Russian Dog Breeds

Dogs breeds from Russia are as beautiful and diverse as the country itself. Some breeds whose lineage can be traced to Russia are suited for hunting, herding and guarding but there are smaller lap dog breeds too.

Here’s a look at some of the most popular Russian dogs.

• Black Russian Terrier-Known for its power and intellect the Black Russian Terrier is used by the Russian military as a guard dog. This breed appeared after WII and is one of the newest breeds in the world. Its unique double coat offers double the protection from the harsh weather but also requires double the grooming. They are a large dog breed that can weight 70-130 lbs. Their medium long hair is black and can have a few grey hairs. It requires moderate exercise
• Russkaya Tsvetnaya Bolonka-Cuteness overload! The bichon breeds are people pleasers, sociable and very intelligent and this Russian dog breed is no exception. The Tsvetnaya Bolonka (Russian Colored Lapdog) is even tempered and quick to learn making it a great choice for the family pet. As a bonus they are hypoallergenic. Their small size makes them a great choice for any living situation, but apartment dwellers take note-this dogs for you. They max at around 11 pounds and are just 9-10 inches high. The Bolonka breed originated in Moscow and was nearly extinct before the Cold War.
• Siberian Husky-Siberia is one of the most sparsely populated areas on the planet. DNA evidence suggest it’s also where one of the oldest dog breeds, the Siberian Husky, originated. This beautiful breed has a wolf-like appearance that includes triangular ears, distinctive markings, and triangular eyes. Siberian Huskies also have a very thick coat. This handsome breed does need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. It is a tough and persistent breed that responds best to consistent training. This makes them a better choice for experienced dog owners. Huskies are a strong medium sized breed that range from 20 to 23 inches in height and 35 to 60 pounds.
• Caucasian Ovcharka-AKA Caucasian Shepherd Dog-AKA Caucasian Mountain Dog is a total bad ass herding and guard dog with a heritage spanning 3000 years. They are one of the largest breeds of dogs. The full-grown average height is 25-38 inches and they weigh between 110 and 200 lbs. While it’s even tempered, its strength, natural aggressive tendencies, protective instincts and large size make proper training a must. This Shepard is watching everything even when it seems lethargic and despite its size can move very quickly to protect a perceived threat to a family member. It’s a breed that offers a lot of love but one that also needs a watchful eye. Its temperament and size make it a higher maintenance dog that needs daily walks and a lot of room.
• Russkiy (Russian) Toy has lineage that dates to the Russian aristocracy. It was hip to be seen with this dog at all the in gatherings. The Russian Toy is one of the smallest dog breeds. They have a great disposition and are happy to run and play and equally happy to sit in your lap and hang around. Human contact is their thing. They want to please and are receptive to training. Their social personalities make them fun to be around. They are very loving and loyal making them a good choice for a family pet. Both the long coat and smooth coat varieties are high energy so daily exercise are a must. This toy breed stands just 8-11 inches high and can weight up to 6 ½ pounds.