Get to Know Ours! The 5 Most Popular Dog Breeds in the World, Developed in Russia

It's hard to underestimate the role dogs play in human life. They serve as guide dogs, bloodhounds, and guard dogs. There are over a hundred dog breeds worldwide, but several of the best were bred in Russia and are the pride of the country.

Samoyed dog

Samoyed dogs are an ancient breed developed by the peoples of the North and Siberia. They arose through the domestication of white wolves. Northern peoples used these dogs as hunting companions, livestock guardians, and sometimes as sled dogs.

The breed was officially recognized in 1959, and since then, Samoyeds have been a regular at international shows. They are exhibited in the Spitz group, and often take first place in such events. Their snow-white coat and sweet face win the hearts of spectators and judges.

Samoyeds are friendly by nature and are suitable for families with children. However, don't expect them to be completely obedient—they are freedom-loving dogs.

Black Terrier

This breed is sometimes called "Stalin's dog," although it was developed after his death, in 1954. This name was given to the breed for a reason: it was by order of the great leader that experiments began in the 1930s to develop guard and service dogs. Joseph Vissarionovich wanted dogs that could withstand severe frosts, possess a menacing appearance, and be easily trained.

Experiments to breed the Black Terrier were conducted at the Red Star kennel and paused during World War II, after which they resumed. A unified breed standard was only established at the end of the 20th century. Today, the Black Terrier is a cross between more than 10 dog breeds, the main ones being the Rottweiler, Caucasian Shepherd, Newfoundland, Giant Schnauzer, and Airedale Terrier.

Dogs of this breed are friendly, kind and easy to train.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

The Caucasian Shepherd is one of the most ancient breeds of service dogs. Its ancestor is the Tibetan Mastiff, and it received its name because it was in the Caucasus that the breed was finally formed. It arrived there with shepherd tribes from Central Asia.

The history of these large dogs dates back to the domestication of sheep by humans. Back then, flocks needed protection from foreign tribes or wild predators. The Caucasian Shepherd possesses incredible courage, a keen sense of smell and vision, and is extremely loyal to its owner, which is why it was chosen as a guard dog. Furthermore, dogs of this breed are resilient to hunger and pain.

The shepherd's bravery and courage were also recognized by Russian commanders during the capture of the Caucasus. "Caucasian Shepherds" were enlisted as guard dogs. These dogs remain popular and renowned in many countries.

Russian Borzoi

This breed became widespread during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. This occurred after the capture of Kazan, when the tsar sent Tatar nobles, who enjoyed hunting with dogs, to settle in the Kostroma and Yaroslavl regions.

Having adopted the foreign tradition of hunting with greyhounds, Russian nobles decided to develop a breed that would combine tenacity, high speed, friendliness, and a calm disposition. By mixing the blood of the elk dog and the Eastern Saluki, the nobility created the Russian Borzoi.

This breed is distinguished by its sprint speed, grace, strength and keen eye, which are essential for hunting.

Russian Toy Terrier

This small, playful, yet courageous animal belongs to the terrier family, which was bred in the Middle Ages to hunt foxes and badgers. Their direct relative is considered to be the Manchester Terrier, brought to Russia during the reign of Catherine the Great.

In the 20th century, when the country was shaken by constant wars and revolutions, Toy Terriers practically became extinct due to the need for large dogs in Russia. But immediately after the Great Patriotic War, Russian breeders became concerned about the breed's fate and began searching the country for terrier descendants.

As a result, the breed was revived, but with significant changes. The dogs were unsuited for hunting, but their energy and playfulness prevented them from becoming "pocket" dogs. Therefore, the resulting dogs became known as "Russian Toy Terriers."

Five dog breeds developed in our homeland are among the best in the world. They are not only loyal companions, but also excellent guards and hunters.