How can I find a Russian Toy Terrier in the UK?

Lynndie Sunday: Why can't I find a Russian Toy Terrier in UK ?
I love this dog breed, the Russian Toy Terrier. I'm ready to buy it, but I can't find it in the UK.
I'm not interested in the English Toy Terrier. I know they are alike, and I'm not going to buy it because I'm in love with the Russian Toy Terrier.

Answers and Views:

Best Answer:
You're absolutely right to distinguish the Russian Toy (Russkiy Toy) from the English Toy Terrier — they are different breeds, and your preference is completely valid. The Russian Toy is a real, officially recognised breed and finding one in the UK is challenging but far from impossible. Here's what you need to know:

1. The breed is recognised — just under its official name
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) has recognised the breed since 2006 under the name Russkiy Toy (FCI Standard No. 352), dropping the “Terrier” from the official name. In the UK, the Kennel Club recognises the breed as the Russian Toy (listed under the Toy Group). The United Kennel Club (UKC) also recognises it as the Russkiy Toy. So yes, it absolutely exists — the confusion is simply about naming.

2. Why it’s hard to find in the UK

• Small gene pool in the UK: The breed was almost unknown outside Russia until the 1990s. UK imports are still limited, and breeders tightly control their breeding lines.
• Few litters per year: Because litter sizes are small (typically 2–4 puppies) and demand is growing, waiting lists are common.
• Protective breeders: As another answer noted, some UK kennels restrict who they sell breeding stock to, which keeps the market small and prices stable.
• Pandemic puppy boom effect: Many breeds saw increased demand post-2020; the Russkiy Toy is no exception, making available puppies even rarer.

3. UK breeders and what to expect
There are a handful of established Russkiy Toy breeders in the UK, primarily in England and Scotland. Prices from reputable breeders typically range from £1,500 to £2,500, depending on pedigree, coat type (smooth or long-haired), and show potential. Puppies from champion lines may cost more. Be extremely wary of anything under £800 — it could be an unregistered backyard breeding situation.

The Kennel Club’s Find a Puppy service is the most reliable starting point for finding assured breeders. Some established Russkiy Toy kennels known within the breed community include Minima Russkiy Toys (Kent area) and Mystic Dreams Russkiy Toys (UK-based, active in showing). There is also a well-regarded breeder based in Northern Ireland who regularly imports fresh bloodlines from Europe to maintain genetic diversity.

As the breed remains small in number, many of these kennels do not maintain active public websites — most communicate via the Kennel Club breeder directory, Facebook breed groups (search “Russkiy Toy UK” on Facebook), or Crufts breed meet-ups. Contacting the Russian Toy breed club or joining a UK Russkiy Toy Facebook group is often the best way to learn about upcoming litters and breeder reputations.

4. Importing from Europe is a realistic option
If UK waiting lists are too long, consider importing from reputable breeders in Poland, the Czech Republic, or the Baltic states, where the breed is more established and prices may be lower (€800–€1,800). Ensure the puppy comes with:

• FCI-registered pedigree papers
• Health clearances (patella luxation, heart, eyes)
• A pet passport compliant with UK import regulations (which now require a rabies vaccination and an animal health certificate for non-commercial movement)

5. Two coat varieties, same great breed
The Russian Toy comes in two coat types:

• Smooth-coated (short, sleek coat) — the original type
• Long-coated (long, silky feathering on ears, tail, and legs) — emerged in 1958 and is now equally popular

Both have the same delightful temperament: intelligent, affectionate, and surprisingly bold for such a small dog. Weighing just 1.5–3 kg, they make excellent apartment companions.

Summary: The Russian Toy (Russkiy Toy) is a real, FCI-recognised breed. It’s rare in the UK due to a limited gene pool and few breeders, but it is findable. Expect to pay £1,500–£2,500 from a KC-registered breeder, or consider importing from mainland Europe. The breed is well worth the effort for its loyal and lively nature.

Answer by Aphrodite ☼UHave2B
There is the Russkiy Toy that is recognized by the UKC. But I have never heard of a Russian Toy Terrier, and if there is some sort of mix-up with the names, I would be very wary about what a "breeder" is advertising their dogs as.

Answer by Sandra Donnelly
They are an official breed, as I've just been to Crufts and they were being shown there. They are known as the Russkiy Toy

Answer by Roberta
I have a female miniature Russian terrier. I live in the United States, though
This site gives a standard and a history.
Recognition: FCI, DRA, NAPR, AKC/FSS
The FCI recognises this breed as the "Russkiy Toy" - long coat & smooth coat.

Answer by confusedsole
Go on the Kennel Club website

Answer by Eglute
Russian Toy terriers are lovely dogs, and I was looking for one here in the UK for ages… However is not that easy to find this breed in the UK due to several issues:
1. Not a very well-known breed (thus that many answers say that the breed doesn't exist hahaha), thus only a few breeders or breeding dogs
2. Only a few puppies in a litter
3. Existing breeders fiercely protect the market – they won't allow other people to breed the dogs they bought from them. This enables them to charge loads for every puppy
3. There are lots of breeders and dogs available in Eastern Europe, but it's a difficult process…

However, there are two kennels here in the UK – one in Kent and another in Ireland, so if you are ready to pay for a puppy £1000 -£1500 you can try and give them a call… I can't afford it, so I keep looking for puppies who were imported. They cost less...

So the situation is not bright, but keep looking…
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