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Russian Tracker Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Russian Tracker so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Extinct
Popularity Rank290
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OriginRussia flagRussia
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Russian Tracker known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Russian RetrieverRussian Retriever Yellow
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Russian Tracker? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

Russian Tracker Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Russian Tracker? Learn how big the Russian Tracker breed typically grows.
LargeGiant
Weight Statistics
How much does a Russian Tracker weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Russian Tracker breed.
Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Russian Tracker?
Male: 87.5 pounds (39.5 kg), Female: 77.5 pounds (35 kg)
Height
How tall is the Russian Tracker? Russian Tracker height:
Male: 28-30 inches (71-76 cm), Female: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Russian Tracker?
Male: 29 inches (73.5 cm), Female: 27 inches (68.5 cm)

Russian Tracker Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Russian Tracker puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Russian Tracker costs.
Unavailable
Unfortunately the Russian Tracker is an extinct dog breed, so there isn’t any available price range or breeder in the world for purchasing this breed.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Russian Tracker? How many Russian Tracker are there in the world?
Unavailable: This dog breed, unfortunately, is no longer available, it may even be extinct.

Russian Tracker Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Russian Tracker? Discover the Russian Tracker's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Smart: The Russian Tracker dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Russian Tracker is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Russian Tracker? Learn about the Russian Tracker's trainability and response to training methods.
Russian Tracker dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Russian Tracker as a watchdog? Learn about the Russian Tracker's alertness and guarding instincts.
Russian Tracker dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Russian Tracker dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is a Russian Tracker protective of its territory? Learn about the Russian Tracker's guarding instincts and behavior.
Russian Tracker dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Russian Tracker Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Russian Tracker have? Learn about characteristic Russian Tracker temperament and behavior traits.
Confident
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Russian Tracker sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Russian Tracker dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Russian Tracker a good family dog?
High: Russian Tracker dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Russian Retriever need? Russian Tracker social needs:
Russian Tracker dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Russian Tracker to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Russian Tracker roam?
Russian Tracker dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Russian Tracker have high prey drive?
Russian Tracker dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Russian Tracker Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Russian Tracker bark a lot? Learn about typical Russian Tracker vocalization patterns and triggers.
Low to Average: The Russian Tracker rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Russian Tracker? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Russian Tracker breed.
The Russian Tracker is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Russian Tracker live in an apartment? Learn about the Russian Tracker's suitability for apartment living.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Russian Tracker breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Russian Tracker indoors can cause a lot of problems.

Russian Tracker Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Russian Tracker to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Russian Tracker's flexibility to new situations.
Russian Tracker dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Russian Tracker be left alone? Learn about the Russian Tracker's tolerance to solitude.
Russian Tracker dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Russian Tracker Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Russian Tracker biting potential? Learn about the Russian Tracker's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Russian Tracker has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Russian Tracker mouthy? Learn about the Russian Tracker's tendency to use mouth during play.
Russian Tracker dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Russian Tracker dogs need to be taught a good attitude. We have compiled a list of Mouthy Dog Breeds.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Russian Tracker bite? Learn about the Russian Tracker's bite force measured in PSI.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Russian Tracker bite force: The Strongest. The Russian Tracker bite force is among the strongest in the canine world. The bite force Russian Tracker measurements are typically quite high, which is a testament to their powerful and large stature. The bite force of Russian Tracker dogs is impressive, and their Russian Tracker bite PSI is reflective of their powerful nature.

The Russian Tracker PSI bite should be respected, and appropriate precautions should be taken when interacting with these dogs. The PSI of a Russian Tracker bite is high, making them one of the strongest breeds in terms of bite force.

They are very protective of themselves and their families, therefore a dog bite from them could be exceptionally dangerous with their PSI being above 400.

To ensure a well-behaved and controlled dog, it's important to learn how to train a Russian Tracker puppy not to bite from an early age. It is important that they’re trained to be around others safely.

Russian Tracker Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Russian Tracker live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Russian Tracker breed.
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Russian Tracker: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Russian Tracker handle different weather? Learn about the Russian Tracker's climate adaptability.
Prefers cold weather
The Russian Tracker can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. Dogs can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia in extremely cold weather, so it is important to take precautions to keep your dog safe and comfortable during the winter months.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Russian Tracker? Discover typical conditions affecting the Russian Tracker breed.
Russian Trackers are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Russian Tracker need vet visits? Learn about the Russian Tracker's veterinary care requirements.
Rare
The Russian Tracker should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.

Russian Tracker Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Russian Tracker? Understand daily activity needs of the Russian Tracker breed.
Russian Tracker dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Russian Tracker need? How much exercise do Russian Tracker dogs require per day?

Do Russian Tracker dogs need a lot of exercises?

Russian Tracker dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Russian Tracker breed need?
Russian Tracker dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

Russian Tracker Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Russian Tracker prone to weight gain? Learn about the Russian Tracker's obesity risks.
High: The Russian Tracker breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding. If you want to keep balance, increase the amount and frequency of your daily dog walk and play with the Russian Tracker more often.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Russian Tracker weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Russian Tracker need daily? Learn about the Russian Tracker's feeding requirements.
4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Russian Tracker Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Russian Tracker hypoallergenic? Learn about the Russian Tracker's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Russian Tracker dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Russian Tracker come in? Discover all possible Russian Tracker color variations.
Yellow Golden
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Russian Tracker need? Learn about Russian Tracker coat maintenance requirements.
Average: The Russian Tracker requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Russian Tracker, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Drooling Tendency
Does a Russian Tracker drool a lot? Learn about the Russian Tracker's drooling habits.
The Russian Tracker drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool more than others, just like the Russian Tracker.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Russian Tracker smell bad? Learn about the Russian Tracker's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Russian Tracker has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Russian Tracker have? Learn about the Russian Tracker's fur characteristics.
SilkyWavyShinyStraight
Bathing Needs
How often does a Russian Tracker need baths? Learn about the Russian Tracker's bathing requirements.
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks. For example, oilier breeds may need to be bathed up to once a week.

