The Russian Salon Dog Club of America (RSDCA) was founded in 2023 by Julie Burdette, a lifelong toy-breed enthusiast, exhibitor, and breeder of both Biewer Terriers and Russian Salon Dogs. From its inception, the Club has been dedicated to the responsible promotion, preservation, and advancement of the Russian Salon Dog in the United States, with a long-term objective of achieving formal recognition by the American Kennel Club (AKC).The RSDCA serves as the parent breed club for the Russian Salon Dog in the United States and operates as a member-owned nonprofit organization. The Club welcomes members nationally and internationally who share a commitment to ethical breeding practices, preservation of breed type, and adherence to an evolving breed standard.
The breed was first introduced to the United States through the late Karen Hansen, a respected Biewer Terrier breeder from Colorado. Since that time, Russian Salon Dogs have steadily gained visibility as dedicated American breeding programs have been established and expanded.
As the Russian Salon Dog became established in the United States, the development of accurate pedigree documentation and centralized record-keeping emerged as a critical priority for the breed’s long-term integrity. Alena Vasicek has played an essential role in this effort by preparing pedigrees and maintaining detailed registration records on behalf of the Russian Salon Dog Club of America.
Working in coordination with the Club, Vasicek has supported the organization of foundational pedigrees and historical records, helping ensure continuity, accuracy, and transparency as the breed continues to grow both domestically and internationally. All registry data and records are owned by the Russian Salon Dog Club of America and are maintained in accordance with Club policies and standards.
The progress and stability of the Russian Salon Dog Club of America would not have been possible without the combined efforts of its founder, Julie Burdette, and the Club’s Registrar, Alena Vasicek. Through collaborative work in breed development, documentation, and organizational growth, their efforts have helped shape the foundation upon which the Club continues to advance as a member-owned nonprofit organization.
The Russian Salon Dog’s progression from a developing national breed in Russia to an emerging international breed has been marked by several key milestones:
These milestones reflect the breed’s steady and deliberate advancement onto the international canine stage.
The Russian Salon Dog was first developed in 1996 by Yulia Lakatosh in Russia through the careful selection of several small companion breeds. The goal was to create a dog that combined elegance, sound structure, and a gentle, adaptable temperament suitable for both companionship and exhibition.
After nearly two decades of selective refinement, the breed achieved official recognition in its country of origin and began to attract interest beyond Russia’s borders.
The Russian Salon Dog—often affectionately referred to as RUSALKA (from RUsskaya SALonnaya sobaKA, meaning “Russian Salon Dog,” and also referencing the Russian word for “mermaid”)—is admired for its balance of beauty, temperament, and versatility.
Key characteristics include:
The Russian Salon Dog is unique in offering a wide range of coat colors. To promote clarity and consistency in conformation competition, Russian Salon Dogs are divided into two color groups:
These color groups are judged separately in the show ring, with each eligible for awards. This distinction also supports responsible breeding practices by encouraging predictability, preservation of type, and alignment with the breed’s developing standard.
A beacon of intelligence and passion, Yulia Lakatosh left an indelible mark on the world of canine enthusiasts. Her unwavering dedication to the preservation and improvement of the Russian Salon Dog breed is a testament to her love for these remarkable animals.
As a visionary breeder and a renowned dog show judge, she possessed an uncanny ability to discern the finest qualities in a dog. Her expert eye and keen understanding of the breed standard guided countless breeders and exhibitors toward success.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Yulia was a woman of extraordinary compassion and kindness. Her love for dogs extended far beyond the show ring, as she was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Though her life was tragically cut short by cancer, her legacy will live on through the countless dogs she brought into the world and the countless lives she touched. Let us honor her memory by continuing to celebrate the beauty, intelligence, and loyalty of the Russian Salon Dog breed.
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