Russian Spaniel
Also known as Russkiy Okhotnichiy Spaniel
Russia, Spaniels and gundogs
- Size
- Medium
- Height
- 38–45 cm
- Weight
- 9–16 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 yrs
- Cheerful
- Devoted
- Trainable
- Energetic
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
The Russian Spaniel is a sturdy, cheerful hunting spaniel developed in the Soviet Union and standardised in 1951. It looks like a longer-bodied English Cocker with a shorter, tighter coat and comes in many colours. It is popular in Russia but still fairly rare elsewhere.
Size
- Size
- Medium
- Height at shoulder
- 38–45 cm
- Adult weight
- 9–16 kg
Typical adult ranges. Males are often at the top of the range and females at the bottom. Most reach adult size by around 12 months.
Lifespan
12–14 years
Most Russian Spaniels live 12–14 years. Like other medium dogs, they're usually considered senior from about 8, when twice-yearly vet checks help catch problems early. Keeping them lean is one of the most effective things you can do for a long life. How old is that in human years?
Temperament
It is lively, easy-going and devoted, and is often kept as a family companion as well as a gundog. It is trainable, usually good with children and will bark to alert you.
- Cheerful
- Devoted
- Trainable
- Energetic
Food
For a typical 12.5 kg adult- Energy
- ≈ 750 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Water
- 500 ml–750 ml
- a day, from all sources
- Most adults do well on two measured meals a day rather than one large one.
- Prone to weight gain — weigh each meal, count treats as part of the daily total, and check body condition monthly.
- Choose a complete food for their life stage, and ask your vet before changing diet if they have a health condition.
Starting points only — age, activity and the food itself change the numbers. Work out portions for your dog · Foods to avoid
Exercise
90–120 min a dayAn energetic dog that needs daily exercise, ideally with chances to swim, retrieve or search.
Grooming & shedding
Brush the coat weekly and keep the feathering on ears and legs tidy. Check the long ears regularly.
Health
Like other long-eared spaniels it needs regular ear checks. It gains weight easily, so measure food. Some dogs develop food allergies as puppies, commonly to chicken. There are no other well-known breed-specific problems.
The breed can be prone to
- Ear infections
- Obesity
- Food allergies
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- Hip scoring
- Eye examination
Not every Russian Spaniel is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. See common conditions and the symptom checker.
History
Spaniels were imported into Russia from the late 19th century, but small breeds struggled with Russian conditions, so hunters bred longer-legged dogs using English Springer and Cocker Spaniels. A standard was adopted in 1951 and revised in 1966 and 2000. The breed reached North America in the 1990s, and a US breed club was set up in 2002.
- Country of origin
- Russia
- Type
- Spaniels and gundogs
- Recognition
- Recognised by the Russian Kynological Federation and some minor registries; not recognised by the FCI, AKC or The Kennel Club
Is a Russian Spaniel right for you?
Could suit
- Active owners who enjoy long walks, running or hiking
- People who'd rather not spend much time grooming
- First-time owners prepared to train consistently
Think twice if
- You can't give well over an hour of exercise a day, every day
Cost to keep
About average- Moderate food and insurance costs
- Little or no professional grooming needed
- A 12–14 year commitment
- Budget for breed-related health checks or insurance
A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.
Not sure? Try the breed finder.
Russian Spaniel FAQ
How big does a Russian Spaniel get?
Adult Russian Spaniels typically stand about 38–45 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 9–16 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do Russian Spaniels live?
Typically 12–14 years. Keeping them lean, active and up to date with vet checks gives the best chance of a long, healthy life.
How much exercise does a Russian Spaniel need?
As a guide, around 90–120 minutes a day, split between walks, play and sniffing time. Puppies and older dogs need shorter, gentler sessions.
How much grooming does a Russian Spaniel need?
A brush once a week. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are Russian Spaniels easy to train?
Usually quick to learn with reward-based training.
Do Russian Spaniels shed?
A moderate amount. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control.
Are Russian Spaniels good with children?
They usually do well with children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.
Can a Russian Spaniel live in a flat?
It can work — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
What health problems do Russian Spaniels have?
The breed can be prone to ear infections, obesity, food allergies. Not every Russian Spaniel is affected — ask a breeder about health testing, and your vet about what to watch for.
Written by the Petopedia editorial team to our editorial standards. General guidance, not veterinary advice.