Breed: Since ancient times, dog of toy breeds were enjoying a great popularity. In the historical sources there are many references mentioning the small breeds. For example, in German chronicles of 770 - 840 is mentioned that the Czech ambassador had presented Karl the Great with the miniature dog as a symbol of peaceful relations between the countries. From the Polish chronicles, we learn that Boleslav II the Bold (1058 - 1080) had in his house about a dozen dogs, but most of them all he loved two tiny dogs. It is also known that the Bohemian King Votsvale IV was always accompanied by a tiny dog.

After the discovery of America in the late 15 th century, the Spanish Queen Isabella gave the Czech ruler a small dog - Chihuahua - as a gift. King Rudolf II (1552-1612) was also a big fancier of tiny dogs. At first King Rudolph II had four "Rattlers", but soon their number increased to eighteen. This King liked to give small dogs, such a gift spoke of his good disposition.

"Rattler" - that's how were called small hairless dogs that at that time did not form a single breed, but had among their ancestors the small Pinschers, Chihuahua and Dachshunds.

In Russia this small dogs enjoyed a great popularity, but the aristocracy preferred the English purebred dogs. English Toy Terrier was the most popular pre-revolutionary breed, breeding of English Toy Terriers was well developed (English Toy Terriers were forming the third part of the whole livestock of small dogs). In 1917 the social level, which was keeping English Toy Terriers almost collapsed and most of the owners of this dogs have emigrated abroad. Without their owners the small dogs spread across the country, they continued to multiply, but there was no proper selection or neither the breeders to look after it.

After the Second World War the Soviet breeders brought from Europe a new influx of "Rattlers" and the purebred German Zwergpinschers. But in those years it was quite difficult to own a small dog, as in the Stalin era decorative miniature breeds were not honored. Respected and properly bred were only those breeds of dogs, which had military and economic value. However, the consequences of a "warming" have done their work - and in the dog breeding as well - the Iron Curtain was slightly dropped and the flow of breeding material and standards from Europe became available for the Russian breeders. Dog experts have designed the new breeds of dogs that had no pedigrees, and they received similar breeds to the original ones.

Maria A. Landau, a relative of the famous physicist, academician Lev Davidovich Landau, with the help from several breeders undertook the restoration of the breed "English Toy Terrier". One day Maria Alexandrovna got a sick Toy Terrier to cure him, since that time she began to get involved with this breed seriously. In those days it was quite difficult to find a purebred English Toy Terrier in Soviet Union, and Maria Landau had to collect them all over the country. The amount of dogs was so small that sometimes breeders had to neglect their pedigrees. As a result, a big number of cities have been established the populations of this breed - Alma-Ata, Sverdlovsk, Moscow and many others. With the participation of Zwergpinschers there were received new colors of the Terriers - red and brown and tan. Soviet dog breeders have created a new breed standard, forming the breed according to their opinions and points of view. The standard of a Russian Toy Terrier was different from the standard of English Toy Terrier, in fact the Russian Toy Terrier was similar to the English one, but fundamentally different.

In Moscow in 1958 from two smooth-haired Toy Terriers was born black and tan male with the original feathering on his ears. The owner of this puppy Eugenia Fominichna Zharova supported the idea to breed the Toy Terrier, taking this puppy as a model. Under the leadership of Zharova was established a numerous breed group, named "The Moscow Longhaired Toy Terrier".

This exactly group has become a basic foundation for further long-haired Toy Terriers in Russia. In the 90s Toy was threatened as a breed, a lot of Toy Terriers were sold to the Western countries. After the crisis the breed has been restored and the Soviet standards needed to be corrected. It was clear that the similar breeds - "Moscow Longhaired Toy Terrier "and "Smooth Haired Toy Terrier " had to unite. As a result, after a lot of controversy and debates about the breed's name, it was decided to name a new breed the "Russian Toy Terrier" and it must be presented in two hair types - long and smooth.

