17 million square kilometers of land, freezing winters, harsh conditions, lots of dogs – that’s Russia.
Perfectly adapted to Russian conditions, there are even in Russia more than just the 11 officially recognized Russian dog breeds.
These 11 Russian dog breeds alone are impressive animals and (almost) all very different.
Wait till you see what kind of dogs still live in Russia!
1. Borzoi
The borzoi is the oldest Russian dog breed recognized by the FCI. He belongs to the greyhound category and has a strong hunting instinct. Borzoi males reach a shoulder height of up to 85 cm
The borzoi is a self-confident, distinguished and cautious type. He builds a close bond with his humans and is very lovable.
Anyone who would like to adopt a borzoi should take a good look at this exciting, large, Russian dog breed!
2. Samoyed
Since 1959 the Samoyed officially recognized by the FCI as a Russian dog breed. This is the second oldest Russian dog breed. We keep this order.
The snow-white Samoyed has the best natural conditions to cope with the cold Russian winters.
With a shoulder height of around 53 to 58 centimetres, the Samoyed is one of the large Russian dog breeds.
He is friendly and open-minded.
3. Russian-European Laika
The Russian-European Laika is also one of the large Russian dog breeds. His teddy-like appearance makes him appear smaller than he is in pictures.
In reality, the Russian-European Laika looks a bit like an Akita Inu, making it an impressive sight.
He is strong, willing to run and willing to work. Best prerequisites for a draft and sled dog whose distinctive hunting instinct makes him an equally good hunter.
4. West Siberian Laika
The West Siberian Laika is very similar to the Russian-European Laika. However, the West Siberian is slightly larger and has an even more pronounced hunting behavior.
Incidentally, “Laika” means “bark” and this large, Russian dog breed is very good at that.
As a hunting dog, it loudly announces when it has caught prey.
5. East Siberian Laika
Dog breed East Siberian Laika close up
The East Siberian Laika is a very impressive sight. He is proud, graceful and wolf-like. With a clear line and good leadership, the Laika can make a great companion dog.
This Russian dog breed needs a lot of exercise, action and activity with its owner in order to be able to develop an intensive bond.
6. South Russian Ovcharka
Also the South Russian Ovcharka is a very interesting Russian dog breed. It belongs to the group of herding and herding dogs and is a Russian shepherd dog breed. It is fitting that its long, white fur is hardly noticeable in a flock of sheep.
This Russian is definitely not a beginner’s dog and only belongs in experienced hands. Only when he can live out his urges in a controlled manner, the hardworking and lively dog is satisfied.
7. Russian Black Terrier
The Russian Black Terriers is a very rare specimen.
Anyone who gets to see him once in their life can count themselves really lucky. He is majestic, athletic and muscular. Its jet-black fur is thick and soft. He wears a typical mustache.
Don’t even think about letting this 70-74 centimeter tall Russian bear move in with you. You won’t be happy with that and only soft and beautiful unfortunately doesn’t count.
8. Caucasian Ovcharka
Another Ovcharka is among the Russian dog breeds officially recognized by the FCI. Like many of the other Russian dogs, he’s sort of bear-like and he’s damn big!
In order to keep such a dog, certain requirements must be met.
The Caucasian Ovcharka is a guard dog with a body weight of a good 45 to 50 kilograms.
He is neither suitable for being kept as a family or companion dog, nor for being kept in an apartment or kennel.
9. Central Asian Ovcharka
The Central Asian Ovcharka is a herd protection dog as it is in the book. Every potential owner should definitely deal extensively with the special features of this Russian dog breed!
You can’t compare them to other dogs.
The Central Asian Ovcharka is territorial, confident, fearless, and huge. He likes to make his own decisions.
10. Yakutian Laika
The Yakutian Laika has only been officially recognized by the FCI since 2005 and is therefore still a fairly young, approved breed. However, this type of dog has existed for a long time.
The Yakutian Laika is also a strong Nordic sled dog. He is considered to be very friendly and gentle and loving towards humans.
However, he is just as lively and eager to run without end. The Yakutian Laika is well adapted to the icy temperatures of the Russian winter.
11. Russian Toy
The Russian Toy is the youngest, officially recognized by the FCI and exceptionally small Russian dog breed!
In fact, it has little in common with the Russian dogs presented so far.
The little Russian is just 28 centimeters tall and weighs a full 3 kilograms. It can have both short and long fur.
This little dog is purely a companion dog. Precisely because of this and because only “working dogs” were bred in Russia for a while, this tiny little breed of dog almost went extinct.
Now it’s getting exciting, because we’re leaving the Russian dog breeds officially recognized by the FCI and heading into wilder terrain!
