I am actively looking for some help in obtaining a Russian Spaniel preferably a male but am open.

I also would like to know if there is any reliable information as  yet on the instances of Spaniel Syndrome in the breed.

If importing from Russia is the only option for the next 6-8 months  I would really appreciate hearing about other's experiences with this procedure. My main concern is stress and health of the puppy followed by relaibility on the other end as to blood lines etc, and of course cost.

Please help if you can.

Tom M in NJ

I am hoping that other members would say something in this topic about their importation experience. In the mean time, there is a webpage http://www.russianspanielclub.org/import_testimony.cfm where we placed such descriptions, although it has not been updated in a long time.

I am sold on the concept--a little nervous but ready to do whatever I need to begin the process of getting a puppy. I filled out a puppy request form on the webiste. Would you please advise me what else I need do to begin the process.

Tom M

tom@bestrestaurantjobs.com

  Importing inherently is scary, but I was very happy with the care our puppy received.  She came off the plane as cute and happy as could be (she did travel with another puppy).  Having both a "home grown" and imported puppy (our Nika had puppies in January of 2007 and we kept one), I can see no difference.

  When Nika had her puppies, 3 of the prospective owners came to see the puppies first; one had been promised before the puppies were even born.  If this is not reasonable for you, importing seems like a workable option.  I don't know if any litters are expected in the US, but Anna would know for sure.

  I am a big fan of the Russian Spaniel, friendly temperment, nice size, beautiful/handsome and quick learners.  Good luck with your decision.

Elaine, Nikalena and Sofiya

I obtained my russian spaniel puppy from a lovely woman in Arizona summer 2007. The litter was born in April 2007. He arrived on Conntinental Airlines clean and healthy. He was a little scared at first, but that seemed normal for a little puppy flying hundreds of miles by himself. Within an hour or so he was playing and chewing. The breed has been everything that was described on the breed profile. My observations have been:

 The puppy is exptremely playful and mischeavious. The breed in general is medium energy, my puppy requires about an hour of active play or running per day on average. 

Has expensive taste in chew toys. He does still chew on things, but is becoming less as he gets older.

Loves to walk and is a fantastic ball retriever. Is not real excited about water. Very cautious will go in to get a ball, but only if his feet touch the ground. Not interested in swimming, but I haven't pushed it.

Is wonderful with kids -both kids and dog require supervision as they can get too rough with each while playing.

Regarding any rage :

He does not bark often. Usually only when someone comes to the house. One thing I have noticed is that for a small dog he has a surprisingly big deep sounding voice. If you could not see him; you would think a much bigger dog was barking. That being said, despite being my 3 year old son's main playmate he has never even been even irritable or overly protective of his things(even when my son has been near his toys or food). I do supervise the two of them, because if they do get into trouble it is they are getting too out-of-hand with their play.

He has never had an episode of "Springer rage" When I took him to dog training of course everyone mistakes him for a springer. I noticed on two occasions if he barked, one of the trainers would come down on him hard - much harder than the other dogs and harder than seemed necessary. When I asked why she did this she mentioned "Springer Rage".  I mentioned later to her that he is not a springer, but she didn't seem to believe that their was a breed called russian spaniel. She just responded, "you have to be concerned with rage with all the spaniels."  None of the other trainers responded this way. Maybe she had a bad experience at one time. I suspect if the dog would have had any rage -it would have been toward that trainer. The dog stopped barking and continued on with the training without any problems.

The only criticisms I could say:

1. Sometimes he snitches food off the counter.

2. Sometimes he gets too excited when he is playing.

I think with training and maturity those things will even out. Didn't mean to get so long winded, but I just really like my Russian Spaniel. If you read the profile and feel it's a good fit go for it. If you have more questions, perhaps you can make arrangements to meet one before you commit.

Take care,

Nicholi