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Russian Spaniel
Sporting breed from Russia
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Russian Spaniel
The Russian Spaniel is a medium-sized sporting dog with a long, silky coat and feathered ears. It is known for being energetic, friendly, intelligent, devoted, and loyal. This breed is the only gundog developed in Russia, created as a versatile flushing spaniel for hunting game birds. Its recognition status varies by registry, and it belongs to the Sporting group. The breed's size, lifespan, and other traits are based on modelled estimates, so individual dogs may vary.
Quick facts
Russian Spaniel at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupSporting
OriginRussia
Lifespan12–14 years
Male weight13–16 kilogram
Female weight13–16 kilogram
Male height38–43 centimetre
Female height38–43 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Russian Spaniel was developed in the Soviet Union after World War II, according to historical accounts. Breeders crossed English Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, and other European spaniels to create a versatile gundog suited to Russia's vast and varied terrain. The first official breed standard was established in 1951. This breed is the only gundog developed in Russia, and it was designed for hunting game birds in Russian terrain. However, the exact details of its early development are not fully documented, and some information may be uncertain.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
13–16 kilogramAdult weight38–43 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesLongCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Energeticfriendlyintelligentdevotedloyal
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Russian Spaniel-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
Similar breeds
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Growth chart
Russian Spaniel puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight13–16 kilogramAdult female weight13–16 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Russian Spaniel?
Based on modelled estimates, adult Russian Spaniels typically weigh between 13 and 16 kg and stand 38 to 43 cm tall at the shoulder. Their estimated lifespan is 12 to 14 years. These figures are estimates, so individual dogs may differ.
What is the temperament of a Russian Spaniel?
The breed is described as energetic, friendly, intelligent, devoted, and loyal. However, temperament can vary among individual dogs, and not every dog will display all these traits consistently.
How much exercise does a Russian Spaniel need?
With an energy score of 4 out of 5, the Russian Spaniel is a high-energy breed that likely requires regular, vigorous exercise. As a sporting dog developed for hunting, it probably benefits from activities like running, fetching, or field work.
What are the grooming requirements for a Russian Spaniel?
The breed has a long coat and a grooming score of 3 out of 5, indicating moderate grooming needs. Regular brushing is likely necessary to prevent mats and tangles, and occasional bathing may be required.
Is the Russian Spaniel suitable for families with children or other dogs?
The breed has a child suitability score of 4 and a dog compatibility score of 4 out of 5, suggesting it generally gets along well with children and other dogs. However, individual temperaments vary, so proper socialization and supervision are always recommended.
Can a Russian Spaniel live in an apartment?
With an apartment suitability score of 3 out of 5, the Russian Spaniel may adapt to apartment living if given sufficient exercise, but its high energy level makes a home with a yard more ideal.
Where does the Russian Spaniel originate from?
The Russian Spaniel originates from Russia. It was developed in the Soviet Union after World War II by crossing English Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, and other European spaniels, according to historical sources.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.