Russian Toy Terrier mini - complete dossier

History of the breed

A variety of toy terriers appeared in the 18th century in England. The breed was originally used for hunting small game and rats. Over time, pets gained popularity and became an integral part of high society. Rich people bought dogs and loved them very much. By 2000, the popularity of toy terriers had fallen sharply and breeders decided to slightly transform the breed. The smallest representatives were selected from the litter. The lack of dogs was turned into a feature and as a result new animals appeared that were even smaller in size than toy terriers. The appearance of these dogs in markets and nurseries created a real sensation. Until now, small representatives are popular among dog breeders.

Toy terrier and mini toy terrier are one breed of dogs that differ only in size

Pros and cons of the breed

This breed has many disadvantages and advantages. Main problems and solution:

1. High injury rate. The thin-boned breed can break bones even when jumping vigorously on the floor. Falling from a height can sometimes be fatal. Therefore, the owner must adapt his home to the small pet, and while the energetic mini toy is leaving, in order to avoid injury, it is better to place it in a spacious cage with a cozy lounger, food and water, and a diaper for the toilet (although the dog will usually endure until the owner arrives).
2. Mating is contraindicated for Mini Toy bitches: not only will they not be able to give birth on their own, but pregnancy itself is fraught with fatal consequences for them. That's why they are not knitted. Standard toy terriers are suitable for breeding, but smaller puppies are distinguished in their litter. In fact, this is a tribal marriage. But in this case it is a mini toy terrier. But, like any actual breeding breed, it is not allowed to reproduce also because the offspring may inherit other, much more serious genetic defects.
3. Reduced immune status. It is necessary to properly feed and monitor the health of your pet.

Separately, it is necessary to mention the difficulties with diagnosis. It is difficult for a small dog:

• take blood from a vein, not to mention giving an injection or IV;
• calculate the dosage of the medicine and, what is especially dangerous, anesthesia.

A mini toy may not tolerate vaccination or treatment with anthelmintic drugs (and this must be done). In addition, it is difficult to collect a urine sample from such a baby in sufficient quantities for research.

But at the same time, the mini toy terrier is, although harmful, a faithful and devoted dog that will die from its own courage, but rush at a stranger who, in its opinion, threatens the safety of its owner. In a calm environment, this is the sweetest, kindest creature that you can take with you in a small purse if necessary.

Where to buy and price

For that. To purchase a purebred puppy, it is better to contact the nurseries: Solnyshko Alexi, Zvezda Dona, Pocket happiness. Unlike other breeds, a puppy should be adopted later, from four months of age, when it is already possible to predict its possible future size. The breeder must document the toy's age; this will exclude the possibility of selling a very young puppy under the guise of a small adult dog.

How much a dog costs depends on the name of the kennel, the qualities of the mini toy, and its exterior. Mini puppies cost no less than 30,000 rubles. The price can rise to 50,000 and above with a rare exotic color. The high cost is justified by the complexity of care and other details, but you need to know that there is no show class for mini-toys, there are only breeds and pets. Pedigree is required.

Appearance, color and size

Mini Toy Terriers are distinguished by the absence of a specific breed standard. The height at the withers of an adult reaches 20 cm, and weight up to 1.5 kg. The muzzle is long and sharp. The ears are quite large and erect. The body is square in shape. The bite is necessarily scissor-shaped, and the tail is sickle-shaped. Due to its small size, the dog resembles a mouse.

Dwarf spaniel (mini cocker): description of the breed

Dogs are classified by coat type:

• the smooth-haired terrier has a shiny and short coat that hardly sheds and fits tightly to the body;
• long-haired representatives have fur 3-5 cm long, which must be groomed regularly.

The most common color is black, less often brown and red.

Note! White and marble colors are a vice.

Breed division by weight and size: mini, supermini, dwarfs

Mini Yorkshire Terrier (dwarf): difference from the standard one

Mini Toychik is a smaller copy of the standard breed. Included in the breed class classification.

The Super Mini Toy Terrier weighs up to 1.4 kg and grows about 20 cm in height. Micro Toy Terrier is another name for the variety. These dogs are obtained by crossing mini-males and regular females.

The dwarf toy terrier weighs up to 1 kg and is 15-17 cm tall. This variety is classified as a pet class. The division is conditional, since miniature representatives are not classified as a separate breed. During birth, both small and larger puppies can be born.

The smallest toy terrier was recorded weighing 1 kg

Features of character and behavior

The description of the character of these miniature pets says that the dogs quickly learn commands and have good intelligence. They are very energetic. Despite their small size, dogs love to play indoors and outdoors. For this reason, the animal should not be restricted from walking, especially in the summer.

Miniature pinscher (miniature pinscher): characteristics of the mini breed

With proper upbringing, you can raise a friendly and balanced dog who will become a true friend for a person. It should be remembered that Toys are very sensitive and emotional. Therefore, many owners complain about their dogs barking frequently for no reason. This problem must be dealt with from childhood, so that the puppy understands when he can voice.

