Russian Spaniel
Also called Russian Hunting Spaniel, Russkiy Okhotnichiy Spaniel
From Soviet Union (Russia), developed from imported English Cocker and Springer Spaniels.1
At a glance the quick version
About 20-35 lb for both sexes.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short to medium, silky
A compact, fairly long-legged little spaniel with a close, silky coat and longer feathering on the ears and legs.1
Personality what they are like
A lively, upbeat spaniel with plenty of drive in the field and an easygoing, friendly nature at home. It learns readily and will alert its family to visitors.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High energy: it was made to hunt through marsh and field and to swim, so it needs daily vigorous exercise and activities that use its nose.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Regular brushing, with attention to the feathered ears and legs; check and clean the long ears routinely.1
Home where they are happiest
Its small size makes it manageable in a city home, provided it gets real outdoor exercise.1
Company who they like around
A people-oriented dog that enjoys being included in family life and outings.1
The story where it all began
Spaniels reached Russia in the late 19th century, and in the early 20th century hunters began breeding a longer-legged type suited to local conditions. After the Second World War these dogs were unified and given their first standard in 1951.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- Russian Kynological Federation (RKF)
- Recognised as a national breed; first standard 1951, revised 1966 and 2000.1
- FCI
- Not recognised by the FCI.1
- The Kennel Club / AKC
- Not recognised; registered by smaller registries such as the Continental Kennel Club.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Russian Spaniel. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery 2 days
- Bathevery month
- HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Russian Spaniel, and at what times?
Feed your Russian Spaniel at least two meals a day for an adult, or three to four smaller meals for a puppy. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily meals, and you can set regular times that fit your schedule, but always follow the food label and your vet's advice.2 Furry Diary plan
What should a Russian Spaniel eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, garlic, and raw dough, among others listed by the ASPCA. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete diet plan.3
How often should I bathe a Russian Spaniel?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 28 days, but the ASPCA recommends at least once every three months, or more often if your dog is very active outdoors. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to keep its silky coat healthy.4 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Russian Spaniel need brushing?
Brush your Russian Spaniel every two days according to Furry Diary's plan, paying extra attention to the feathered ears and legs. This keeps its silky coat free of tangles and reduces shedding.1 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Russian Spaniel's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 21 days or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor, as per Furry Diary's plan. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and use a proper dog nail trimmer. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.4 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Russian Spaniel need?
This lively spaniel needs daily vigorous exercise, including walks and activities that use its nose, like fetch or scent games. Furry Diary's plan recommends daily exercise to match its high energy and hunting heritage.1 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Russian Spaniel's teeth and ears?
Brush its teeth daily with a dog-safe toothpaste, and check its floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt, drying them gently. Never push anything into the ear canal, and ask your vet for a dental care routine.4 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Russian Spaniel live?
A Russian Spaniel typically lives around 10 to 14 years, with senior years often starting around age 10. Regular vet check-ups help ensure a long, healthy life. Furry Diary plan
Is a Russian Spaniel good with children and other pets?
Yes, it has an easygoing, friendly nature and is people-oriented, making it good with children and other pets when properly socialized. It enjoys family life and outings, but always supervise interactions with young children.1
Can a Russian Spaniel be left alone?
This breed is very people-oriented and enjoys being included in family life, so it may struggle with long periods alone. Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation before leaving, and consider a pet sitter or doggy daycare if you are away often.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia: Russian Spaniel en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.