Russian Spaniel

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Breed Details

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Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Russian Spaniel is a small, sturdy Spaniel type hunting dog that originated in former USSR. It is one of the most popular breeds in Russia that was developed from English Cocker Spaniels and English Springer Spaniels. The first Spaniels were brought on Russian soil in late 1800s by Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich. His influence and connections helped bring various Spaniels in Russia. Some of these dogs were used for hunting but harsh weather conditions and difficult terrain made these short legged dogs less effective hunters. In the beginning of 20th century, selective breeding for longer legged Spaniels started but it was post WW II era when the Russian Spaniel was born from different spaniel dogs.

This small dog has all the characteristics which are needed in an apt hunter dog. This breed has high prey drive, innate desire to retrieve, keen sense of scent, persistence, strength and stamina which make this dog a very effective and popular hunting companion in Russia. Being a home grown breed, it is well adapted to harsh weather and difficult Russian terrain. As a hunter, the dog locates the bird, sends it in the air and retrieves it once the master has shot dead the game.

The Russian Spaniel is a small dog that stands between 15-18 inches and weighs about 28-35 lbs. The dog has a well built strong body. The head is small and muzzle is square which narrows to slightly brown or black nose. Huge, hanging ears are covered with long wavy hair. Oval shaped medium size expressive eyes are brown to dark brown in colour. The chest is deep and broad, back is strong and wide and lushly covered thick tail that is carried level with the back. Long legs help this dog to hunt in marshes, woodland and in arid fields. The coat is moderately long and comes in solid brown, tan and black; bi-color of white and black, white and tan and white with brown markings. Tri-colored (black, tan and white) coats also occur.

This breed is NOT recognized by AKC or any other major kennel club.

Color

This breed comes in different coat colours which include solid brown, tan and black, white and black, tan and white and white with brown markings. Tri-colored Russian Spaniels (black, tan and white) are also seen.

Coat

The Russian Spaniel has a moderately long, tight and silky coat that is straight and short on head and front of the legs. Moderate length hair are present on upper side of neck, back, sides of body and croup. Longer hair are present on lower neck, chest, stomach and back sides of legs.

Personality

The Russian Spaniel is not only a very efficient hunter, it is a very loving and affectionate family pet as well. This easy going and fun loving dog is very friendly with one and all. Eager to please its family, the dog bonds strongly with its family and thrives on getting attention. A very devoted breed, the Russian Spaniel is a lively and very playful dog that makes a super companion and joyful playmate of children. With its even temperament, it gets along well with other dogs in the house. Though very friendly with all, even strangers, this intelligent breed has an inherent ability to tell friend from foe. This dog does not make a good watchdog. The Russian Spaniel can adapt to any lifestyle, and its relatively inactive nature indoor makes it suitable for apartment lifestyle but the dog has high exercise needs and would need to be taken for daily walks and play. It is a cheerful, active dog and is always ready to play, responding to any form of attention with a happily wagging tail. The Russian Spaniel makes an excellent and very loving house pet as well as very efficient and hunter par excellence.

Care

The coat is water-resistant and low-shedding thus grooming needs are minimized. Occasional brushing will keep the coat clean. Ears need to be regularly checked for infection.

Training

The Russian Spaniel is an easy to train dog with its docile and eager to please nature. It will thrive on positive training sessions along with lots of appreciation and praise.

Activity

Though this dog may be relatively lazy when indoor, it has high exercise needs and needs to be taken for daily walks and play in a secure open area. Though it can live in an apartment, this dog would appreciate a house with atleast a small yard to run and play.