Hunting dogs from England were imported into our country at the end of the 19th century, but it turned out that they were not suitable for hunting birds in Russian conditions. But the need for a compact and unpretentious girlfriend dog to the time is overdue.
Therefore, enthusiasts began to select for breeding the most high-legged and temperamental dogs, imported from abroad by springers. Due to their efforts, a Russian Spaniel appeared in the middle of the 20th century. Characteristics of the breed, reviews of hunters confirmed that the breeding work was carried out successfully. The derived spaniel had excellent flair, endurance, perseverance, and a tendency to serve.
Today, this wonderful dog is used during a hunt in Russia on a marsh, field, upland and waterfowl. Before him the task is to find the bird and put it on the wing. After the host shot, the four-legged assistant must file the game at the team. The animal perfectly copes with this work, according to the owners. This is confirmed by the description and reviews. The breed of dogs Spaniel - an indispensable tool for hunting. And other owners are sure that this is the best companion. We will get acquainted with this handsome man in more detail.
External features
Today in all dog reference books you can find a description of the breed Spaniel. The Russian Spaniel is a small dog, quite strong and slightly squat. The height of males at the withers is up to 44 cm, the bough does not exceed 42 cm.
The dog has strong bones with well developed muscles. Males have a higher withers. The tail is straight and thick at the base. It is cut in half length. The animal keeps it straight, almost on the back line.
Limbs
Paws are located relative to each other in parallel, they are dry and bony. The hind legs are set wider than the front. The toes of both the hind and forepaws are compressed very tightly. Between them grows thick wool.
Do you know how Russian Spaniel looks different from other dogs? Of course, these are ears - long, wide and drooping. They are adjacent to the cheekbones rather tightly. The tip of the ear should reach the nose.
Coat
Russian hunting spaniel has an unusual coat. Breeds of dogs that are used for hunting, most often have a short and hard coat that protects the skin of animals from damage. In a spaniel it is moderately long, straight or slightly wavy, shiny, tight-fitting. On the front of the limbs and on the head, the coat is straight and short. On the back, upper side of the neck, croup and sides - moderately thick and long. The lower side of the chest, neck, abdomen, the inner side of the hind and forelimbs, the lower part of the tail is covered with restroom hair. It is softer, longer, slightly wavy, creates feathering and suspension.
The three groups are divided by the colors that can be (by standard) Russian Spaniel:
- Solid: brown, black, red. Solid color allows small white markings on the chest or on the throat and paws. These colors are allowed to burn.
- Two-tone: red and white, black and white, brown and white. They may have clear boundaries between pigmented areas, specks (or lack thereof). Mottled or roan color with pigment is allowed.
- Tricolor: white-black with tan, white-brown with tan
Russian Spaniel (reviews of owners-hunters allow to state this) is an indispensable tool for hunting, easy to push and understandable in the field. Amateur dog breeders believe that this is a smart, easy-to-communicate and learning companion, devoted to his master with all his heart. What is he, this handsome?
This dog is really very smart and attached to its owner. At the same time, he knows how to be inconspicuous and unobtrusive. Loves to walk and play in the fresh air. He becomes a faithful and devoted friend for both the adult and the child. But the owners should know and never forget that the sharp mind and high intelligence of their pet are often combined with an unsurpassed manipulator talent. When this dog with a clear and open look begs for a tidbit, only a rock can stand before him.
Russian Spaniel (characteristic of the breed, reviews indicate this) - an animal that needs to communicate with a person. These dogs are very fond of children, but adults should explain to kids that they play with a living creature, which can be painful and unpleasant in some situations. For example, a child should know that you can’t touch a dog when it eats.
Spaniels never show unjustified aggression, they will not interfere with their relatives. However, the hunting instincts do not hide - every home spaniel secretly wants to drive cats, birds and other small animals.
In order for your pet to be healthy and active, you need to consider its high-quality and full-fledged diet. Many owners, who are limited in time, prefer ready-made dry food. This option is allowed by veterinarians. But first, consult with a specialist who will tell you good quality food, since a cheap surrogate from an unknown manufacturer can cause irreparable harm to the health of your pet.
If you choose natural products, then you need to know what should be included in the diet of your pet. Preference should be given:
- lean meat and offal,
- fish (preferably sea),
- vegetables,
- fruits,
- cereals (buckwheat, rice, barley).
Perhaps someone will be surprised by the fact that the Russian Spaniel needs fasting days. Characteristics of the breed, reviews suggest that these dogs are prone to overweight. These days need to be arranged for an adult dog once every two weeks. The dog only drinks water.
Nature has awarded Spaniels good enough health. With proper feeding and care, the dog rarely gets sick. Sometimes long, hanging ears can cause otitis media, so they should be regularly checked and cleaned. Due to improper or poor-quality nutrition, your pet may develop obesity or food allergies. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the diet of the animal.
