Dogs of Russian breeds are recognized as national pride. Among them there are hunting, and service, and decorative species, known around the world. Representatives of Russian breeds are hardy, smart, courageous and hardworking. They demonstrate good ingenuity and loyalty to the owner.
Features
The breeds that were bred on the territory of our country were automatically assigned to the Russian Federation. For instance, strong and large South Russian shepherds were bred in Tavria, and famous Caucasians - in Urartu. But in accordance with the decree of the Russian Cynological Association, all these species were assigned to the domestic group.
To date, dog handlers have provided four-legged suitable for any industry according to their data. On the territory of our country there are service, hunting and decorative dogs. All of them have many differences and characteristics. Many of the breeds were bred in the USSR by Soviet breeders. Specialists were given various tasks that they successfully performed.
For example, in the 20s of the last century, Soviet breeders were required to create such dogs that could serve at checkpoints. So there was a smart and strong East European Shepherd.
In the list of breeds of Russian dogs there are also ancient representatives of their species. Four-legged hounds belong to this category. These individuals have been known since the XI century.
There are also completely new representatives, which so far belong only to certain pedigree groups. This list includes breeds such as chestnut and mermaid. Today, the International Organization of Cynologists recognized only a few breeds, which are conditionally considered Russian.
Representatives of Russian breeds possess special persistent character. Most of them are distinguished by endurance and great performance. They are faithful and loyal to the owners throughout their lives. That is why Russian dogs are so popular all over the world and have a good reputation.
List of Recognized Breeds
The list of domestic breeds is long. Consider some of the most famous and widespread recognized Russian dogs.
Russian black terrier
The second name of this breed is “Stalin’s dog”. These shaggy tetrapods are distinguished by an unusual and even impressive appearance. The leader himself did not have such a pet. This breed was bred after his death.
The loud name of the Russian black terrier received for a reason. Just Joseph Vissarionovich set the task for specialists to breed a breed that would be both service and guard, easily tolerated frosts and was quickly trained. And so it appeared Russian black terrier, possessing all of these qualities, "seasoned" with an unusual and even frightening appearance.
The guard from the Russian Terrier is amazing. Moreover, he has a kind heart. If this animal is educated correctly, then it turns out to be a true friend and companion, demonstrating obedience and friendly behavior.
Russian canine greyhound
Russian greyhound is another national pride of Russia. The breed spread during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. Out of these four-legged came out excellent hunters and no less wonderful friends of man. Russian greyhound is not the best guard at home.
In everyday life, these representatives of the Russian breed are calm and peaceful. They are not used to demonstrating aggression. The greyhound will not bark for no reason and it is very difficult to provoke her to do so.
The Russian greyhound is led by hunting instincts. They do not “sleep” even when the animal is on a regular walk. The dog will try to catch everything that it perceives as a victim - rodents, cats and the like. Living in the neighborhood with a cat or a greyhound cat will be peaceful only if these animals grew up together.
The Russian greyhound will not serve a person, although it will not be against his company and spending time together. She will behave softly and supplely, but she will not forget about her own pride for even a minute.
Central asian shepherd dog
Another name for this breed is alabai. Many people mistakenly believe that alabai are fighting dogs. Yes, representatives of this breed were involved in fierce dog fights, but their main purpose is to guard and protect.
Alabai are very independent animals. They will not take any action to get a piece of bread. His animal can be taken as a treat for a properly executed command. These dogs are wayward and not used to thoughtlessly execute all the commands given by man. Only by evaluating the appropriateness of certain actions, does this dog agree to carry them out.
Alabaev's character is strong. They need to be raised from puppyhood. In no case should you humiliate or beat such a dog - Alabai is very touchy. It is advisable to entrust the training to a specialist in this matter.
Any gaps in the education of such a powerful healthy man can lead to disastrous consequences.
Moscow Watchdog
This is a large guard dog with an unrivaled security and protective instinct. The original Russian "Muscovites" do not start from a half turn. This is their main difference from the closest relatives - Caucasian Shepherd Dogs. Moscow watchdog feels comfortable in the family. She treats children and other pets well.
These dogs have stubborn behavior. They try to dominate, which is why it can be difficult to train them. This business is best entrusted to a professional.
In an ordinary city apartment, the Moscow watchdog will be crowded and uncomfortable.An animal of such an impressive complexion, subject to competent upbringing, of course, even in such conditions will try to less interfere with the owners and try to occupy a minimum of space. But it’s better not to lead to this. Moscow watchdog will be much more comfortable in the setting of a country house.
Russian toy terrier
The sizes of the Russian toy terrier are extremely small. That is why these pets are often brought on by people living in small city apartments. In such conditions, this dog will not take up much space.
