Russian Spaniel

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The Russian Spaniel Dog Profile

After World War II, the Soviet Union standardised the Russian Spaniel breed in 1951 by crossing English Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, and other spaniel types. After the adoption of the Russian spaniel standard in 1951, the selection of dogs for breeding began in accordance with the specifications. It resembles a Cocker Spaniel in appearance, but with a shorter, tighter coat and a longer physique. This breed, which was developed and employed as a hunting dog, has no serious health issues other than those commonly associated with spaniels.

The Russian Spaniel is a compact, strong dog with a short, tight, silky hair with ear and leg feathering.  Solid hues without white markings, piebald, speckled, black and tan, and mixes are all possibilities. The skull and ears are typically black as well.

The Russian Spaniel has a body that is comparable to the English Cocker Spaniel’s field lines, but with the longer ears of the show line. The Russian Spaniel’s body is longer than the English Cocker’s, and the breed has only one line, rather than being split into distinct show and field lines.

Russian Spaniel Highlights

  • This type of dog is commonly employed for hunting ducks and bunnies since they are excellent hunters.
  • There are no significant or huge kennel groups that recognize them.
  • They are robust working dogs who are best suited to farms. They are excellent hunters in woods, fields, and marshes.
  • They have a highly sociable attitude and enjoy playing games with children.
  • They get along well with other dogs of all breeds and other pets such as cats.
  • Smaller animals should be safeguarded from them because they are hunters. Proper socialization is required to create a positive attitude toward children, dogs, and other pets.
  • They are simple to train, but they must receive constant training and socialization because they are primarily hunters.
  • Russian Spaniels are not hypoallergenic breeds of dog.
  • The cost of a Russian Spaniel is unknown, although it is estimated to be around $400 USD on average.

Russian Spaniel Breed Features & Ratings:
Rated base on a 5 Star Scale
ENERGY LEVEL:                                4 Star
EXERCISE REQUIREMENTS:           3 Star
PLAYFULNESS:                                  3 Star
AFFECTION LEVEL:                           5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO DOGS:                3 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO OTHER PETS:    3 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO STRANGERS:     3 Star
WATCHFULNESS:                               3 Star
EASE OF TRAINING:                           5 Star
GROOMING REQUIREMENTS:           2 Star
HEAT SENSITIVITY:                              5 Star
VOCALITY                                             5 Star

Russian Spaniel Breed Profile:

Dog Breed Group: Hunting Dogs

Height:  15–17 inches (38–43 cm)

Weight:  28–40 lb (13–18 kg)  

Life Span: 14 years

AREA OF ORIGIN: Union of Soviet Socialist Republics   

DATE OF ORIGIN: 1951

OTHER NAMES:  Rosyjski Spaniel

Temperament: Cheerful, Active

Type: Cross Breed

Color: Black & White, Red & White, Brown & White, Tri-color

Litter Size: 4 to 6 puppies 

Puppy Prices: $2000 – $2500 USD on average

The cost of an imported Russian Spaniel puppy is between $2000 and $2500, depending on where you live.

Pros: The Russian Spaniel doesn’t need much grooming.

Cons: Russian Spaniels have more and more frequent health problems than other breeds.

Russian Spaniel Health:

The Russian Spaniel is normally in good health, with few known medical issues and a lifespan of 12-14 years. Owners should be mindful of their proclivity towards the following behaviors:

  • Infections of the ears

Unfortunately, Russian Spaniels are prone to ear infections, and an individual may have several conditions throughout their lifetime, some of which may take some time to clean up. Chronic ear infections can be extremely aggravating for vets, owners, and dogs alike. Because of the inherent structure of the ear, infections can quickly set in and be difficult to treat. A veterinarian will frequently conduct a ‘culture and sensitivity’ test of the ear debris to analyze the type of infection present better, so treatment can be as effective as possible. Because drops operate best in a clear canal, ear cleaners should be used in conjunction with medicinal drops. In badly infected animals, a general anesthetic may be required to fully clean and flush the ear before therapy can begin. Treatment may be required for several weeks before the infection is completely cleared.

