15 Russian Dog Breeds

Including the Samoyed, husky, Russian toy, and more.

Russia is the largest country in the world and in addition to having a hand in creating submarines and radios, this country has created many dog breeds. Russian dog breeds are as varied as the country's landscapes, from fluffy, snow-loving dogs like the Samoyed, vocal dogs like the husky, or even tiny canines like the Russian toy.

Learn more about these 15 Russian dog breeds.

Samoyed

If you think of a white and fluffy dog, you're probably picturing the classic Samoyed. This smiling dog has upright ears, a double coat, and high energy. The breed was designed to herd, hunt, protect, and even pull sleds. They need to have a job to keep their bodies and minds busy but can be very loyal and affectionate pets.

Breed Overview

Group: Working

Height: 21-23.5 inches (male); 19-21 inches (female)

Weight: 45-65 lbs (males); 35-50 lbs (females)

Personality/Temperament: Vocal, active, protective

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: White, biscuit, or cream, long hair

Life Span: 12-14 years

Siberian Husky

Sliding into popularity after demonstrating their sled-pulling abilities in the early 1900s, Siberian huskies have had a strong following for many years. This breed is loved for its energy, friendliness, and soft, double-coat. They are vocal and shed a ton, so they aren't the right fit for any home. Make sure you're ready to give them the physical exercise they need to be happy.

Breed Overview

Group: Working

Height: 21-23.5 inches (male); 20-22 inches (female)

Weight: 45-60 lbs (male); 35-50 lbs (female)

Personality/Temperament: Family-friendly, vocal, energetic

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: White, black, and a combination of white with red, black and tan, gray, brown, agouti, black, or sable, medium length hair

Life Span: 12-14 years

Borzoi

Often described as greyhounds with longer hair, the Borzoi was once referred to as the Russian wolfhound. They are tall, slender, and very fast and were bred to chase down prey. This dog breed requires plenty of safe space to run, and their instincts will kick in if they see a critter to chase.

Breed Overview

Group: Hound

Height: 28 inches & up (male); 26 inches & up (female)

Weight: 75-105 lbs (male); 60-85 lbs (female)

Personality/Temperament: Reserved, calm, stubborn

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Almost any color and a variety of markings, medium length hair

Life Span: 9-14 years

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

This guardian dog was bred in southern Russia and other parts of the Caucasus region to protect flocks. Because of this, they are naturally wary of strangers but extremely loyal to their owners. This large, double-coated breed is not ideal for small homes or people who don't have livestock in need of protection.

Breed Overview

Group: N/A

Height: 23 to 30 inches

Weight: 99-170 lbs

Personality/Temperament: Loyal, courageous, protective

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Agouti and white, black and gray, cream, fawn, gray, grizzle, red, rust, sable, or white with/without white markings, piebald, or brindle markings, medium length with a double-coat

Life Span: 10-12 years

Black Russian Terrier

Like other terriers, the black Russian terrier is intelligent but calmer than most people imagine a terrier would be. They are loyal dogs but typically need some time to warm up to strangers. Many breeds, including giant schnauzers, Airedale terriers, and Newfoundlands were used to develop this large Russian breed. They are not a member of the terrier group but instead the working group.

Breed Overview

Group: Working

Height: 26 to 29 inches (female); 27 to 30 inches (male)

Weight: 80-130 lbs

Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, courageous, calm

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Black, medium to long, curly double coat

Life Span: 10-12 years

Russian Toy

Sometimes referred to as a Russian Chihuahua, the Russian toy is a playful little dog. They love spending time with their owners, don't shed much, and are very affectionate. Like other toy dogs, their teeth usually demand some extra attention but otherwise, they are a fairly healthy breed.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy

Height: 8-11 inches

Weight: Up to 6.5 lbs

Personality/Temperament: Loyal, bold, lively, companionable, protective

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Black and tan, brown and tan, blue and tan, or red with or without black or brown, smooth and short coat

Life Span: 12-14 years

Moscow Watchdog

Like a Saint Bernard, the Moscow watchdog is a big and furry breed. This protective dog was bred to tolerate Russian winters and guard livestock. While it isn't officially recognized as a dog breed outside of Russia just yet, the Russian Kennel Club is working on expanding its recognition internationally. For now, they can primarily be found in Russia and Hungary.

