Origin guide

Dog Breeds from Russia

Browse breeds connected to Russia and compare what they are like to live with today, from temperament and care needs to everyday fit.

Browse 14 matching profiles. Only breeds with photos. Extinct breeds are hidden.

Breed tendencies are a guide; individual dogs vary.

Family-friendly Apartment-friendly Low-shedding

14 breeds • Showing 12

Origin: Russia

3 photos

Black Russian Terrier

WorkingUncommonRussia

CalmConfident

The Black Russian Terrier is a large, intelligent breed known for its loyalty and protective instincts. Originally developed as a military working dog, they excel in guarding and companionship, requiring regular exercise and socialization.

Child-friendly fitHigh-motion routine

Borzoi

HoundUncommonRussia

ElegantGentle

The Borzoi, also known as the Russian Wolfhound, is a large, elegant sighthound known for its speed and grace. With a gentle temperament and moderate exercise needs, Borzois make wonderful companions for active families.

Lower-key rhythmPatient training plan

Central Asian Shepherd Dog

WorkingCommonRussia

IndependentIntelligent

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is a large, loyal, and protective breed known for its guarding instincts. With a history as livestock guardians, they require experienced owners who can provide proper training and socialization.

Child-friendly fitSteady movement

60 min/day

3/53/5

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East Siberian Laika

HuntingUncommonRussia

EnergeticIndependent

The East Siberian Laika is a medium-large hunting dog known for its resilience and versatility. With a striking appearance and strong instincts, they excel in hunting and sledding while being loyal companions.

High-motion routinePatient training plan

120 min/day

3/55/5

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Hortaya Borzaya

SighthoundRareEurasia (specifically the regions of modern Ukraine

CalmEnduring

The Hortaya Borzaya is a large, robust sighthound with a calm demeanor and exceptional hunting abilities. Known for its keen eyesight and trainability, this breed thrives on exercise and mental stimulation.

Lighter cleanupHigh-motion routineEasier first month

Moscow Watchdog

WorkingUncommonRussia

AssertiveCalm

The Moscow Watchdog is a very large, loyal breed known for its protective instincts and gentle nature. With proper training, they make excellent family companions.

Child-friendly fitSteady movement

Nenets Herding Laika

HerdingUncommonRussia

AffectionateEnergetic

The Nenets Herding Laika is a medium-sized, energetic dog known for its hunting and herding abilities. With a wolf-like appearance and a loyal temperament, this breed thrives on exercise and companionship.

Child-friendly fitHigh-motion routine

90 min/day

4/55/5

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Russian Spaniel

SportingUncommonRussia

AffectionateCheerful

The Russian Spaniel is a medium-small, energetic breed known for its hunting abilities and affectionate nature. With a sturdy build and a cheerful disposition, they thrive as both hunting companions and family pets.

Family-home friendlyLighter cleanupHigh-motion routine

Russkiy Toy

ToyUncommonRussia

AffectionateAlert

The Russkiy Toy is a small, lively breed known for its affectionate nature and alertness. Ideal as a companion and watchdog, this breed thrives in various living environments.

Lighter cleanupLower-key rhythm

Russo-European Laika

Nordic Hunting DogsUncommonRussia

EnergeticIndependent

The Russo-European Laika is a medium-sized hunting dog known for its energetic nature, loyalty, and protective instincts. With a rich history in Russia, they excel in outdoor activities and require ample exercise. Ideal for active families, they thrive with proper training and socialization.

Child-friendly fitHigh-motion routinePatient training plan

Samoyed

WorkingCommonRussia

AffectionateFriendly

The Samoyed is a medium-sized, friendly breed known for its beautiful white coat and cheerful 'smile.' Originally bred for herding and sledding, they are energetic, intelligent, and make excellent family companions.

Family-home friendlyHigh-motion routine

South Russian Ovcharka

WorkingUncommonUkraine

IndependentIntelligent

The South Russian Ovcharka is a large, loyal guardian breed known for its protective instincts and strong bond with family. With a thick coat and independent nature, they require consistent training and socialization.

Grooming projectSteady movementPatient training plan

60 min/day

3/53/5

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Researching breeds from Russia

Use this page to move from broad regional curiosity into practical breed research. Open a few profiles and compare energy, grooming, and trainability before deciding what fits you.

Family-friendly Apartment-friendly Easy to train Active & playful