  • Allergies to the Skin

Itchy skin is said to be the most common reason for a dog to visit the vet in the UK. Allergies frequently produce extreme itching, which can take the form of shaking, scratching, licking, or rubbing. Astute owners may see that the white fur on foot has developed an orange-red color as a result of the saliva staining caused by licking irritated paws. Unfortunately, determining the precise origin of an allergy can be difficult. Food, insects, plants, molds, and grasses are the most common allergens, but an animal can react to almost anything in their surroundings and is frequently sensitive to a variety of items. The objective is to manage the symptoms, which is generally accomplished with medicated shampoos, lotions, and tablets. There are blood tests and intradermal allergy tests available to assist in determining what an animal is allergic to.

  • Obesity

Obesity is a risk factor for Russian Spaniels, although it is preventable. Obesity should be avoided because it can lead to a number of ailments and virtually always lowers the quality of life. Obesity may be avoided by giving your Russian Spaniel lots of exercises and eating them properly. For patients who are suffering from their weight, many veterinarian clinics will provide weight loss programs.

Russian Spaniel Grooming:

Anyone who has ever had a Spaniel dog knows that the ears of a Spaniel demand the most care, and the ears of a Russian Spaniel are no exception. Ears must be checked for infection on a regular basis, and they frequently require cleaning to remove matted fur and debris. The canals should also be cleaned every 1-2 weeks to remove excess wax.

The coat itself is not difficult to maintain and only requires brushing a few times per week. Excessive shedding is not usually an issue. Over-bathing the Russian Spaniel’s coat may lead it to lose its weather resistance and is not recommended.

Russian Spaniel Exercise:

The Russian Spaniel, which was bred to be a gun dog, has a relatively high exercise requirement and should be taken on one or two brisk walks or jogs each day. They are naturally playful and will cheerfully keep children engaged for hours with a game of chasing or fetch.

Many owners keep Russian Spaniels in small homes or apartments because they are well-suited to life indoors. Keeping them occupied indoors with toys, puzzles, and games will assist to limit the possibility of disruptive or bothersome behavior developing.

Russian Spaniel Training:

The Russian Spaniel is a people-pleaser by nature, and is renowned to be an easily trained dog that is always eager to please and loves to be appreciated. Because hyperactivity and over-exuberance can often result in a dog failing to respond sufficiently to directions, Russian Spaniels require a tough trainer who is ready to spend the time with them that they often require. To attain good outcomes, trainers must be consistent and apply the same tactics again and over.

Russian Spaniel Food and  Nutrition:

Because Russian Spaniels are prone to obesity, their diet should be high in other nutrients and low in fats and carbohydrates.

Russian Spaniel Temperament and Personality:

It’s a fast-moving, free-spirited breed.  Despite being a gundog, it is also kept as a companion dog because to its laid-back personality and dedication to the cause.  It is a happy, lively dog who is always up for a game, wagging its tail joyously in response to any sort of attention.  Russian Spaniels are easy to teach, make terrific watchdogs, and are good with kids. 

To save injured birds, the Russian spaniel swims and dives. It’s utilized for marsh, field, and upland game hunting. The breed had previously been evaluated for blood tracking. Russian spaniels have excellent instincts and stamina. 

Russian Spaniel Care/Upkeep:

The medium-length coat repels dirt and water naturally, making it relatively easy to care for. This breed has a minimal canine odor and only needs baths a few times a year. Although they shed, brushing their coat twice or three times a week should avoid tangling, keep shed fur under control, and maintain the coat lustrous and healthy.

 It is particularly critical to keep this breed’s long ears clean and dry, and to examine them periodically to ensure that no water, debris, or infections stay in the ear. It is also critical to monitor your dog’s skin, especially if it is a puppy under the age of five months, because food allergies in dogs frequently manifest as rashes and skin irritation. Brushing the teeth of your pet a few times a week and trimming the nails as needed, usually once a month, are straightforward duties.

Russian Spaniel Relationship with Children and Other Pets

Russian Spaniels are good with children. If you have children, this breed is a fantastic choice. Russian Spaniels are generally amicable to cats. Russian Spaniels are often good with other dogs.

