breed history

The history of the Russian Toy Terrier, like most terriers, began with English stock. English Toy Terriers were introduced in the 18th century, with evidence such as a preserved specimen from 1716-1725 in the Zoological Museum in St. Petersburg. This period marked the breed's initial popularity among Russian aristocracy, who were drawn to the English way of life.

By the early 20th century, English Toy Terriers had become common in Russia and were simply called Russian Toy Terriers. The breed symbolized prestige among the upper class. However, the communist revolution of 1917 and subsequent wars nearly exterminated the breed. Dedicated breeders maintained small kennels and continued breeding covertly, selecting specimens that retained the true character and appearance of the Russian Toy Terrier.

Despite the challenges of the Soviet era, passionate breeders preserved the Russian Toy Terrier. In 1958, a unique long-coated puppy named Chiki was born, marking the beginning of the Moscow Long Haired Toy Terrier. Through careful breeding, the long coat variety was developed and recognized with a separate standard in 1966.

With the fall of the “Iron Curtain” in the 1980s, the Russian Toy Terrier and Moscow Long Haired Toy Terrier were exposed to the rest of Europe. A new breed standard in 1988 secured the breed's future, recognizing both varieties as part of a single breed. In 2006, the breed was added to the FCI roster, renamed as the Russian Toy, encompassing both long and smooth coat varieties. Since then, the breed has gained popularity internationally, with top kennels established in various countries and growing interest from breeders in the USA and Japan.