Note! Male small dogs often have a willful and fearless nature. Therefore, on the street, animals can provoke larger dogs into a fight. Such a fight often ends disastrously for the terrier, so owners must monitor the behavior of the pet.

The breed is not suitable for people who are often away from home. Dogs quickly become attached to people, so prolonged loneliness causes them melancholy and sadness.

Advantages and disadvantages

The Russian Toy Terrier or any other representative of this dwarf breed has the following advantages:

• light weight;
• compact sizes. This allows animals to feel comfortable even in a small apartment;
• charming appearance;
• minimum food requirements.

Similar article: Description of the oldest breed of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Despite these advantages, the Toy Terrier also has disadvantages. They usually relate to the health of animals and depend on the presence or absence of certain hereditary diseases, environmental conditions, as well as proper care. Micro Terriers are very sensitive to low temperatures. They also experience certain difficulties with digestion.

One of the most important disadvantages that puppies and adult animals have is their fragility. That's why if a dog falls off the couch, he can get a fracture. Thus, we can conclude that the main characteristic of this breed in terms of disadvantages is poor health. Therefore, you need to take care of these decorative pets very responsibly.

Key points in training

The mini terrier breed is able to recognize commands and learn quickly. Classes must begin from the moment the puppy appears in the house. Training miniature breeds is different from training large dogs and does not require teaching complex commands. The Mini Toy Terrier must understand the following rules:

• know your place in the house;
• do not ask for food from the owner's table;
• go to the toilet in the right place;
• do not bark without a reason;
• know your nickname;
• do not touch things or chew them.

Signs characteristic of this pet

Looking at a photo of a mini Russian toy terrier, a person who is not very familiar with the breed may confuse it with a Chihuahua or miniature pinscher.
Upon closer examination, a number of features are identified that make a representative of this breed completely unique and unlike them:

• Tiny size. The smallest breed in the world is the Chihuahua. Data from the Guinness Book of Records completely refute this statement. With the same height of a Chihuahua and a Toy Terrier, the second dog will weigh significantly less. The reason for this is the dryness and diminutiveness of the toy. The Chihuahua is a stockier breed with short legs and a strong, albeit small, body.
• Presence of fur. The Hairless Terrier bred in the USA has nothing in common with the Mini Toy Terrier. By standard, Toychiks are smooth-haired or long-haired, black, brown, red or blue and tan. The presence of receding hairlines is already considered a breed defect. A puppy with such problems should cost less and belong only to the pet class. This dog is not allowed for exhibitions or breeding. White spots are a disadvantage that kids with a show-prospect should not have.
• Long sharp muzzle. Having examined the profile of the toy, it can be distinguished from representatives of other breeds. The pointed nose is slightly shorter than the skull. The skull is higher than that of a Chihuahua, but not wider. The baby has a pronounced transition from the forehead to the muzzle, which cannot be said about the miniature pinscher.

A mixed breed will differ from a purebred toy terrier according to the following number of criteria:

• Height more than 30 cm at the withers and weight more than 3 kg;
• White color or presence of white spots;
• Drop ears;
• Short legs.

Dog care

The difference between this breed and other dogs is its ease of care. Short-haired representatives must be wiped daily with a damp cloth, and long-haired representatives must be combed with a special brush. Bath dogs when they are heavily soiled.

Note! Frequent washing may cause dandruff and itching in pets.

Ears are checked and cleaned once a week. If discharge appears in the eyes, they must be wiped with a cotton swab. Brush your teeth regularly with a special brush to prevent the formation of tartar. Nails are trimmed every six months. To maintain physical fitness, daily walks and games are required. For walking, you need to purchase a special wrapping corset, since ordinary collars are not suitable for the breed.

The advantage of the breed is that dogs can relieve themselves without leaving the house. It is advisable to do this in the cold season, when it is not advisable to take dogs outside. When it’s warm, the number of walks should be 2-3 per day. Due to the fragile structure of the body, owners must be sure to monitor the pet so that it does not harm itself.

Care and maintenance

Despite its toy appearance, the toy terrier needs increased attention and careful care.

It is necessary to understand that long-haired varieties in this case are more capricious in terms of care. After all, their fur needs to be combed every day. If this is not done, then tangles will form. Smooth-haired species should be combed only once a month.

Walking dogs also requires a certain approach. Due to the different climatic conditions of our country, these animals walk in special clothes in autumn, winter, spring and sometimes even in summer. It will protect your pet from hypothermia.

If a toy terrier lives in the house, then there must be a tray for it. It is best to place it in the hallway or toilet. This is the difference between this breed and other varieties of dogs. From the very first days of being in the apartment, the animal should be accustomed to the tray. This is part of raising a pet. When training a toy terrier, you need to take into account its character and choose the right method.

It is best to entrust the upbringing of your pet to a professional dog handler. He knows exactly the list of what should be included in training. Depending on the age of the dog, food is selected for it. Differences in nutrition must be observed, otherwise digestive problems cannot be avoided. These dogs can be fed with both professional food and natural products.