Russian Spaniel: Proper Care for Dog Breed
This intelligent dog feels equally comfortable both in a city apartment and in a country house. But it should be remembered that this dog needs long walks with physical exertion. These are excellent swimmers, so give them that opportunity in the summer.
Without loads, your pet will quickly begin to lose shape and gain weight. While walking, keep the dog on a leash and let go only in deserted places.
Russian Spaniel wool has no specific smell, which is typical for many other breeds. But it should be cleaned and combed regularly, especially after hunting.
Bathe this dog several times a year, using special shampoos. In addition, it is necessary to trim the nails.
Russian Spaniel, as, however, and all other breeds of dogs, needs regular veterinary examination. Pay special attention to the vaccination schedule. Do not neglect the advice of the veterinarian, give your favorite prescribed vitamins.
Training
We have already said that these dogs are very clever, they are easily trained in all hunting skills and traditional dog training courses. Many of them master various types of search: from drugs and explosives to humans. In adolescence, in the process of training, some animals may show self-will and obstinacy.
It is necessary to begin to train the Russian spaniel from an early age. At first, the baby is explained what he can do and what is absolutely impermissible. The effect of learning depends on your patience. A puppy will need time to comprehend and remember the information received.
Illiterate or untimely education of a spaniel in the future may lead to undesirable problems. And you should not indulge yourself with the thought that this will not affect you.
Russian Spaniel: customer reviews
The owners of these animals are very pleased with their purchase. This is especially true of hunters. They believe that he has also become an indispensable assistant to the Russian Spaniel. Characteristics of the breed (reviews convince of this) fully meet the requirements of hunting behavior.
Those who have acquired a spaniel as a pet are pleased that the dog is very beautiful and does not require too complicated care. Many note the poise of his pet. The owners believe that the Russian Spaniel is quite suitable for the role of the first dog, if a person has at least theoretical training.
Some owners complain that their pet drives cats at the first opportunity, which sometimes makes walking difficult. To avoid this, it is necessary to educate the dog from puppyhood.
Characteristics of the breed of Russian hunting spaniel
Russian Spaniel - hunting breed of dogs, medium size. Their close relatives consider the English Cocker Spaniel and the English Springer Spaniel. A great helper in hunting waterfowl. His task is to find the bird, raise it on the wing, after the shot of the hunter and his team, to file the game.
Standard breed Russian hunting spaniel
In the photo Russian hunting spaniel at the exhibition
Breed recognized: RSC, FIC, UFC, NAKC, CKC, APRI (FCI not recognized).
Body type: slightly squat, strong.
Type of construction: dry.
Body: strong bones with well-developed musculature.
Chest: wide, deep and long, with well-developed false ribs.
Withers: well developed, males slightly higher than bitches.
Back: straight, strong, wide, slightly sloping from withers to lower back.
Loin: short, muscular, slightly arched.
Croup: Broad, moderately long, muscular.
Skin: dense, elastic, without folds.
In the photo, a spaniel with a staring look and anticipation of the team.
Head: moderately long, with oval, slightly wide skull. The forehead is convex. Occiput is mild. Brow arc highly developed. The lines of the skull and the muzzle are parallel. The transition from the forehead to the face is markedly pronounced.
Muzzle: when viewed from above, there is a broad, slightly narrower skull, a slight narrowing is visible through the nose. When viewed from the side, the upper lip trim resembles a rectangle with a rounded rake angle. Nose and lips are colored from light brown to black.
Teeth: strong, well developed. Scissor bite, upper jaw tightly overlaps lower one.
Eyes: oval, large, eyelid incision straight. The color is dark or light brown, depending on the coat color.
Ears: Hanging, long, wide, rounded at the ends, set on the line of the cut eyes or a little above, tight to the cheekbones. The end of a slightly strained ear reaches to the nose.
Neck: moderately long, muscular, low set.
Forelegs: dry, bony, straight, parallel. The angle of the humero-velum articulation is about 100 degrees. Elbows pointing back. Forearm straight. Pasterns are bulky, slightly sloping. The length of the front limbs is equal to half the height of the spaniel at the withers.
Hind limbs: straight, parallel, set, wider than the front. The angle of the joints is well defined. The shins are short, obliquely set. Hocks are voluminous, directly set.
Movement: easy, free.
Feet: Round, arched, with fingers tightly compressed into a ball.
Tail: thick at the base, agile, straight. It is docked in half of its length. Keeps almost on the back line.
Coat: long, soft, straight or slightly wavy, tight-fitting. On the head and paws, short and straight. On the neck, back, sides, on the rump is long, thick.
On the bottom of the chest and abdomen, on the back of the front and hind legs, on the ears, the lower part of the tail is long, wavy, forms lines and dewlap. Between the fingers also grows thick hair.
Coloring of the Russian hunting spaniel
Monochrome (solid) color (completely without white markings, or with markings in well-defined places - on the forehead, muzzle, throat, chest, abdomen, on the feet, the end of the tail).