Because many of these breeds are short-haired, a nice brushing won’t do much to redistribute the oils, so while these oils do protect the dog’s skin from overdrying, they can carry a pretty pungent odor.

Shedding Level
How much do Russian Tracker dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Russian Retriever? Do Russian Tracker dogs shed a lot?
Russian Tracker dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.

Russian Tracker Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Russian Tracker good with children? Learn about the Russian Tracker's behavior around kids of different ages.
Russian Tracker dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Russian Tracker get along with other pets? Discover the Russian Tracker's compatibility with other animals.
Russian Tracker dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Russian Tracker temperament with other people:
Russian Tracker dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do Russian Tracker dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Russian Tracker breed live with a cat?
Russian Tracker dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Russian Tracker good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Russian Tracker dogs get along with other dogs?
Russian Tracker dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Russian Tracker can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Russian Tracker breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Russian Tracker breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Russian Tracker dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Russian Tracker dogs good office canines? Do Russian Tracker dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Russian Tracker is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Russian Tracker dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Russian Retriever temperament with senior people? Are Russian Tracker dogs good for elderly owners?
Russian Trackers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Russian Tracker As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Russian Tracker be a service dog? Learn about the Russian Tracker's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Russian Tracker is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Russian Tracker good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Russian Tracker's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Russian Tracker is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Russian Tracker good at detection work? Learn about the Russian Tracker's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Russian Tracker is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Russian Tracker do search and rescue? Learn about the Russian Tracker's SAR capabilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Russian Tracker is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Russian Tracker good on boats? Learn about the Russian Tracker's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Russian Tracker breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Russian Tracker pull carts? Learn about the Russian Tracker's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Russian Tracker is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Russian Tracker used in military service? Learn about the Russian Tracker's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Russian Tracker Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Russian Tracker usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Russian Tracker pregnant? Learn about the Russian Tracker's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Russian Tracker: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Russian Tracker have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Russian Tracker Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Russian Tracker in? Learn about the Russian Tracker's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Russian Tracker in? Learn about the Russian Tracker's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

Russian Tracker Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Smart: The Russian Tracker dogs have great intelligence.
  • Training Difficulty: Russian Tracker dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Concerns: Russian Trackers are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Watchdog Rating: Russian Tracker dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Russian Tracker dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Russian Tracker dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Russian Tracker dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Russian Trackers are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Russian Tracker dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: Russian Tracker dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Adaptability: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Russian Tracker breed.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Russian Tracker drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
  • Obesity Tendency: High: The Russian Tracker breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Russian Tracker dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Russian Tracker dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Russian Tracker is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Russian Tracker History

The Russian Tracker, also known as the Russian Retriever, is an extinct breed of domestic dog. It is unknown when exactly the breed ceased to exist but researchers have proven that it could still be found in the late 19th century. The breed was of Asiatic Russian origin and for hundreds of years, it was used to protect and herd the flocks of the Indo-Aryan people in the wind-beaten, snow-swept Caucasus Mountains. The Russian Trackers are huge dogs, sometimes standing as high as 76cm at the shoulder and often weighing 45 or more kgs. Despite its large body, the breed was fast and flexible enough to chase off wolves and other predators that threatened the animals in any way. The breed has a thick, taffy colored double-coat that protected them well from both the harsh weather and the savage wildlife. Aside from their physical powers, the Russian Tacker was very intelligent, wise, capable and according to legends, the breed could keep himself and his flock alive and well for months on end with no human help at all.

Furthermore, on some level, the breed contributed and related to the Golden retriever, which was a descendant of the old breed. According to historians and researchers, in the mid-19th century, a man called Sir Dudley Majoribanks watched the performance of a troupe of Russian Tracker dogs at a circus in Brighton, England and he was amazed by the intelligence of these dogs. He reasoned that this could put good use in the field, so he brought the entire troupe of eight dogs and took them to his seat in the Guischan deer forest in Scotland. There he started breeding them without out-crossing for 10 years, but there was no game in Scotland suitable for their size, and in the 1870s plan were abandoned to established the breed in its original form.

Moreover, in the 19th-century Russian Trackers were crossed with Bloodhounds. However, only one generation of Bloodhound crosses is reported and on the basis of photographic records and notes, the descendants appear to have soon developed into the modern Golden Retriever type. The Golden Retriever is smaller than the Tracker, but their intensification of scenting ability, refinement is just as good.

However, the Russian Tracker being crossed with breeds like the Bloodhounds was one of the reasons why the breed got extinct in the late 19th century, as a variety of new hybrid dogs came out from the crossings. Even though they were excellent watchdogs, people started using other dogs in herding and protecting livestock. It is also said that they got extinct because breeders really didn’t have the idea which people owned the dog of the same breed and this made it impossible for them to multiply the number of these dogs so they vanished from existence soon.

Overall the Russian Tucker was a calm, gentle, and friendly nature dog. Not only they were good with the flocks they were meant to protect, but they were also relatively nice with other dogs and pet animals. They were also brave as they didn’t fear to chase down the wolves and other predators.

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Russian Tracker Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Riley

    Jan 30, 2020, 6:06:11 PM:

    My puppy is lit