The behavior of purebred Russian toy terriers is good-natured and adequate. They hardly show excessive aggression, but this does not prevent them from being good watchmen of their territory. Terriers are cunning and smart. They instantly capture all the weaknesses inherent in their owners. In the future, they skillfully use them.
Russian toy terrier is susceptible and easily excited. Any suspicious sound provokes the sonorous barking of this cunning baby. He is always on the alert.
Toy terriers love affectionate and gentle treatment of themselves. But they don’t want to understand the authoritarian style of communication. Psychological pressure from the owner will not lead to anything good. In the course of training, the Russian Toy Terrier often demonstrates obstinacy and perseverance.
In spite of this, such dogs are not considered difficult to breed. Representatives of this Russian breed can boast a wonderful memory. They are in good contact with other pets, but they are not very good with young children.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Powerful animal, friendly only to the owners. Caucasians do not trust strangers at all and perceive them badly. The reaction in these individuals is lightning fast. They are always ready to defend their possessions and master.
They do not differ in bloodthirstiness, but there is enough aggression in them, so they only need a firm hand. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is recommended only to people who have experience with such animals.
Caucasians easily tolerate cold. Lack of a host is not a problem for them either. Shepherds grow slowly. They are smart and easy to learn. In anger, a Caucasian ceases to control himself.
The intuition of these dogs is well developed. The degree of danger they easily recognize at a glance.
Samoyed
Samoyed huskies are gentle, sociable and friendly pets with a good character. They easily find a common language with people and other animals. They communicate with children perfectly, calmly relate to their excessive activity.
Samoyeds love increased attention to themselves. In a company with a person, they feel great. Too busy people who have absolutely no free time, it is better not to start such a dog. Samoyed is not recommended for a long time to leave alone.
Unrecognized species
There are also unrecognized Russian dog breeds. Let's consider some of them.
Russian hunting spaniel
The breed is registered in the RKF, but the International Cynological Federation did not recognize it. These dogs have a well-developed hunting instinct. They are energetic and fast, easily adapt to life in the city.
Russian Spaniel is an ideal earner and ranger. He likes to swim, does not fear cold ponds. The character of the Russian hunting spaniel is tireless. These are real hard workers. At home, they quickly transform into good-natured family pets who like to spend free time in company with their families.
Even in adulthood, individuals of this breed retain a special puppy playfulness. They like to have fun and play. With children, the Russian Spaniel easily finds a common language. These dogs feel great in children's groups.
Representatives of this Russian breed have excellent intuition. They instantly capture any changes in the owner’s behavior, understand him perfectly. Spaniel at a glance understands which person is good and which is suspicious.If such a dog constantly growls or barks at one of your friends, then this should be an occasion to look at it better.
Russian color lapdog
This breed was bred in the USSR in the post-war period. The character of the colored lapdogs is balanced, calm and adequate. They love to play, but they behave kindly and deliberately. They quickly catch the mood of the owner, try to adapt to it. The FCI did not receive any recognition from FCI, but this did not stop them from becoming one of the best recognized companion dogs.
East European Shepherd
The officially unrecognized is the smartest East European shepherd. This breed has not achieved recognition FCI. Commercial breeding did not affect this breed, so we managed to bypass various genetic diseases. In matters of physical and external qualities, East European shepherds are recognized as the most promising dogs.
These are service dogs that are required to take an OKD and ZKS course. Only subject to this recommendation, you can not expect inappropriate behavior from the pet. You can’t buy a puppy of this breed for keeping the house “on the couch”.
These are working dogs, which can become reliable helpers and companions, but not home decorative toys.
How to choose?
The choice of a purebred Russian dog must be approached with all responsibility. It should be based on a number of basic criteria.
- Immediately determine which animal you need: hunter, security guard or just a decorative pet. In accordance with this, you should choose a representative of a particular breed of the direction you need.
- Start from the conditions in which you will keep the dog. If you do not want (or cannot) keep her at home, but only on the street, then you should give preference to pets with a more solid wool layer and undercoat. The same toy terrier is hardly suitable for street maintenance, but the Moscow watchdog and Caucasian shepherd dog will feel good in such an environment.
- Consider the nature of the animals. Energetic and active people should look at the same animals. Fans should lie comfortably on the couch in their free time should select the appropriate pets.
- If you want to get a purebred Russian dog, then you should contact specialized nurseries with a good reputation. Thus, you will protect yourself from contact with unscrupulous breeders who can offer you a mestizo or a defective puppy.
- Take a closer look at the puppies of your breed. Kids should be healthy, energetic, clean. Puppies should not have a painful appearance and be sluggish.
Thoroughbred puppies must have all the necessary documents. After choosing a puppy, talk with the staff of the nursery.
Ask all your questions about feeding and caring for a pet of the selected breed. So you will protect yourself from many mistakes that you can make out of ignorance.
In the next video you will find interesting facts about the Russian canine greyhound.