Related article: How to help your toy terrier during pregnancy and childbirth

It is important to give your pets meat (chicken, beef, lamb and offal). They also need sea fish. However, this product can be given once a week. Vegetables (carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc.) are also needed. They should make up at least 20% of the total diet. Once a week the dog should be given an egg yolk. It is also allowed to include porridge (for example, rice or buckwheat) in the diet of representatives of this breed.

Fermented milk products are also beneficial for pets. However, they must be low-fat. Therefore, it is best to give your dog fermented baked milk, cottage cheese or kefir. But you need to be careful with fruits. This product is indicated in small doses. The dog can eat bananas, peaches, apples and pears.

The easiest way is to feed your pet with professional food. They contain a list of all the necessary components for good health and digestion. The downside here is the high cost of professional feed. Since you need to choose only a high-quality product that is suitable for a specific type of animal. Please remember that food from one manufacturer is different from another. Therefore, you need to buy the one that your dog tolerates best in terms of digestion.

How to feed small dogs

Good balanced food is the key to a healthy dog. Babies are fed up to 5 times a day, and adults - 2-3 times. Feeding must necessarily consist of meat products. Experts recommend using ready-made food, as it contains all the necessary vitamins and microelements.

If natural feeding is chosen, it should contain the following products:

• lean meat and sea fish;
• buckwheat, rice and rolled oats;
• vegetable stew;
• fermented milk products;
• egg yolk.

Keeping a pet

Before buying a toy terrier, you need to prepare the apartment:

• Check the wires from electrical appliances;
• Hide sharp objects;
• Hide chemicals;
• Buy bowls for food and drink;
• Purchase care products;
• Equip a house or make a dog bed with your own hands.

If you wish, you can train your pet to go to the litter box. But this does not eliminate the need for daily walks. To maintain activity and adapt to the street, the puppy needs to be walked 4 to five times a day. For an adult dog, 3 times is enough. In unfavorable weather, the pet wears dog clothes.

It is better to get accustomed to costumes from an early age. For the sake of habit, you can leave the puppy dressed to walk around the apartment. It is recommended to wear shoes, because the paw pads of toy terriers are delicate: they freeze and are irritated by chemicals. Clothes are bought in stores or sewn yourself. It is undesirable to wear a harness or leash: this leads to curvature of the fragile skeleton.

For the same reason, you need to beware of elevation changes. And in the house, do not allow your pet to climb onto furniture, especially not to sleep on the master’s bed. Most of the animal's injuries are caused by jumping from a height. Important: families with small children should not have toy terriers. The reason is not the dog’s aggression, but the child’s ability to accidentally damage the pet.

Life expectancy and health

With proper maintenance, the life expectancy of dogs is 12-16 years. There are representatives who have good heredity and live much longer, reaching the 20-year mark.

Major health problems occur in dogs due to their fragile body and bones. Almost any excessive physical activity is fraught with injuries to the pet, which sometimes cannot be treated. Another enemy is overeating and obesity. Due to excess weight, the dog's internal organs, heart and joints suffer.

Yorkshire terriers and toy terriers are very susceptible to diseases of the musculoskeletal system

Mating, mating of dogs

Dogs must be brought together after puberty. The suitable age for males is 1.5 years, and for females - 2 years. By this moment, the animal has formed not only its body, but also its psychological state. Mating often takes place without any problems. However, the birth may require the assistance of a veterinarian. Due to the special structure of the body, pregnancy is more difficult, and childbirth may be accompanied by complications. Experts recommend having the dog examined at a clinic before mating to rule out further problems and contraindications.

How to choose a puppy - kennels and price

Buying a dog secondhand is not recommended, as there is a risk of purchasing a pet with various disabilities. Often, private individuals set a low price, which attracts buyers, but as a result, the person receives an animal without a pedigree.

A purebred puppy will cost from 17,000 to 80,000 rubles.

When choosing a place of purchase, you should give preference to well-known nurseries in Moscow:

• "Elite-Elegant";
• "Mini Crumbs";
• "Superminics".

Purchase and cost

It is best to purchase a dwarf toy terrier from specialized nurseries. Here you can get not only a complete set of information about caring for your pet, but also meet its parents, and also receive all the necessary documentation for the animal. Nurseries sell animals that meet the breed standard 100%, as well as those with minor defects. The highest cost will be for purebred dogs. But those dogs that have minor deviations from the norm can be purchased somewhat cheaper. Typically, the cost of dogs of this breed is 30–50 thousand rubles.

Similar article: History of origin and description of the Fox Terrier breed

The cheapest option for purchasing an animal is from your own hands. However, this is a more risky activity, since you can buy a dog of the wrong breed. This situation occurs especially often if a person is poorly versed in the breed and its characteristics. Therefore, when purchasing, it would not be superfluous to consult a dog handler. You can also take a friend who breeds this breed of animals to the meeting. Knowing what standards a dwarf dog of the Toy Terrier breed has, you can even choose a purebred animal for yourself without any problems.