COUNTRY: USSR
HEIGHT: 15-17 inches
COAT: Silky, with fringing ears, belly and back of legs
COLOR: Variety of colors allowed
GROUP: Gun Dog
Following WWII, urban Russian hunters sought a small hunting companion. To fill this demand, they created the Russian Spaniel, using a variety of European spaniel breeds. Their invention was recognized by Soviet dog authorities in 1951. In the 1970s, a few were exported to East Germany, where a following has ensued.
This dog is not well suited to areas poor in game or very dense or harsh conditions. He is small and can become exhausted. But, in areas with plentiful game, he has plenty of verve and ability to search, flush and retrieve feathered or small furred game. Although regions rich in waterfowl are dwindling in the USSR today, the Russian Spaniel can make a good duck dog as well. Hunters use his abilities in hunting quail, corncrake and sandpiper or in flushing hare and wild goats from the forests. This spaniel is also talented in trailing wounded game, often successfully following a track as old as 36 hours. When the dead game is found, he either bays or brings back the bringsel strap, indicating that he can lead the handler to game too large to retrieve.
His handsome appearance and agreeable nature make him a good companion, and most are kept at home. In general appearance, he is reminiscent of a robust and leggy Springer Spaniel. Easy to train, he is devoted to his master, never letting him out of sight. The Russian Spaniel is also amiable with children and serves as an alarm dog when the need arises.