Breed Overview

Group: N/A

Height: 26-29 inches (females); 27-31 inches (males)

Weight: Over 99 lbs

Personality/Temperament: Assertive, powerful, confident

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Red piebald, white with red spots, red-black, black-red, or sable spots, with a black mask on the head, double coat

Life Span: 9-11 years

Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

Similar in personality to the more commonly seen bichon frise, the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is a small and charming dog. They have straighter hair than a bichon and can come in a variety of colors. They are smart, great with families, known to live a long time, and even hypoallergenic.

Breed Overview

Group: N/A

Height: 11 inches

Weight: 6-9 lbs

Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, tolerant, intelligent

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Almost any color including gray, red, fawn, cream and black, long hair

Life Span: 14-20 years

Central Asian Shepherd

While not yet eligible for registration with the American Kennel Club, the Central Asian shepherd has been around since ancient times. This working dog was bred to withstand harsh environments and protect herds and people from predators. They are not for everyone but are great dogs if they are utilized for what they were bred to do.

Breed Overview

Group: N/A

Height: 25.5-27.5 inches

Weight: 88-110 lbs

Personality/Temperament: Protective, independent, fearless

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Black, brindle, gray, white and fawn, short hair with an undercoat

Life Span: 12-17 years

Russian Spaniel

While not yet officially recognized as a breed by any major kennel club, the Russian spaniel is a popular breed in Russia. The breed standard was agreed upon in 1951, but it wasn't until the 1970s that various other spaniel breeds were no longer utilized to create this gun dog. The breed is loved for its loyalty, stamina, energy, and other skills appreciated by hunters.

Breed Overview

Group: N/A

Height: 15-17 inches

Weight: 28-40 lbs

Personality/Temperament: Alert, devoted, active

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Solid, bicolor, and tricolor combinations of black, brown, tan, and white, medium to long hair

Life Span: 14 years

South Russian Ovcharka

Bred from several breeds including sighthounds and herding dogs, the South Russian Ovcharka is a protective and shaggy dog. This breed is designed to withstand rough winters and keep flocks safe.

Breed Overview

Group: N/A

Height: 15-17 inches

Weight: 66-77 lbs

Personality/Temperament: Hardworking, protective, stubborn

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: White, grey, long hair

Life Span: 9-11 years

Sulimov

Not often seen outside of Russia, the Sulimov dog was initially bred from jackals and huskies. This unique, hybrid breed is popular with law enforcement and can be found sniffing around Russian airports looking for explosives.

Breed Overview

Group: N/A

Height: 26-32 inches

Weight: 62- 84 lbs

Personality/Temperament: Loyal, eager, brave

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Gray, tan, white, beige, long and smooth hair

Life Span: Unknown

Laika

Several different kinds of dogs are referred to as Laikas, but this dog breed was originally developed in Russia to pull sleds, herd, and hunt. Eventually, four Laika breeds were identified that vary somewhat in size and appearance: the Karelo-Finnish, East Siberian, West Siberian, and Russo-European Laikas.

Breed Overview

Group: N/A

Height: 15-26 inches

Weight: 14-50 lbs

Personality/Temperament: Loyal, affectionate, devoted

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Variable, medium to long hair

Life Span: 10-15 years

Chortai

Also known as the Hortaya Borzaya and similar in appearance to the greyhound and borzoi, the Chortai is a sleek, shorthaired, sighthound. This Russian breed is used for hunting and used to be referred to as the Russian Greyhound in the early 1800s.

Breed Overview

Group: N/A

Height: 24-30 inches

Weight: 40-77 lbs

Personality/Temperament: Alert, obedient, friendly

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Black, white, brindle, cream, sable, red, short hair

Life Span: 14-15 years

East European Shepherd

Like several other large, Russian dog breeds, the East European shepherd was developed to endure the harsh Russian winters. This dog looks similar to a German shepherd but was bred to be larger than their Western cousin.

Breed Overview

Group: N/A

Height: 24-28 inches

Weight: 66-132 lbs

Personality/Temperament: Protective, smart, tough

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Black and tan, sable, solid black, medium hair

Life Span: 10-14 years

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Read the original article on The Spruce Pets.