- Black (smooth, straight)
- Brown, chocolate (manifested in the absence of black pigment. Eyes and nose are brown. Wool is thick, long, soft. On the head is often formed tight cap, on the back and limbs thick and dense)
- Red (color from light fawn to dark red. Nose - black, brown, eyes dark brown.
- Disadvantages: bodily nose, very bright almost yellow eyes)
Photo hunting spaniel in different colors
Bicolor (piebald) color:
- Black - piebald contrast color
- Brown - piebald contrast color
- Piedy red contrasting color
- Black and piebald in the specks (as they grow older puppies darken, the most speckled can turn into black).
- Brown-spotted in specks
- Red-spotted in specks
- Tan (red markings located in strictly defined places - above the eyes, on the inside of the ears, on the cheeks, two triangles on the chest, markings on the paws and under the tail. It may be present in black and brown colors).
- Black and tan
- Brown with tan
In the spaniel, piebald colors are more common, divided into two types:
- Contrast (on a white background stains of the primary color). Puppies have a pink nose and pink multi-speckled paws.
- Mottled (almost black or blurred specks, sometimes specks are clearly distinguishable). Such babies have dark nose and paw pads from birth.
Both the contrast and speckled puppies of the Russian hunting spaniel are born white with large markings. Whether the puppy will be spotted can be determined by the pigmentation of the nose and the paw pads.
At 1 month old specks are already distinguishable. By seven months old dog gets its final shade.
When mating speckled and contrasting spaniel will be dominated by mottling. Speckled offspring will not come from two contrasting individuals.
- Black - piebald contrast with a tan (red markings appear in place of black markings).
- Brown - piebald contrast with tan
- Black - piebald in the spot with tan
- Brown - piebald in specks with tan
Russian hunting spaniel character
By nature, the Russian hunting spaniel is cheerful, friendly, affectionate and balanced. An indispensable helper for a hunter, has all the qualities of a hunting dog: a sharp mind, excellent instinct, tough, energetic, persistent, will not surrender until he finds and brings prey to the owner.
It will be a great companion for long walks in the forest or park. Like all spaniels, loves to swim. Get the prey out of the water, for it is a mere trifle.
The Russian hunting spaniel is constantly in motion, even while walking with the owner, it will run around in search of prey, pick up different smells and sounds.
Lives well with pets, when kept in the village is not seen for shameful habit, chasing chickens or geese. But the owner is always responsible for raising any animal. If you at a puppy age praise and encourage for pranks in relation to other animals, it is already not easy to retrain an adult spaniel.
Due to the innate propensity to feed the game, this is the best partner for active games, he with great pleasure will bring a ball and a wand.
He patiently treats the master children, loves them, can play with them and frolics, but often shows aggression towards other people's children.
Perfectly gives in to training, well perceives new commands, for the master's praise, he is able to carry out various trained commands.
Graceful Russian hunting spaniel photo in your favorite element
The big minus, the Russian Spaniel does not know the feeling of satiety, he is constantly little. Be sure to follow the diet, do not overfeed, take time for exercise.
On a walk it is desirable to keep on a leash, or wear a muzzle, he is like a vacuum cleaner, sweeps away all the waste on the way, unfortunately, will not miss a single garbage.
The content of the Russian hunting spaniel
In the photo, the Russian hunting spaniel lies thoughtfully
Russian hunting spaniel in the content is not capricious, but the breed is long-haired, sheds. Shedding seasonally, twice a year spring - autumn. When kept in a house with dry, warm air, molting is more noticeable. But this is not a reason to keep the dog in the cold and frost. Just decide if you can find the time to take care of this particular spaniel.
Like any hunting breed, a Russian hunting spaniel feels better on the street, where there are many interesting and understandable smells that can be studied, there are sticks that can be nibble, and at the same time they will not be scolded. But most importantly, you can frolic and spend restless energy.
If you are an avid hunter, and live in a small city apartment, you will definitely like the Russian hunting spaniel. The small size allows you to keep anywhere in the apartment, you can safely put it in a backpack and take it with you to the hunt, where it can release the accumulated energy, run and swim. Frequent bathing hardens the body, helps strengthen the nervous system and the development of the respiratory system, improves paw motility.
Правда есть за ним один грешок, РОС, просто обожает грызть, что найдет в доме: тапочки, носки, пульт от телевизора и прочее. Но любящие хозяева часто ему это прощают.
Уход за русским охотничьим спаниелем
Русский охотничий спаниель фото во дворе с любимым кольцом
Wool: it is necessary to brush regularly, 1 - 2 times a week, with a metal comb. So you can prevent the appearance of mats and give a well-groomed look. Combing start with the head and finish with the tip of the tail. Comb should be in the direction of hair growth.
To facilitate combing, the surface can be sprinkled with a weak solution of acetic or citric acid, it protects the dog from infection by external parasites.
