Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 6th February 2026
Russian Spaniel
By
Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 6th February 2026
The Russian Spaniel is a variety of Spaniel developed post the Second World War in the Soviet Union by crossing the English Springer Spaniels, English Cocker Spaniels, and other Spaniel breeds. Though its physical appearance is equivalent to that of a Spaniel, it possesses a long body stature as well as a short and tight coat. Its easy going, loyal and affectionate disposition raises it to the status of a good pet choice.
Russian Spaniel Pictures
Quick Information
| Other Names | Rosyjski Spaniel |
| Coat | Short, tight, silky with feathering on its ears and legs |
| Physical description | Small and sturdy body stature; medium sized head; rectangular muzzle; large, oval-shaped eyes; |
| Color | Black and White, Tricolor, Brown and White, Red and White |
| Type | Crossbreed |
| Group | Gundog, watchdog, companion dog |
| Lifespan | Approximately 14 years |
| Size and Height | Small; 15 to 17.5 inches |
| Weight | 20 to 35 lb |
| Litter size | 6 to 8 puppies |
| Temperament | Friendly, energetic, cheerful and active |
| Good with Children | Yes |
| Climate Compatibility | Adapts well to the Russian climate |
| Barking | Moderate |
| Shedding | Minimal |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Competitive Registration Qualification/ Information | DRA, APRI, FIC, CKC, RSC, NAKC, UFC ( However, any major kennel club does not recognize it as a standardized breed) |
| Country | USSR |
Russian Spaniel Puppies Playing
Other Similar Breeds
History
Being the youngest of the gundogs of Russia, mention of it was made in Newzealand as early as the 19th century. A black Cocker Spaniel owned by Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich seems to be the first black Cocker Spaniel of Russia, according to records. With Spaniels of other breeds imported to Moscow and St.Petersburgh, it was in the early part of the 20th century that selective breeding started with the intention of producing Spaniels with long legs, with the Springer Spaniel also being imported for this purpose.
By 1930, Moscow, Sverdlovsk, and Leningrad were thronged with diverse kinds of spaniels, though not given any specific breed standards. Post the Second World War, the original standards for Russian Spaniel was finally set in 1951 and revised in 1966 and 2000.
It gained popularity by the beginning of the 1990s, and the Russian Spaniel Club was formed in 2002 in the US for increasing awareness among people about this dog.
Temperament and Personality
In spite of their small size, they have immense strength, adapting well to the cold climate of Russia. Being a flushing spaniel as well as a retriever, the Russian Spaniel possesses all the traits inherent in a gun dog like tremendous stamina, a keen sense of smell, and willingness to retrieve whatever it is running after.
These hardy dogs not only prove their worth at field but also have a charming personality, bonding well with their family, being eager to please them and always craving for attention.
Being lively and active, brimming with energy, they emerge as great companions and playmates for kids.
The Russian Spaniel does well with other dogs too, however, try keeping them away from rabbits, small birds or rodent-like pets, as they can trigger its gun dog instinct, making it go behind them.
They have a versatile nature, capable of adjusting to changing environments, like marshes, fields or woodlands when assigned with a game hunting task or even living an apartment life.
Though they would be peaceful with strangers, they are said to possess a strong instinct to identify a threat and would even alert their owners about the same by barking.
Care
Exercise
This highly active breed need an adequate amount of exercise, including daily walks and sufficient playtime to be physically and mentally energized. They would enjoy running around in a big yard ( that must be fenced). If used for hunting, then a game chase would probably satisfy their urge for activity. However, if living an apartment life, engage them with indoor games, when you are not taking them out to prevent your pet from getting bored.
Grooming
Their water resistant coat makes them low shedders, thus needing less grooming. Brushing occasionally would help to keep the coat clean. Pay particular attention to its long, hanging ears and clean them regularly to prevent any infections. Bathe your spaniel when needed.
Health Problems
Though they do not have any known breed-related concerns, some of the common ailments they are prone to include ear infections and obesity.
Training
Since they have an immense devotion and loyalty towards their owners, training them would not at all be a mammoth task.
Leash train you Russian Spaniel if you are keeping it as a house pet, keeping its chasing instinct in mind.
Give it obedience training by acquainting it with several commands like “Fetch,” “Stop,” “Come,” “Go” etc. so that it stops after hearing your voice whenever it is attempting to do anything which is undesirable to its master.
Feeding
As they can gain weight quite quickly, particular care should be taken about their diet to make sure that they get the proper nutrients essential but do not overeat. They might have chances of developing food allergies, particularly to chicken and carrot, mostly detected in Russian Spaniel puppies aged between one and five months.
FAQ’s