12. Bolonka Zwetna & Bolonka Franzuska
From the Russian breed of dogs Bolonka Zwetna have you heard?
In fact, the little Wuschel is not officially recognized by the FCI, but only by the Russian Kennel Club RKF.
Weighing only 3-4 kilograms, the Bolonka Zwetna is a fine and friendly companion dog. He is funny, playful and bright.
Even the little one Bolonka Franzuska weighs no more than 4 kilograms and is practically the predecessor of the Bolonka Zwetna.
They are similar in physique and appearance as well as in character. The biggest difference between the two small Russian dog breeds is that the Bolonka Franzuska has only white fur and white should not appear as a color in the Bolonka Zwetna.
The Zwetna should be cream, ivory, champagne, apricot, fox red, coffee brown, chocolate brown or black.
13. Hortaya Borzaya/Chortaj
Creamy hortaya borzaya female dog running in fields at spring season
The Hortaya Borzayaalso Horti, Chortay or Hortaya Borsaya called, is a Russian dog breed not recognized by the FCI.
It is a true super sports car. To be more precise, a damn fast, persistent and robust sight fighter!
The «short-haired sighthound» is often bred in its homeland for hunting together, but makes an equally great family and companion dog.
The Chortaj is considered friendly and open-minded, intelligent, vital and easy to train. Plus he’s just gorgeous!
14. Kostroma Hound
The Kostroma Hound can be counted as part of the «Ur-Dog» type. Their appearance is reminiscent of their wild ancestors, although the domesticated dog is clearly recognizable.
With a shoulder height of up to 70 centimetres, they belong to the large Russian dog breeds.
As the name already suggests, this hardy hound is used for hunting hares and foxes. It is robust and perfectly adapted to Russian living conditions.
15. Spotted Russian Hound
The Spotted Russian Hound is also a large, athletic and long-legged hunting dog with a shoulder height of 58 – 68 centimeters for males and 55 – 65 centimeters for females.
They are considered intelligent, alert, active, and loyal.
Anyone who appreciates this hunting dog and is aware of their hunting ambitions can win a great companion for all situations in the spotted Russian hunting dog.
16. East European Shepherd Dog
The East European Shepherd Dog is the Russian counterpart to our German Shepherd Dog. However, the Eastern European version is even larger and heavier.
They differ in character insignificantly.
The East European shepherd dog is also an ingenious guard and service dog with a strong personality. They are persistent, courageous and have a strong will-to-please.
This breed is not suitable for beginners. Anyone who takes a closer look at it will understand why!
17. Russian Spaniel
The Russian spaniels is a cross between a springer and a cocker spaniel.
This handsome Russian dog breed was first bred in 1951 as a family and companion dog. In his home country he is called Russkiy Okhotnichiy Spaniel.
It reaches a maximum shoulder height of 45 centimeters and weighs 9 – 18 kilograms. Don’t let their cute looks fool you, the Russian Spaniel is a scavenger dog with a strong hunting instinct. He is particularly fond of feathered game and rabbits.
Nevertheless, it is easy to trade and can be retrieved well with consistent training. Otherwise he is sweet and friendly, playful and cuddly.
18. Chukotka Sled Dog
Never heard? That may be because this Russian dog breed goes by the name Siberian husky is known.
The Siberian sled dog, which is 53 – 65 centimeters tall, is a dream for many dog enthusiasts just because of its fairytale appearance. However, you should think carefully about whether you can meet the requirements of a Nordic sled dog.
This Russian dog breed is very active, persistent, active, strong, attentive, sociable, friendly and gentle. He also loves to bark, just so you know – he’ll always let you know. With everything and even when nothing is going on. wow!
19. Moscow watchdog
Danger! Here’s where it gets really big again! The Moscow watchdog not only grows to a proud 70 centimeters tall, but also reaches a body weight of 45 – 68 kilograms!
Outwardly, at first glance, it resembles the Saint Bernard and is considered stubborn, strong, independent, protective and intelligent.
Anyone who makes friends with this reliable watchdog and deals with it has a good chance of educating him and forming a really close friendship.
Nevertheless, it is neither suitable for beginners nor for everyone!
20. Karelian Bear Dog
The Karelian Bear Dog is a companion and guard dog that originally served Russian and Finnish farmers. Nowadays, this Russian dog breed is only available with a black and white coat of fur. Its appearance is reminiscent of the Russian Laika.
He is considered to be super intelligent and fearless.
The Karelian Bear Dog is considered one of the toughest dogs in the world and seems to be able to cope with almost all living conditions, no matter how rough. He loves independence and freedom to roam.