The Russian Spaniel is a small gun dog which is popular in his own country of Russia but virtually unheard of everywhere else. The breed was mostly developed from English Cockers and English Springers, and the first standard was published in 1951. Aside from being recognized in Russia he is extremely rare in almost every other country. He is well-suited to hunting and tracking with a natural instinct that requires very little training to get him onto the field. His mainly specializes in hunting birds, rabbit and waterfowl, in which he’ll flush them out and retrieve them after the hunter gets the shot. His talented nose has also even been put to good use in search and rescue missions!
Russian Spaniels tend to be very healthy dogs, rarely suffering from health issues although allergies – particularly food allergies, do crop up from time to time. Their long ears are prone to infection without regular cleaning. They also can be predisposed to obesity but this isn’t as much a health problem as it is an owner-maintenance problem. Some dogs do better with measured-out meals rather than free feeding, and this breed more typically falls into the former category. Overall, the average lifespan of this spaniel is 13-15 years.
The Russian Spaniel does resemble an English Cocker Spaniel, although has a longer, stockier body and a shorter, tighter coat. The coat needed to keep the dog warm in the often frigid temperatures of their home country, so while the coat isn’t draping like his cousin it is tight and protective, albeit soft. Color is black, brown or tan – either as a solid color or combined with white. These spaniels can also be tricolor as well. Overall not a high maintenance breed, they don’t even require too much grooming, especially compared to their close spaniel relatives. There is no special trimming or stripping required. 
Russian Spaniels are playful, gentle, and are very tolerant of children – making them perfect family pets. They get along with other dogs of all breeds and share their sociable nature even with dogs whom they have just met. With a devoted personality, they don’t like to be away from their owners for too long and are often to be found in the same room as their favorite person when at all possible. Some are said to be decent watch dogs as many will bark to announce a visitor at the door, however this is overall a very social animal that is never inclined to hurt anyone. Their love of everyone can even lead to a fulfilling career as a therapy dog.
The Russian Spaniel is easy to train and usually wants to “do the right thing”. This is a people-pleaser that enjoys being praised for a job well done! Many enjoy participating in dog sports such as rally or tracking – which are best undertaken after a brief stint in formal obedience training. As with all training, consistency is still necessary to help teach the dog what it is that you are asking of him. Also, some young dogs with energy to spare (read: hyperactive) can benefit from a firm (yet still fair) hand. Because this is a hunting breed, the Russian Spaniel isn’t always safe to keep around small pocket pets or birds. He may also be inclined to chase after prey, which means he does need extensive off-leash training before being allowed any supervised off-lead outings.
Although in Russia they are praised for their ability to live comfortably in an apartment, Russian Spaniels do need regular exercise. While they may not have the same extreme energy level of some related breeds, they still have enough energy and stamina to benefit from one or two daily jogs or long solid walks. As lovers of water, a trip to the beach would be most appreciated! Although fairly active, with enough exercise they can live in most home settings regardless of size. Providing them with training and puzzles will also help to keep their minds active, which further leads to a fulfilled and calm(er) dog in the house.