Proportion of the solution: for 1 l of hot water, add 1 tablespoon of citric or acetic acid, mix the contents and cool to 40 ° C. In the absence of balsam with such a solution, you can rinse the wool after bathing.
The puppies of the Russian hunting spaniel have short and sparse wool, but it should also be combed. For this procedure, a perfect massage brush made of natural hair will not work, it will not damage the delicate skin of the baby, and will provide a good massage and blood circulation.
Bathing: recommended as pollution or 1-2 times a month. Special shampoo for dogs with conditioner and rinse can be purchased at any pet store, you should choose according to the type of wool. Make sure that the detergent does not overdry the skin, you can find out by frequent itching or dandruff. In this case, change the shampoo.
After bathing, the spaniel's coat is treated with balm or cosmetic oil. Thanks to these means, the wool becomes elastic, under the arms, in the groin area and on the hock joints less often appear.
Haircut: the first time you can cut the puppy at the age of 3 months, based on the growth of hair. For the Russian hunting spaniel, there are 2 types of haircuts:
- Full (done every 2 - 3 months. With the help of a groomer)
- Hygienic (every 2 weeks the regrown hair is trimmed on the paws, around the anus and auditory holes)
Photo of Russian hunting spaniel and little puppy
Wool on the back of Rosa can not be cut. At the age of 8 months puppy fluff rejection begins, the hair on the back looks untidy. Use a comb with short teeth, which removes well fluff. Perform the procedure every day, combing out small areas, so you are less traumatizing the delicate skin of the dog.
Many owners want to shave it all down, let it grow new, but remember, once the wool trimmed on the back of a Russian hunting spaniel will never grow smooth and even. She will constantly puff up, which is a significant drawback for a show dog.
Around the anus is cut for hygiene purposes. The tail is cut in the shape of a wedge, and the mats are cut in the groin area.
On the legs it is cut off in the vicinity of the pads, between the fingers and in a circle just above the claws, so that the hair does not touch the ground while walking.
Ears: lop-eared, need regular inspection and airing. Airing your pet's ears is easy, just wave them like wings for a few minutes.
Clean your ears 1 time per month or, if necessary, with a cotton swab dipped in warm water or in a weak peroxide solution. Wipe the inside of the ear from dust and sulfur. A healthy spiniel does not have a large accumulation of sulfur and an unpleasant smell.
If a pet often shakes its head, as if shaking out something from their ear, a lot of sulfur accumulates, an unpleasant smell emanates. Be sure to contact your veterinarian for help. The main reason is ear inflammation, but only a specialist will be able to make a correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
Eyes: a healthy Russian hunting spaniel is clean, without souring and tears. Once a week for prevention, wipe your eyes with a weak tea brew or a decoction of chamomile flowers.
Claws: cut with a claw cutter - guillotine 1 time per month. If he is active, he runs a lot, the procedure can be done less often. But in this case, watch the condition of the claws, they should not be too long or twisted. This leads to lameness.
Always remember the fifth toe on the front paws.
Mites and fleas: 1 time per month, treat the Russian Spaniel with a parasitic agent (Frontline, Advantix). The drug is applied to the withers, do not bathe for 10 days.
Hunting breeds more than others are infected with ticks, as they spend more time in the forest, running through the undergrowth.
After a walk or a hunt, be sure to examine your pet for the presence of parasites. If you find a tick, do not be scared, gently remove it, and treat the bite with green paint.
After that, track the spaniel for several days. If he is active, eats with appetite, the urine is clean, you are lucky, the tick is not infectious.
But noticing lethargy, lack of appetite, increased body temperature (40 - 42 ° C), red or brown urine, immediately go to the vet. Only a specialist can save a dog.
Food of the Russian hunting spaniel
Russian hunting spaniel photo near the painted house with a bowl
The diet of the Russian hunting spaniel should include the products necessary for the body, vitamins and minerals. ROS is characterized by a constant feeling of hunger. Even if he has just eaten, he will still ask for more.
The main task of the owner to monitor the size of portions and provide physical activity.
A Russian hunting spaniel puppy is fed 4-5 times a day, at intervals of 3 hours. As they grow older, the number of feedings decreases to 2 meals a day, morning - evening. Feeding should be full, healthy and balanced.
Clean water is always available for the dog. Keep your bowls clean and free of food. Wash them with hot water.
There are a number of products that can not be given, and do not fall for big hungry eyes, the key to a healthy dog is proper nutrition.
