally healthy but is prone to hip dysplasia. The ears should be checked, too, for otitis. The Black Russian Terrier will be fine in an apartment so long as it gets enough exercises and play sessions. This breed needs human contact to be happy.