CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RUSSIAN TOY SQUARE BUILD, HEAD SIZE, AND COAT T he Russian Toy Breed Standard begins with the description: “A small elegant dog, lively, long-legged, with fine bone and lean muscles.” This accurate summation BY JENNIFER GREBINOSKI
of the breed is what attracted my attention eight years ago when I first learned about the breed and began my research. I found that one of the distinguishing characteristics that contributes to this description is the square build. The square build is described in the second sec- tion of the Russian Toy Standard and states that “… the height, when measured vertically from the ground to the highest point on the withers, is equal to the length, when measured horizontally from the proster- num to the point of the buttocks.” These proportions described in the standard and pictured here are a part of what gives the Russian Toy its distinct silhouette when compared to the other small Toy breeds. While the purpose of the breed is companionship, these pro- portions make the breed very suited for activity, and they are, indeed, quite a lively little dog.
This diagram of the biomechanics of the Russian Toy, provided by Natalia Chistjokova, shows the square build, with the light gray square overlaid on the body of the dog.
This picture shows a litter of puppies from red sable parents, and illustrates the variety within the specified colors of the Russian Toy.
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, NOVEMBER 2021 | 281
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