Spaniel puppy with a watchful look - photo on the table
Required products for Russian Spaniel:
- Lean meat (beef, rabbit, turkey, chicken)
- Liver, heart, kidney, udder, spleen
- Lungs, mesentery, clippings, stomach
- Meat and bone meal
- Sections, cartilage, captives
- Heads, legs, wings
- Sea fish (boneless)
- Cereals (rice, oatmeal, buckwheat)
- Seasonal vegetables and fruits
- Bread, dried or stale (can be added to milk or liquid soup)
- Rye crackers strengthen and brush teeth
- Lactic products (kefir, low-fat cottage cheese)
- Fat meat
- Smoked meat
- Seasonings
- Chocolate
- Spice
- River fish
- Legumes (lead to gas formation)
- Baking, fresh bread
- Sweets
Spaniel puppies give scalded meat products in the form of minced meat, when changing milk teeth to permanent ones, in 7-8 months they are cut into small pieces.
Meat wastes from the intestines and stomach are boiled, there is a risk of infection with pathogenic bacteria.
Hunting breeds are fed from game birds in a boiled form so that the dogs do not subsequently tore and crush the game.
The portion must be eaten in the undergrowth, the leftover food is hidden in the refrigerator until the next feeding. Food is served at room temperature, always fresh.
Russian Spaniel Club
In 2001, the Russian Hunting Spaniel Club began its work. Today it is a serious organization known to all fans of this breed. The initiator of the creation of the organization was the expert of the first category, K. V. Borisovich, who devoted most of his life to the study and breeding of hunting dogs. One of his favorite pets was the Russian hunting spaniel. "Dynamo" - Moscow City Society took under its auspices created section.
The club was created largely thanks to enthusiasts who wish to support the development of this breed, to promote its popularization in our country. Today the Russian hunting spaniel is experiencing a rebirth. Moscow, due to the presence of the club, occupies a leading position in this process.
Irina Andreevna Eremina, an expert in the All-Russian category, is providing enormous assistance in organizing the work of the section and in preparing young experts. The club has several kennels in which professional breeders breed dogs. Today, there are many people who want to buy a purebred Russian Spaniel dog. Puppy in the nursery of the club costs from 15 to 40 thousand rubles.
Currently, over 400 animals are registered in the section. The most active owners represent their pets at exhibitions and field trials. Members of the club share the conviction that there is no best dog for dog hunting in Russia.
Russian hunting spaniel: breed description
This is a long-haired, squat animal of strong build. Growth in the withers of a dog does not exceed 44 cm, the bitch is slightly smaller (42 cm). An adult weighs from 14 to 20 kg. Growth exceeding the maximum by 1 cm is a disadvantage; over 1 cm is a defect.
Russian Spaniel is folded in proportion. The head is not too large, covered with tightened skin. The length of the skull and muzzle are approximately equal, the back of the nose is parallel to the line of continuation of the forehead. The transition to the face is smooth, but distinctly pronounced. Lips tight to the face, fully pigmented.
The Russian hunting spaniel has a rectangular body with a slightly falling back line. The sternum is not very deep, elongated, with distinct, springy ribs. The back is wide, elastic, the loins are not very long and slightly raised, the croup is muscular and sloping.
Coat
Consists of undercoat and guard hair. The undercoat is quite dense, not leaking water. Ostev hair of medium length, having a characteristic healthy shine, straight. Sometimes it has a small wave. On the front side of the paws and muzzle, the coat is very dense and short, on the back side of the neck and the body is of medium length.
Long and soft hair is located on the chest, ears, abdomen, back of the paws, "pants" and on the tail.
When choosing a puppy, it is sometimes difficult for novice dog breeders to understand the variety of colors of this breed. The breed standard allows the following colors:
- one-color: brown, red, black, tan: brown and black with tan,
- bicolor: red-piebald, brown-pygmy, black-pygmy,
- tricolor: black and brown and brown with a tan.
Vices are considered all colors that are not listed above. The Russian hunting spaniel is rarely black or brown. These puppies are well marked at birth.
Breeders are well aware of the signs by which one can easily determine whether a Russian hunting spaniel will be speckled. Puppies of this color have pigmentation of pads and nose from an early age. A puppy will necessarily be speckled if it has a dark nose, and the pads of the paws are completely pigmented or dark spots cover them (the stronger the pads are pigmented, the more intense the color will be).
A puppy, whose paw pads and nose are pink at birth, will be a contrasting one. During the first four weeks (sometimes a little later), pigmentation begins in these areas. First, dark “freckles” appear on the nose. Their number gradually increases and they merge with each other, staining the nose. Paw pads may remain pink, or rare dark spots will appear on them.
If you ask the owners: “What are the main features of the Russian hunting spaniel?” - the majority would call equilibrium, vitality, tenderness and friendliness. The dog Russian hunting spaniel is a devoted and courageous pet. Here it should be clarified that the owner of the dog recognizes only one, which will obey implicitly and try to earn his praise. The rest of the family for your four-legged friend will become full members of the "flock" who will be awarded with respect and tenderness.
For children, the spaniel is restrained and patient. If the little member of the “pack” is too intrusive or unrestrained while playing, the dog will go to a secluded corner. The Russian Spaniel most often ignores other pets. To strangers are mistrustful, but at the same time rather restrained. Unmotivated aggression towards someone is not typical for this breed.