The new breed - Russian Toy Terrier - became very popular in no time. A lot of puppies of the Russian Toy Terrier were sold to Europe and overseas countries. After several years working on obtaining recognition of the breed in the International Canine Federation (FCI) was adjusted the standard from which it was removed the word "terrier", and at a meeting of the General Assembly of FCI in February 21, 2006, the breed called Russian Toy has received official international recognition in two types of the coat.

General Features: Russian Toy is a tiny lap dog, that comes in two varieties of coat - long-haired and smooth-haired. Previously, the breed was known as Moscow Long-haired Toy Terrier.

The body of the Russian Toy is compact, meets the format of the square. Chest is deep. Ears are erect, large, thin, set high. Head is small, moderately wide at the cheekbones, forehead is slightly rounded. Nose is small, usually black or matching the coat color. Eyes are rather large, somewhat convex, rounded. Russian Toy can have any color, but not black or white. The only requirement - monochromatic. Also the Russian Toy may be black and tam or brown and tan. Small white markings on chest and paws are allowed, but not desirable.

Temperament: Why the Russian Toy became so popular? This is one of the smallest breeds of dogs. Nowadays Toy is one of the most fashionable lap dogs, unpretentious and easy to care for living in urban environments. This is an ideal breed, it is very comfortable to take him with you, he will be allowed in almost any institution, the elegance of Russian Toy will emphasize the nice image of any girl.

Although compact, this dog is distinguished by his delicate appearance. This little cutie captivates with his nobility, grace, self-assured style of behavior, well-tempered and playful character. Because of these qualities, both: smooth haired and long haired representatives of the Russian Toy became one of the most fashionable and prestigious breeds of dogs. The small size of the Russian Toy does not prevent him from being agile, alert, playful, very bold and confident. It is hard to be bored with such a companion, who is always in motion. From their ancestors they have inherited the fearless of Terrier, and a walk with the Russian Toy sometimes may turn into a conflict with a larger dog. By the Russian Toy's opinion they can fight on equal terms.

Like every dog, the Russian Toy has his own characteristics that should be taken in the account, while caring for him. Thus, by virtue of small stature, the Russian Toy may be injured, falling or jumping from the sofa, armchairs, chairs, and down the steep stairs. So do not let your Russian Toy to jump on the sofas and other high furniture, do not leave him unattended on the upper floors: it is better to pull the dog down on your hands. The Russian Toy is always very emotional. Do not tease this dog and not allow the others to do it. Such actions can lead to anger and a nervous breakdown in the Russian Toy. Because of his erect ears it is not desirable to stroke the Russian Toy on his head: it could trigger a wrong forming of the ears or provoke that they will not not stand up themselves. Well, like any other dog, the Russian Toy should not be fed with sweets or spicy food , because it would damage his health.

With his appearance and fragility the Russian Toy really looks like a small toy -  cute and charming. But at the same time this dog has a very strong character and the inner core. A huge mistake and an insult to him will be if you take your Toy as a decorative element of the house. The Russian Toy should be treated with respect. Of course, you can not put him above yourself and allow him to command, but mutual respect must be present in your everyday communications. Only in this case you will be able to find a common language with your pet. Do not squeeze the Russian Toy and do not treat him like a rag doll, explain to children that this dog is not a toy. Then in your family will always be peace and understanding.

Russian Toy usually is very reserved with strangers, but very loyal to his owner, that he chooses once and for all and is ready to protect him from any danger. Miniature dog-hunter wants to be a proud and independent animal. This is the reason that today they are becoming increasingly popular among people of all ages. Besides, the Russian Toy has one interesting feature: once acquiring this breed as a pet, a person acquires the second and third resident. And usually the big and funny company of Russian Toys are running and playing in the house. You can never have too much friends, any Russian Toy will tell you that.

Health problems: Generally the Russian Toy is a quite healthy breed. Still some dogs of this breed may suffer from allergies. Sometimes the Russian Toy puppies may need help of a veterinarian, while changing teeth.

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