There are many Russian dog breeds out there. And not all of them have been officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
While some of these dogs were brought to the United States at some point, others were never even considered bred in America.
Let’s examine some popular Russian dog breeds and why you should consider bringing one home next.
After all, they can be just as affectionate as any other dog breed while having a special uniqueness only found in Russian breeds.
1. Yakutian Laika
The Yakutian Laika is one of the most famous Russian dog breeds used for hunting and sledding.
They are also one of the most versatile dogs, and they can be used for various tasks.
Yakutian Laikas are very trainable and have a lot of energy. They are also very loyal to their owners and make great family pets.
2. Taigan
The Taigan is a large, powerful dog originally bred in Russia for hunting purposes.
This breed is known for being brave and protective, making them an excellent guard dog.
However, these Russian dog breeds are also very friendly and good with children.
The Taigan may be the perfect breed for you if you’re looking for a loyal companion!
3. Karelo Finnish Laika
The Karelo Finnish Laika is a famous Russian dog breed closely related to the Finnish Spitz.
These Russian dog breeds are medium-sized, with a thick fur coat that helps protect them from the cold weather.
They are known for being intelligent and independent, which makes them good guard dogs.
Karlo Finnish Laikas are also friendly and good with children, making them great family pets.
4. Hortaya Borzaya
The Hortaya Borzaya is a famous Russian dog breed that was once used for hunting.
These dogs are known for their speed, strength, and endurance. Russian dog breeds are also very intelligent and trainable.
Today, the Hortaya Borzaya is still used for hunting in some parts of the world, but they also make great family pets.
5. Samoyed
The Samoyed is a famous Russian dog breed known for its thick, white fur coat. This breed is also known for being friendly and good with children.
Samoyeds were initially bred to help with herding and sledding, but they make great family pets today.
The Samoyed may be your perfect dog if you want a loyal and loving companion.
6. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is one of the most famous Russian dog breeds. They are known for their thick fur coats, which keep them warm in the coldest climates.
They are also very friendly and good with children. A Siberian Husky is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a loyal and loving companion.
Furthermore, the breed has been called the perfect family pet because they do well with other animals.
They are non-aggressive and love to be around people. However, it’s important to note that this breed does require regular grooming due to its long coat.
The Samoyed is a friendly, gentle dog breed that makes a great family pet.
They are known for their thick, white coat, which helps protect them from the cold weather in their native Russia.
Samoyeds are active Russian dog breeds that need plenty of exercise. But they are also content to cuddle up with their owners on the couch.
The Samoyed may be the perfect dog breed if you want a loyal and loving companion!
7. Borzoi
The Borzoi is one of the most famous Russian dog breeds. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and loving nature.
Borzois make great family pets, often used in agility and obedience competitions.
These dogs need plenty of exercise and space to run. So, they are not well suited for tiny homes or apartments.
8. Black Russian Terrier
The Black Russian Terrier is a dog breed developed in the Soviet Union during the late 1940s and early 1950s.
The breed is a cross between the Giant Schnauzer and the Airedale Terrier. And was initially bred to be used as a working dog.
In addition, Black Russian Terriers are large Russian dog breeds, with males standing up to 30 inches tall at the shoulder and females standing up to 28 inches tall.
They are muscular dogs with thick black fur coats covering their entire body.
Black Russian Terriers are loyal and protective dogs, making them excellent guard dogs. They are also intelligent dogs and are easy to train.
9. Caucasian Shepherd
The Caucasian Shepherd is a large, loyal dog from the Caucasus Mountain region.
They are also known as the Caucasian Ovcharka. This dog was originally bred to protect sheep from predators.
Caucasian shepherds are still used as working dogs in many parts of the world, but they also make great family pets.
If you’re looking for a giant, brave dog breed with a heart of gold, the Caucasian Shepherd should be at the top of your list!
10. East European Shepherd
The East European Shepherd is a famous Russian dog breed originally bred for herding and guarding sheep.
This dog is large and muscular, with a thick coat that can be either black, brown, or tan.
In addition, East European Shepherds are loyal and protective, making them excellent guard dogs.
They are also intelligent and trainable, although they can sometimes be stubborn.
The East European Shepherd is perfect if you’re looking for a Russian dog breed that will be a loyal and loving companion.
11. East Siberian Laika
The East Siberian Laika is one of the famous Russian dog breeds known for its loyalty and intelligence.
This breed is perfect for families looking for a loving and protective companion.
The East Siberian Laika is also great for people who enjoy hiking and outdoors, as they are very active dogs.
12. Franzuskaya Bolonka
The Franzuskaya Bolonka is a small, white dog that originated in Russia. Bred as a companion dog, the Bolonka is known for being affectionate and loving.
They are small Russian dog breeds but also active and playful.
If you’re looking for a Russian dog breed that will be a loyal and loving companion, the Franzuskaya Bolonka is an excellent choice.
13. Moscow Watchdog
The Moscow Watchdog, also known as the Moskovskaya Storozheva Sobaka, is a large and powerful breed developed in Russia during the Cold War.
Bred as a guard dog, the Moscow Watchdog is loyal and protective of its family.
This breed is not for first-time dog owners, as they require firm training and socialization from an early age.
14. Russian Harlequin Hound
The Russian Harlequin Hound is a large, powerful dog that was once used for hunting bears and other large games.
Today, they are more likely to work as guard dogs or companions.
They are loyal and protective of their family but can be aggressive toward strangers. They need a lot of exercise and training to stay happy and healthy.
15. South Russian Ovcharka
Standing anywhere from 26 to 30 inches at the shoulder and weighing in at a whopping 100 to 130 pounds.
The South Russian Ovcharka is one of the giant Russian dog breeds in the world.
Meanwhile, this giant breed is more than just a big teddy bear – he’s also a fearless guard dog with a loyal, protective nature.
Initially bred in Russia to protect flocks of sheep from predators, the South Russian Ovcharka is still used as a working dog on many farms today.
16. Russian Spaniel
The Russian Spaniel is a relatively new breed that was developed in the Soviet Union in the 1950s.
These Russian dog breeds are bred for their hunting and retrieving abilities and make great family pets.
They are medium-sized dogs with thick coats that can be curly or wavy. The most popular colors are black and white, but can also be brown or red.
17. Russian Toy Terrier
The Russian Toy Terrier is a small, lively breed that is very affectionate with its family.
These Russian dog breeds are known to be intelligent and have a lot of energy, making them great for families with children.
Also, they require a lot of exercise, so if you live in an apartment, this may not be the breed for you.
The Russian Toy Terrier is also very good with other dogs and animals, making them a great addition to any home.
18. Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is a small, cheerful dog that loves to play. They are very affectionate and make great companions.
Bolonkas are intelligent and trainable, but they can also be stubborn at times. These dogs do best in homes with older children and other pets.
19. Russo European Laika
The Russo-European Laika is one of the famous Russian dog breeds initially bred for hunting.
These dogs are known for their independent nature and ability to think independently.
In addition, Russo-European Laikas are also very affectionate and loyal to their families.
The Russo-European Laika may be the perfect breed if you’re looking for an intelligent and loving dog.
20. West Siberian Laika
The West Siberian Laika is a versatile and powerful dog that was initially bred for hunting in the forests of Russia.
These Russian dog breeds are medium to large. Males typically weigh between 50 and 60 pounds, and females between 40 and 50 pounds.
In addition, they have a thick coat of fur that can be either black, brown, or white. They are known for being very intelligent and independent.