However, future owners should be aware that the pliable disposition and high intelligence of a spaniel are perfectly combined in it with a magnificent artistic gift. Begging for a piece of your favorite treat, this dog can persuade a stone statue. Russian Spaniel is a faithful and reliable friend, which often exhibits remarkable guard qualities.
Education and training of the Russian hunting spaniel
To engage in the education of this dog must begin with the first days of the appearance of a pet in your home. Even an inexperienced owner will be able to cope with it; in any case, there will be no problems with working out the main commands. Late training can lead to serious difficulties in the future. Dogs who do not know what is permitted, bring additional trouble to the owner. Inexperienced owner is better to seek help from a professional dog handler.
The Russian hunting spaniel does not seek to dominate the host house. Puppies choose the only person they "designate" as their master. It is desirable that he was engaged in raising the baby, familiarized with the first teams, and family members should adhere to a single line of conduct with a new family member (for example, do not praise him for what the owner has forbidden to do).
Puppies quickly learn where their place is for rest and food. In addition, the baby must understand that his food is in the bowl, and not on the master's table. If you do not once stand before a charming tiny creature, be sure that the eyes of your “starving” dog will be directed at you during each meal.
After the puppy has mastered the basic skills and concepts of behavior in the house, it is advisable to go with him early - the course of training (general). It will allow the spaniel to better understand the owner, and in addition, it will be useful for the owner, who can manage the animals more easily. This course can be taken in specialized schools, and you can master it yourself, using the literature on cynology.
Training in hunting skills should be conducted under the supervision of an instructor, especially if the owner of the animal is a beginner. Usually for young dogs, training is carried out in the form of a game - so your four-legged friend will more easily learn the knowledge gained.
The first appearance of a puppy in the house
So, you decided to buy a Russian Spaniel puppy, found a well-proven kennel, met your future pet and his parents. What to do next?
Before bringing the baby to the house, it is necessary to provide a new member of the family with a place to rest, prepare toys and equipment for walking (leash, collar, toys) and make an appointment at a veterinary clinic. Having bought a puppy, do not rush to transport it to a new home. It is better to do this in the morning: the baby will more easily tolerate the transfer and separation from his family.
Upon arrival home, let the puppy rest a bit, and then pick him up and walk across the apartment. On the bedding for your four-legged friend, place some object familiar to him from his old place of residence: a blanket flap or a toy. The familiar smell will help the baby to quickly get used to the new house.
Care and maintenance of the spaniel
Caring for a Russian spaniel is no different from caring for other hunting breeds: basically it comes down to caring for ears, hair and paws. Of course, a regular examination of the eyes and teeth is necessary.
The exhibition animal is officially forbidden to cut, as well as use other methods of artificially improving the exterior. But pet owners know that today you can turn to the groomers, who will give the animal a proper look, hide the flaws and highlight its merits.
If your pet is not an exhibitor, then the animal's hair should be combed and washed regularly. During long walks, which the spaniel needs, its wool is very dirty, therefore, in addition to constant washing of paws, ears and abdomen, full baths every two weeks are necessary.
It is advisable to use special zoo shampoos. If there are none, you can use a cleanser for dry hair with conditioner. Temporarily can replace a special tool and baby shampoo without sharp flavors and dyes.
Ear care
The most problematic place of this breed are the ears. Care of them should be given special attention. They should be regularly inspected and once every three days clean the ear with a cotton swab moistened with water. After bathing, it is necessary to thoroughly dry not only the outer part of the ear, the earlobe should also be thoroughly dried.
If your four-legged friend is not just a great companion, but also an excellent hunter, then after each return from nature, a careful examination of the animal is necessary to identify ticks. This must be done even if the dog has previously been treated with special preparations that protect against insect bites.
Owner reviews
According to the owners, who keep this dog as a companion, this is a great friend, friendly and loyal, great towards all members of the family, feeling the owner's mood, not being too intrusive.
Hunters are sure that the best helper for working on feathered game is not to be found. A Russian spaniel on a hunt shows itself as a smart, agile and quick dog. У него великолепно развит охотничий инстинкт, чутье, а природная сообразительность помогает находить дичь даже в сложных условиях.
Происхождение породы
У российских охотников в течение нескольких веков не было выбора, так как полюбившиеся им спаниели были выходцами из Европы, и их техника работы не совсем подходила для местных земель. But the dogs had a lot of virtues, so they were used for work.
Some time later, an idea emerged to take the English Cocker Spaniel as a basis and create its own breed, whose representatives could have hunted well on Russian lands. In the breeding, Springer and Susek were also used, but the resulting offspring outwardly resembled more spaniels than dogs of other species.
By 1949, the breed was as refined as possible, and the world was replenished with another hunting dog - the Russian hunting spaniel. Within a couple of years, the first standard was approved. And although the breeders returned to the issue of improving the breed qualities, since 1972, its representatives have stopped to knit with other dogs.
