Russian Spaniel

28-40 lbs
15-18"
Soviet Union

The Russian Spaniel is a newer breed of gun dog, developed in the Soviet Union shortly after the end of World War II. They are typically happy-go-lucky members of the household when they are spending time with their family, always up for a game of fetch but able to spend some quality time relaxing as well. These dogs were bred to be hunting dogs, however, and in the field they are known for their stamina as well as their ability to both flush and retrieve game birds. They are still an extremely rare breed, although they are gaining some popularity in their country of origin.

purpose Purpose
Hunting, Gun Dog
history Date of Origin
1900s
ancestry Ancestry
Multiple Spaniel Breeds

Russian Spaniel Health

Average Size
Male Russian Spaniel size stats
Height: 15-18 inches Weight: 28-40 lbs
Female Russian Spaniel size stats
Height: 15-18 inches Weight: 28-40 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Ear Infections
Minor Concerns
  • Food Allergies
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Obesity
Occasional Tests
  • Ear Examination
  • Blood Tests and Analysis
  • Allergy Testing

Russian Spaniel Breed History

The Russian Spaniel is a relatively new breed of dog that was developed after the end of World War II in Russia. The initial beginnings of the breed, prior to the war, were attempts to lengthen the legs of Spaniels such as Cocker Spaniels by introducing dogs like Springer Spaniel into the mix. This led to a variety of Spaniels referred to as Russian Spaniels, particularly in cities like Moscow, Leningrad, and Sverdlovsk, but no real set standards as to what a Russian Spaniel should be. World War II was devastating to the populations of the Russian Spaniel type dogs as well as  most other types and breeds of dog native to the Soviet Union. It was after the war, in 1951, that purposeful efforts in breeding led to the first breed standards. The Russian Spaniel was bred to be a gun dog that could handle both flushing and retrieving responsibilities, with priorities on a strong, athletic build and on greater stamina, while reducing the focus on decorativeness and the breed still seems to be developing. As of this printing, the Russian Spaniel is recognized by a few of the lesser-known kennel organizations, such as the Continental Kennel Club, the North American Kennel Club, and the Federation of International Canines and the standard has been changed twice, once in 1966 and again in the year 2000. The breed has grown in popularity, particularly since the 1990s, and there are breed clubs both in the Soviet Union and in the United States.

Russian Spaniel Breed Appearance

The Russian Spaniel is a fairly small breed of Spaniel, usually less than a foot and a half tall at the withers, with a straight but slightly elongated back and a strong build. They have round, arched paws with abundant fur in between the toes and thick, straight tails with fringe which are frequently docked to half their original length. The head has a distinctly oval shape to it with a long, broad muzzle, oval eyes that come in varying shades of brown, and long drop style ears that sit near the eye line and hang down close to the cheek; when extended, the ears should just touch the tip of the Russian Spaniel’s black or brown nose. The soft coat of this breed is moderately long, lays flat to the body, and tends to be somewhat reflective in nature. While they are most commonly white with darker patches of black, brown, and tan, a fair number of these dogs come in solid black, brown, or tan.

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Russian Spaniel eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Russian Spaniel nose
Black
brown Russian Spaniel nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
black Russian Spaniel coat
Black
brown Russian Spaniel coat
Brown
fawn Russian Spaniel coat
Fawn
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Russian Spaniel straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Russian Spaniel Breed Maintenance

The medium-length coat naturally repels both dirt and water, making it fairly easy to care for. This breed typically has low doggie odor and only requires baths a few times a year and. Although they do shed, brushing their coat just two or three times a week should prevent tangling, keep the shed fur from getting out of control, and keep the coat shiny and healthy.  It is also important to ensure that this breed's long ears are kept clean and dry and are they are checked frequently to ensure that no water, debris, or  infections remain sitting in the ear. It is also important to keep an eye on your dog’s skin, particularly when it is a puppy under the age of five months as food allergies in dogs typically show up as rashes and skin irritation. Nail and teeth care are simple tasks; brush the teeth a few times a week and trim the nails as needed, usually once a month.

Brushes for Russian Spaniel
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Russian Spaniel requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Russian Spaniel Temperament

While the Russian Spaniel is hard-working flushing and retrieving dog out in the field, they are also a devoted and charming animal with a spirited, fun-loving attitude when they are at home. Small children should always be supervised when interacting with any canine, however, this breed does tend to be gentle with the younger set and often makes a jovial playmate. The Russian Spaniel also has a nose for trouble, and while they are typically friendly toward everyone, even people who are new to them, they are known to make very alert and capable watchdogs. They tend to be outgoing and friendly with most other dogs and cats as well, although their instincts may lead them to chase birds and rodents, both indoors and out. They are very bright and eager to please and training the Russian Spaniel is typically a breeze, but like most spaniels, they respond best to firm but gentle training methods. 

Russian Spaniel Activity Requirements

This is a fairly energetic canine, but they generally are satisfied with a moderate amount of walk time followed by some vigorous playtime. This breed would definitely be happiest with their own backyard to play in, but they are often able to get quite a bit of exercise playing indoors and are easily able to adapt to an apartment home lifestyle. These dogs are quite intelligent and may enjoy taking part in alternate activities such as tracking trials, swimming, and rally sport training. Their small size, coupled with an outgoing but gentle nature,  may make these dogs good candidates for therapy dogs as well.  

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
7 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
45 minutes
activity minutes

Russian Spaniel Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.80 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Russian Spaniel Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Russian Spaniel size stats at six months
Height: 15.5 inches Weight: 25.5 lbs
Female Russian Spaniel size stats at six months
Height: 15.5 inches Weight: 25.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Russian Spaniel size stats at 12 months
Height: 16.5 inches Weight: 34.0 lbs
Female Russian Spaniel size stats at 12 months
Height: 16.5 inches Weight: 34.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Russian Spaniel size stats at 18 months
Height: 16.5 inches Weight: 34.0 lbs
Female Russian Spaniel size stats at 18 months
Height: 16.5 inches Weight: 34.0 lbs

Russian Spaniel Owner Experiences

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