Russian Spaniel

Also called Russian Hunting Spaniel, Russkiy Okhotnichiy Spaniel

Rare breedShort profile

From Soviet Union (Russia), developed from imported English Cocker and Springer Spaniels.1

At a glance the quick version

Weight9.1 to 15.9 kg1

Height38 to 45 cm1

Sizesmall

About 20-35 lb for both sexes.

Cheerful and energetic

Easy to train

Friendly with children

Coat and looks how to spot one

short to medium, silky

A compact, fairly long-legged little spaniel with a close, silky coat and longer feathering on the ears and legs.1

Colourssolid colourspiebaldspeckledblack and tan1

Personality what they are like

A lively, upbeat spaniel with plenty of drive in the field and an easygoing, friendly nature at home. It learns readily and will alert its family to visitors.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High energy: it was made to hunt through marsh and field and to swim, so it needs daily vigorous exercise and activities that use its nose.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Regular brushing, with attention to the feathered ears and legs; check and clean the long ears routinely.1

Home where they are happiest

Its small size makes it manageable in a city home, provided it gets real outdoor exercise.1

Company who they like around

A people-oriented dog that enjoys being included in family life and outings.1

The story where it all began

Spaniels reached Russia in the late 19th century, and in the early 20th century hunters began breeding a longer-legged type suited to local conditions. After the Second World War these dogs were unified and given their first standard in 1951.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It is described as the only gun dog breed developed in Russia.1
2
It will swim and even dive to fetch a shot bird.1
3
Its small size made it easy for city hunters to take by public transport to hunting grounds.1
4
A Russian Spaniel club was founded in the United States in 2002.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named the Russian Spaniel, also known as the Russian Hunting Spaniel or Russkiy Okhotnichiy Spaniel, because it was developed in Russia (the USSR) as a gun dog breed from spaniel stock, primarily for hunting game birds and hares.1

Name ideas for your new friend

BublikMashaPushokKiraTrezorSnezhkaIgorZephyrDymkaVasyaLaskaRuslan

A day in the life told by a Russian Spaniel

I bounce out the door like a spring uncoiled. The garden smells like a thousand secrets. I zigzag across the grass, nose to the ground, tail wagging a happy rhythm. A fat bumblebee buzzes past. I give chase but lose it in the lavender. Puddle? Yes, please. I splash through, ears dripping. My human laughs and calls me a muddy mop. We grab a ball and I fetch until my tongue hangs sideways. For lunch, I nap in a sunbeam, dreaming of ducks. Afternoon walk: I dive into every bush, flushing out imaginary birds. Home again, I flop on the rug, ears spread like wings.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

Russian Kynological Federation (RKF): Recognised as a national breed; first standard 1951, revised 1966 and 2000.1
FCI: Not recognised by the FCI.1
The Kennel Club / AKC: Not recognised; registered by smaller registries such as the Continental Kennel Club.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Russian Spaniel. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery 2 days
Bathevery month
HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Russian Spaniel, and at what times?

Feed your Russian Spaniel at least two meals a day for an adult, or three to four smaller meals for a puppy. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily meals, and you can set regular times that fit your schedule, but always follow the food label and your vet's advice.2 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Russian Spaniel eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, garlic, and raw dough, among others listed by the ASPCA. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete diet plan.3

How often should I bathe a Russian Spaniel?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 28 days, but the ASPCA recommends at least once every three months, or more often if your dog is very active outdoors. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to keep its silky coat healthy.4 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Russian Spaniel need brushing?

Brush your Russian Spaniel every two days according to Furry Diary's plan, paying extra attention to the feathered ears and legs. This keeps its silky coat free of tangles and reduces shedding.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Russian Spaniel's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 21 days or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor, as per Furry Diary's plan. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and use a proper dog nail trimmer. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.4 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Russian Spaniel need?

This lively spaniel needs daily vigorous exercise, including walks and activities that use its nose, like fetch or scent games. Furry Diary's plan recommends daily exercise to match its high energy and hunting heritage.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Russian Spaniel's teeth and ears?

Brush its teeth daily with a dog-safe toothpaste, and check its floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt, drying them gently. Never push anything into the ear canal, and ask your vet for a dental care routine.4 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Russian Spaniel live?

A Russian Spaniel typically lives around 10 to 14 years, with senior years often starting around age 10. Regular vet check-ups help ensure a long, healthy life. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Russian Spaniel good with children and other pets?

Yes, it has an easygoing, friendly nature and is people-oriented, making it good with children and other pets when properly socialized. It enjoys family life and outings, but always supervise interactions with young children.1

Can a Russian Spaniel be left alone?

This breed is very people-oriented and enjoys being included in family life, so it may struggle with long periods alone. Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation before leaving, and consider a pet sitter or doggy daycare if you are away often.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.