Unfortunately, the domestic spaniels have not received recognition from the International Cynological Association, but as for the RCF, this organization deservedly appreciated the work of domestic breeders.
Breed description Russian hunting spaniel
Thoroughbred representatives are dogs of medium size, elongated format, lean and muscular, with long hair. But in reality - these are beautiful, charming dogs, when you look at them you understand - such a dog is a serious hunter, assistant and companion.
Russian spaniels are distinguished by courage, loyalty, friendliness, they are easily trained and not conflicted. In dogs, gender is expressed - in females, the back is slightly longer, and the skull is narrower.
Adults weigh from 10 to 18 kg, growth males is 40-45 cm, females - does not exceed 43 cm. In the standard, you can find the following description of Russian hunting spaniels:
- Head medium in size, proportionate to body build, covered with tight skin, without folds. The length of the skull and muzzle is almost the same, the back of the nose is straight, it smoothly continues the line of the forehead.
- The muzzle tapers to the nose, ends in the U-shaped. Lips neat, tight, completely pigmented with black color. They completely cover the lower jaw, but not the chin area.
- The jaw is equipped with a complete set of teeth - smooth, white, creating a scissor bite without gaps. The standard allows only such a bite, the rest are a serious defect.
- Nose broad, flat, mobile, nostrils well opened. The color of the lobe depends on the general color of the animal or the markings available - it can be black or any brown tones.
- Eyes medium, oval-shaped, planted moderately deep, iris brown - hue depends on the color of the coat. Look expressive, friendly.
- Auricles long, medium thickness, hang down, located on the mobile cartilage.
- In dogs of this breed, the body has a rectangular format, the line of the back is descending. A bitch may not have a slope from the withers to the croup. The skin is taut, with good elasticity, does not create folds, not loose.
- The neck is proportional, well muscled, the neck is moderately pronounced. The rib cage is not very spacious, deep, the ribs are springy.
- Back broad, muscular, goes into a raised lower back, not very long, the croup is muscular, with gentleness. The inguinal line is well trimmed, but without dryness.
- Limbs strong, strong joints, but lacking a certain roughness. The forelimbs have dry muscles, they are located straight, set slightly wider than the extreme line of the sternum.
- The hind limbs are set wider than the fore, the thighs are long, with pronounced muscular tissue, powerful hocks and sheer metatarsus.
- In workers, the procedure for removing dewclaws is mandatory.
- Tail very mobile, in order to prevent injury to the pet during work, the tail is stopped by 50%, but today this procedure is not mandatory. A docked tail is not an advantage when evaluating the exterior of an animal. The spaniel carries the tail in line with its back, and when the dog is excited, it can rise a little higher.
Possible colors
The standard clearly identified the colors of the representatives of this breed. Dogs can be:
- monochromatic - with brown, red, black wool,
- tan: brown with black tan,
- bicoloured: red-piebald, brown-piebald, black-piebald,
- three-colored: black and piebald and brown-piebald with tan.
All other shades of coat are referred to as vices. Rare are Russian hunting spaniels with black or monotone brown fur. Experienced breeders determine puppies with a similar color almost immediately, knowing several features.
The nature of the breed
As practice shows, not all representatives of hunting breeds are comfortable in everyday life. Often, a dog who shows excellent qualities in his work can only live in an aviary the rest of the time. But this does not apply to the Russian Spaniels, they are smart, flexible and called upon to live side by side with a person.
Such a pet is very attached to the owner and loves to accompany him, and the dog will not interfere with and be imposed. Like all Spaniels, Russian hunting people love water - they really enjoy life in a local pond for them, so you shouldn’t deprive your pet of simple joy.
If the dog restrains himself in a private house, then he can be let out to the local territory, only by closing the entrance. Dog can self-entertain, running and frolicking in the fresh air.
Russian Spaniel is an ideal pet for families with children. Quite often, an animal has a strong relationship with a child - friendship for life. They will surely find common interests - games, running around, besides, the dog will be happy to carry out the commands of the little owner.
When purchasing a puppy spaniel, you should consider its strong hunting instincts. Birds, rodents and other small animals will be considered as prey. But with other dogs spaniel will not interfere, as well as with cats. But it is better not to enter someone else’s cat’s territory - the dog will definitely drive them away.
Education and training
The Russian spaniel is attributed to the pets of one owner, it is he who must educate and train his pet, not entrusting it to other people. The owner does not require any special knowledge and experience - the spaniel is naturally obedient and docile.
The most important skill necessary for representatives of all hunting breeds is to immediately appear at the call. The dog should do it, even being in the heat. And it does not matter if they call him while hunting or running after a neighbor's cat.
Spaniels need a separate refinement of working qualities. They definitely need to master the command, providing restraint and concentration of attention of the animal. For a working dog, field training is important, preferably in the presence of an experienced hunter.
