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: Jack Russell Terrier
Description: Parson Russell is a well built breed and well proportioned body. They have dark eyes that is almond shaped. Ears are in V-shaped that is folded forward Have a strong, rectangular muzzle. They are narrow chested dog and teeth meet in scissors bite. Tail is erected and docked. They have a cat like feet, wirehaired but smooth and soft to touch.

Temperament: The parson breed is a loving very lively dog. They are an active dog always full of energy. They get along well with children. As long as they are being handled well by their owner. They are bred for hunting therefore it is hard for them to be with small pets. A socialization training would be required for them to be more socialized as they are smart enough to follow instructions and easy to please. Most of them in this breed do excel in obedience and agility activities.

Activity: They are required to have daily walk and jog to gain more energy since they are a very energetic and alert dog. To avoid behavioral problems, they must be engaged in some strenuous activities as part of their exercise.

Health: Health issues includes: Eye disease, kneecaps, eye disease, deafness. Life span is about 15 years.

Grooming: Brushing is required for them to avoid tangles and broken coat. Minimal maintenance is needed for this breed as they are not a heavy shedder. Bathe only when necessary.

Group: Terrier
Color: white, black, tan, or grizzle markings or a tricolor
Height: 12-14 inches (31-36 cm)
Weight: 14-18 pounds (6-8 kg)
Country Of Origin: England

Dynamics: This breed was recognized in the year 1990 by the UK Kennel Club which they were called as Parson Jack Russell because it was trade marked in US by a group. They are considered as hunters a noted fox hunters. However this breed is originated in England in 19th century by Jack Russell.

Photo by Alephalpha

AKA: Feist, American Rat Terrier, Ratting Terrier, Decker Giant

Description: The Rat Terrier is a dog of a compact and well-muscled body, with a deep chest, strong shoulders, and well-boned legs. Its ears can be tipped or carried erect, and its tail can either be short or full length.

Dynamics: The Rat Terrier is a lively and alert dog. It is also an intelligent one. It is affectionate and loving and has a lot of energy everyday. This breed gets along well with children, and makes a very good companion for a big family. It can also get along with strangers although it is reserved at first. The Rat Terrier is the kind that is eager to please and is well-rounded. It is quick to learn and can always be seen to be excited to learn new things. The Rat Terrier is used for hunting aside from its terrier work. It also makes a good watchdog and farm dog. It is also a very good swimmer.

Breed Group: Terrier

Weight: standard 12-35 pounds (5½-16 kg), mid-sized 6-8 pounds (3-3½ kg), toy 4-6 pounds (2-3 kg)

Height: standard 14-23 inches (35½-58½ cm), mid-sized 8-14 inches (20-35½ cm), toy 8 inches (20 cm)

Color: The colors of the Rat Terrier’s coat can be pearl, sable, chocolate, red and white, tricolor, solid red, black and tan, blue and white or red brindle.

Country of Origin: The Rat Terrier originated in Great Britain, developed from Smooth Fox Terriers and Manchester Terriers in 1820. After the breed was introduced to America, they were crossed again with the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Beagle, and the Whippet. The breed was named by President Teddy Roosevelt.

Activities: The Rat Terrier has a lot of energy, and so it needs a good amount of exercise everyday. A long daily walk and play sessions is also needed. This breed especially likes games and outdoor romps.

Grooming: The coat of the Rat Terrier is short so grooming is easy. An occasional combing or brushing is enough. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The Rat Terrier has a life expectancy of 15 to 18 years. It will be all right living in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised. The Rat Terrier loves to dig around so there should at least be a small yard around where it can play and romp around.

Photo: Elf

Description: The Norwich Terrier is one of the smallest breeds among the working terriers, alongside the Norfolk Terrier. Its short body is strong and sturdy, however, and it is accompanied with strong-boned legs. Its face has jaunty whiskers and eyebrows, and its muzzle is fox-like with large solid teeth. Its eyes are dark and expressive. Its ears stand upright. Its coat is wiry and straight, and the body ends with a tail docked by half.

Dynamics: The Norwich Terrier is an affectionate and assertive dog. It loves without any nervousness or trouble. It is also intelligent and is very easy to train. Training this breed has to be consistent and firm to be taught, however. Unstable discipline from its owner will only cause the dog to be confused. This is dog that loves everyone and is eager to please. It is good with children and can also get along well with other pets.

The Norwich Terrier is very active and courageous, and these traits may be the reason that it can be difficult to housebreak. Owning this dog means letting it know that you are the leader of the pack else the Norwich Terrier may develop the Small Dog Syndrome and think that he is the leader. This can potentially lead to behavior problems.

Breed Group: Terrier

Weight: 10-12 pounds (4.5-5.5kg)

Height: 10 inches (25cm)

Color: The Norwich Terrier’s coat can be in red, wheaten, tan, black and tan, and grizzle. It can occasionally have white markings, too.

Country of Origin: The Norwich Terrier came from England. It was once grouped with the Norfolk Terrier as one breed but they were officially separated in 1964 due to physical differences. For one, the Norwich Terrier has prick ears while the Norfolk Terrier has its ears dropped. The Norwich Terrier is also more round in body while the Norfolk Terrier is more angular.

Activities: The Norwich Terrier was bred to work. It has a lot of energy and is usually active. It needs to be taken out on a walk daily and should also be allowed some exercise or play sessions.

Grooming: The Norwich Terrier has a shaggy average coat that is waterproof and easy to take care of. Daily combing and brushing is enough. Bathe and dry shampoo only when necessary.

Other Info: The Norwich Terrier has a life expectancy of about 12-15 years. This is a hardy breed but can also suffer from back and eye problems. The Norwich Terrier will be all right living in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised.

Photo: DavidBarak

Description: The Norfolk Terrier is among the smallest of the working terrier breed group. Its body is short but strong and sturdy. It has well-boned legs that make up for its small stature. It has solid teeth and a fox-like muzzle. Its eyes are dark, and the ears are hanging. It has jaunty whiskers and eyebrows shaping its face. Its tail is docked by half, and its coat is wiry and straight.

Dynamics: The Norfolk Terrier is a very affectionate and active dog. It is courageous and easy to train as long as the training is consistent. It is very friendly and can get along with children. Attention should be given to this dog because it will dig around or bark as much as it wants if it has nothing to keep it occupied. The Norfolk Terrier is also good with other pets, and it loves to play especially with toys and balls. Like most dogs, the Norfolk Terrier has to see its owner as the leader of the pack to avoid behavior problems. For example, when jogging together, make sure that the Norfolk Terrier is jogging on the side or behind and not in front. This will make it think it is the leader and will be hard to train.

Breed Group: Terrier

Weight: 10-12 pounds (4½-5½kg)

Height: 10 inches (25cm)

Color: The coat of the Norfolk Terrier can either be red, wheaten, tan, black and tan, or grizzle. It can also have white markings.

Country of Origin: The Norfolk Terrier was once considered as one breed with the Norwich Terrier. They were separated in 1964, in England, due to differences like the Norfolk having hanging ears while the Norwich has prick ears.

Activities: The Norfolk Terrier was bred to become a working dog. It is very active and has a lot of energy. It should be taken out for a walk and sufficient exercise daily.

Grooming: The Norfolk Terrier’s coat is medium in length and waterproof. All it needs is regular combing and brushing. Bathe and dry shampoo only when necessary.

Other Info: The Norfolk Terrier has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. This is generally a healthy and hardy breed. It will do all right living in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised.

Photo: Tangenes