Names

RankBoy NamesGirl Names
01BuddyChloe
02CooperLola
03TobyCoco
04DukeLuna
05LouieAbbie
06OliverEmma
07MiloBailey
08OscarGracie
09DexterSophie
10BaileyZoey

All About Russian Spaniel

The Russian Spaniel is one of the breeds of spaniel that was developed in the Soviet Union following World War II by crossing English Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, and other spaniel types. It looks like a Cocker Spaniel but has a shorter, tighter coat and a longer physique. This breed, which was developed and employed as a hunting dog, has no serious health issues other than those commonly associated with spaniels. Popular in Russia, the breed was just introduced to the rest of the world in the 1990s and is still not recognized by any major kennel associations.

The Russian Spaniel is unrivaled in its love and ability to its owner. It gets along well with other dogs of all breeds. In addition to performing admirably in the field, the Russian Spaniel makes a pleasant house pet and a dependable watchdog. His attractive appearance and affable personality make him an ideal companion for children, and most keep him at home. The Russian Spaniel is easy to train and dedicated to his owner, never leaving his side. To be mentally secure, the Russian Spaniel need a firm but calm, confident, and reliable pack leader.

Russian Spaniel  History:

The Russian Spaniel is the youngest of the Russian gundogs. It originated mostly from English Cocker Spaniels and English Springer Spaniels. Breeds known as Russian Spaniels have been mentioned as early as 1891 in New Zealand. 

The first recorded spaniel in Russia was a black Cocker Spaniel owned by hunting enthusiast Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich towards the end of the 19th century. Because of its noble connections, spaniels of various breeds were imported to St. Petersburg and Moscow. Some were used for hunting, but the smaller spaniels were not of much use in Russian bird hunting due to the weather and terrain conditions. It was at the beginning of the 20th century that selective breeding began for longer legged spaniels; specifically importing Springer Spaniels to create a rather mixed Russian Spaniel.

By the late 1930s, a range of spaniels existed in Moscow, Leningrad, and Sverdlovsk that did not meet any specific spaniel breed standard but had not yet been standardised into the contemporary Russian Spaniel. After WWII, deliberate breeding resulted in the first Russian Spaniel standard, which was established in 1951.  In 1966 and 2000, new standards were published. 

The popularity of the breed grew in Russia after the early 1990s, with Moscow dog shows featuring between 120 and 131 Russian Spaniels every year since then, making it one of the most popular breeds, alongside the Irish Setter. The Russian Spaniel Club was founded in the United States in 2002 with the goal of increasing knowledge about the breed.

All About Russian Spaniel:

The Russian Spaniel is a small dog, measuring 38 – 45 cm (15 – 17 3/4 inches) at the withers. However, despite its modest stature, this dog, with a powerful, well-built body, slightly elongated croup, and long muscular legs, performs just as effectively in the field as much larger gun dogs. The coat of the Russian Spaniel is skintight and not overly long, with wavy fringes on the back of the legs and on the ears. White with dark (black, brown, or red) dots and speckles is the most common color. 

The head and ears are usually black as well. Other colour is permitted, ranging from solids to tricolors. The Russian Spaniel possesses all of the field attributes required in a gun dog, including stamina, a keen sense of scent, enthusiasm throughout the search, tenacity, and an inborn willingness to retrieve. These dogs begin working at a young age and do not require extensive training. 

During a hunt, a Russian Spaniel’s purpose is to find the bird, bring it up into the air, and then recover the game after the shot and on command. They are well-equipped to hunt marsh, field, forest, and arid-land birds and ducks, as well as rabbits and other small game. Aside from their hunting prowess, Russian Spaniels make excellent family pets: they are playful, loyal, good with children, and can even serve as a security dog when necessary.

FAQs:

Are Russian Spaniels apartment-friendly?

If the Russian Spaniel receives adequate exercise, it will be OK in an apartment. Indoors, these dogs are fairly active, therefore a modest yard will suffice. The popularity of this breed in Russia stems mostly from the dogs’ modest size, which allows owners to keep them in city flats and transfer them conveniently to the hunting grounds.

Are Russian Spaniels good with kids? 

This is a good breed for children because it is known to be lively, energetic, and friendly when they are around.

How much exercise do Russian Spaniels need? 

The Russian Spaniel has a lot of stamina and needs to be exercised on a regular basis. These dogs should be walked or jogged on a daily basis.

How much grooming do Russian Spaniels need? 

Infrequent grooming is required to maintain upkeep. No trimming or stripping needed.