Feeding features
The owner of the Russian spaniel has a choice - to feed the pet with natural food or commercial rations. If the owner does not have time to prepare food for the dog, then it is worth staying at the second option.
With natural feeding should take into account the peculiarity of the dog's body - it is enough to determine a number of useful products, make a diet and find out the size of the portion, based on the weight and physical activity of the dog.
Food at 70-75% should consist of lean meat and offal, a couple of times a week a pet can be given boiled boneless fish. Also, the dog must be given porridge, vegetables - raw and fresh, greens, fruits.
The working animal needs more nutritious, high-calorie food. A couple of times a month is recommended to arrange a Spaniel fasting day. Supplementary feeding with vitamin-mineral complexes is introduced.
As soon as the baby has appeared in the house, it is necessary to establish the feeding mode. A puppy is fed several times a day, depending on age, gradually reducing the number of feedings. It is enough for an adult animal to give food twice a day - in the morning and evening hours.
Pet content
A Russian hunting spaniel can live both in the apartment and in the aviary, as it is well tolerated in both frost and heat. When outdoors, the dog must build a warmed booth, in an apartment it is enough to lay a mattress or lounger.
Prior to vaccinating a puppy, it is not recommended to take it outside, which means it will relieve it at home. Kids of this breed are able to quickly understand why the owner put a tray or lay a diaper for them. When the time of schooling to the street toilet comes, you will have to go out with the puppy as soon as he starts to sit down.
All spaniels, and Russians, are no exception; they need active, long walks. The dog can be taken for jogging, he can also run next to the bike, with pleasure he takes it, takes barriers of various heights. Without a load, a dog can earn obesity, it has various diseases, and life expectancy is reduced.
In crowded, busy places, a pet should be kept on a leash, as it reacts quite vividly to any stimuli - it can jerk past a running cat, bird or a running company of children.
How to care for Russian Spaniel
Special care is not required. Since hunting dogs, especially working ones, are more often than others in contact with wild animals and are located in the forest zone, care should be taken to ensure timely vaccination and treatment against external parasites. For the summer period, the pet can wear a special, flea collar. Regular helminthization is also required.
Despite the great love of bathing, the dog does not need frequent procedures. Spaniels have no smell of dog, besides, their wool has a special coating that repels dirt, so it is enough to wash the pet 3-4 times a year.
Russian spaniels have a beautiful, silky hair, which should be combed out once a week, the resulting mats should be carefully disassembled. The claws of such active animals grind themselves; rarely apartment individuals need their haircut once a month.
Special attention should be given to the long ears of the dog, due to the hanging form they are poorly ventilated, and often inflammatory processes occur in them. They must be examined, identifying pathology.
Features of the breed Russian Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel has a well-developed intuition, it can recognize a suspicious person and is wary of it.
The merciful nature of the Russian spaniel will allow you to train him for obedience, simple tricks and of course for hunting. Spaniels from puppyhood need to be taken on the hunt, the sooner they do it, the faster the baby will be able to professionally hunt.
Recently in Russia, owners of hunting cocker spaniels began to gather. They organize competitions outside the city that have already become annual. Each pair (master and dog) must find a hidden bird for a while, after a shot the pet must bring and give prey to the owner. Spaniels hunt not only birds, they are used in catching hares, wild goats, sandpiper and other small animals.
If you compare the Russian and American Cocker Spaniel, you can see the difference in growth, Russian is slightly higher. The hair of American Spaniel is much longer. In terms of training, our spaniel wins, he remembers teams better and faster. Going for a walk never loses sight of his master
Buying a puppy
It is recommended to acquire a Russian hunting spaniel puppy from an experienced breeder or in a kennel - in any case, the seller must have a good reputation. In Moscow there is a kennel "Forest Hunter" http://www.foresthunter.ru/, in Kiev - the "New Generation" https://novoepokolenie.jimdo.com/.
Another important point: if you need a dog for hunting, then you should pay attention to the offspring of working parents. The future “hunter” must go through the procedure of removing the dewclaws, more often such babies stop the tail, this is done for babies 5-6 days old. At the time of purchase, the future owner should make sure that the wounds healed.
When buying a puppy, people risk acquiring a mongrel, a half-breed, or a puppy that has any hidden pathologies. The breeder must give the baby along with all the documents that contain the necessary marks. You should pay attention to the type of puppy: a cheerful, strong toddler, with strong paws, shiny, clean hair can easily go to a new home.
Representatives of this breed are cheap, you can buy a puppy with good working qualities and excellent pedigree for 10,000-20000 thousand. The offspring, which has no pedigree, will be cheaper - from 3000 to 7000 rubles.
Russian hunting spaniel combines the best qualities of working dogs and at the same time has a charming, aristocratic appearance. Yes, he can become a favorite of the family, but he will have to try - providing the dog with the necessary load and paying attention to his upbringing and training. Such a dog should have one owner, which means that a person acquires a puppy that will be with him throughout his life.
