Russia is, without a doubt, one of the countries that arouses great curiosity in us regarding its language, culture and customs. Its soil has seen the rise and fall of the Soviet Union, the birth of great historical figures, politicians, athletes, writers, musicians and dancers, in addition to witnessing many other episodes that have marked the history of humanity.
But beyond its impressive history and very authentic culture, Russia offers us admirable dog breeds, unique in their beauty, physical resistance and temperament. In this article on our site, we select the 10 most famous Russian dog breeds in all the world. Keep reading to discover the most beautiful canine breeds originating from Russia!
1. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is possibly the most recognized among all dog breeds of Russian origin. These furry dogs have gained enormous popularity as companion dogs in recent decades, thanks to their striking beauty and their very special personality. However, Siberian huskies have historically been used as working dogs, especially for pulling sleds in the abundant snow of Siberia.
This is one of the oldest dog breeds, which already accompanied the families of the Chukchi tribe with nomadic habits, which used to migrate from Northeast Asia to the extreme North of Russian territory. Without a doubt, the history of the Siberian Husky helps us to understand the impressive physical resistance, the energy and the devoted and attentive character characteristic of this breed of Russian dog.
two. Laika dogs of Russia
The dog Laika is one of the most important and famous dogs in our history. This furry Russian with a friendly character has been the first living being to be sent into space to represent her country on an official mission. Although the end of her story is very sad, Laika has played a key role in the space race between the Soviet Union and the United States, therefore, her name will be remembered forever.
Although many think that "Laika" is the name of a single dog breed, there are several types of dogs originating from Russia that have the term "Laika" in their name. This word can be translated as
"barker" or "barking dog", so it could be used to designate any can in the Russian language. In fact, the famous Laika (whose name would be Kudryavka) was a mongrel dog that has been rescued from the streets and trained.
Today, many types of Laika dogs are known and are still used for hunting and sledding in Russia, thanks to their highly developed senses, agility and physical endurance. Among the main varieties of Russian Laika dogs are:
- The Russian-European Laika
- Karelian Laika
- West Siberian Laika
- East Siberian Laika
- The Yakutian Laika
Here we show you the East Siberian Laika:
3. The Russian Samoyed Dog
The Samoyed or Samoyed is also one of the most popular Russian dogs around the world, highlighting its remarkable physical resistance and its unmistakable fluffy and completely white coatIts name derives from the nomadic Samoyed tribes native to Siberia who used to travel to Central Asia.
For many centuries, these thick-coated Russian dogs have been completely unknown outside their country of origin. Everything begins to change when in 1889, the British explorer Ernest Kilburn-Scott is enchanted by its beauty and takes with him an individual with brown fur to give to his wife.
Quickly, the Scott family decided to dedicate themselves to breeding and disseminating these dogs in Europe. As the all-white specimens were more attractive to him, Scott has been inclined to take them as the basis for the standardization of the breed. For this reason, the Samoyed dogs we know today exhibit this beautiful white coat.
4. Borzoi or Russian greyhound
Although not such a globally recognized breed, the borzoi is often considered one of the most exuberant types of greyhound. It is a tall, slim and elegant dog, whose most notable feature is his long, curly coat.
Borsoi dogs have historically accompanied the Tsars and the Russian nobility, being used to hunt hares and wild wolves. Little by little, Russian greyhounds have crossed the borders of their country and began to be adopted as companion dogs, thanks to their calm, loyal and somewhat independent character.
5. Eastern European Shepherd
The Eastern European Shepherd, also known as the Byelorussian Shepherd, is a Russian dog breed created during the Soviet Union, with the aim of obtaining an obedient, intelligent and very resistant dog, capable of surviving the harsh Russian winter and accompanying the military on their missions. For its creation, German shepherds and different types of dogs native to Russia have been used, such as the Laika and the Owtcharka
predisposition to work and training. It is common to see references to the Eastern European Shepherd as a "one-owner dog" thanks to the strong bond of trust and devotion they form with their guardians.
6. The Black Russian Terrier
The black Russian terrier, tchiorny terrier, is a large, robust and rustic dog, with well-developed muscles. Despite its popular name, this furry beauty belongs to the schnauzer and pinscher family, and not to the terrier dog family. In fact, it looks quite similar to a giant schnauzer.
The Black Russian Terrier's charming appearance reveals a strong and somewhat complex personality. As they have been historically trained as a defense dog, these furry ones tend to be very distrustful and even aggressive in the presence of strangers. For this reason, those who think of adopting a black Russian terrier should be very clear that early socialization will be key in their education, to teach them to relate positively with people, animals and their own environment.
7. Caucasian Shepherd
The Caucasian Shepherd, also known as the Caucasian Shepherd, is one of Russia's giant dog breeds. As its name suggests, these furry ones originate from the regions crossed by the Caucasus Mountains, being particularly recognized in Russia, Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. Originally, they have been trained as sheepdogs to protect and manage flocks, as well as guard their guardians' property.
accelerated, the Caucasian paters stand out for a privileged longevity among the giant dogs and an amazing physical resistance. Although they can develop some of the most common diseases in dogs, such as hip and elbow dysplasia.
8. Little Russian Dog
The Little Russian Dog is also often called the Russian Toy Terrier, Russian Miniature or Russkiy Toy. This is a small breed of dog that is still very little recognized outside its native Russia. It is estimated that the main breed used for its creation was the English Toy Terrier (or black and tan English toy terrier).
Currently, two varieties of the little Russian dog are known: those with long hair and those with short hair,being the first more older than seconds. His appearance shares many similarities with Chihuahua dogs, and his temperament is just as companionable and courageous.
9. The Moscow Watchdog
At first glance, the Moscow watchdog can be confused with the Saint Bernard dog originating in the Swiss Alps. However, it is one of the beautiful giant dog breeds of Russia, developed during the Soviet Union, in the mid-1950s or 1960s. In fact, its creation has involved selective crosses between the Saint Bernard, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and different hunting dogs originating from Russia.
This is a powerful dog, with well-developed muscles and an imposing appearance, which will hardly go unnoticed wherever it goes. Their character is somewhat independent, protective of their relatives and their great intelligence stands out. As they have been trained as guardians, they tend to be suspicious in the presence of strange people and animals, for which a correct socialization will be essential in their education.
10. Moscow Water Dog
The Moscow Water Dog, also known as Moscow Retrieveror Muscovite water dog, is another breed of giant dogs originating in Russia. Its appearance is very similar to that of the Newfoundland dog, and it is estimated that its creation has been made from crosses of this breed with Caucasian shepherds and Eastern European shepherds.
Currently, experts are dedicated to confirming that this breed of Russian dog might already be extinct or whether there could still be isolated specimens in or around Russia.
