Russian Salon Dog History

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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.

The Russian Salon Dog first arrived in the United Sates by way of the late Karen Hansen, a well known Biewer Terrier breeder from Colorado. 

The breed has steadily grown in popularity as new breeding programs continue to be created. In 2023 the IABCA, International All Breed Canine Association, recognized the breed and now allow Russian Salon Dogs to participate in conformation and earn titles.

The Russian Salon dog was developed  nearly 30 years ago and was created by Yulia Lakatosh in Russia in 1996. Multiple breeds took part in the creation of mermaids.The Russian Salon Dog was recognized by the RKF in 2013.  In 2016 The Russian salon Dog was successfully presented to the public at the World Cynological Championship in Moscow. 

The main idea of creating the breed was to obtain a classical exterior of miniature gentle decorative dogs of various colors, with erect ears, a rounded head, soft flowing long-hair and a pleasurable complaisant character, which are suitable for all size homes. 

Russian Salon dog owners often prefer the abbreviation – “RUSALKA” or Mermaid. This comes from the first and last syllables of the Russian Name for the breed: RUsskaya SALonnaya sobaKA (Russian Salon Dog).

The Russian Salon dog is a cheerful and compact friend, pleasant companion and not very difficult to care for. This dog combines all the best features of its foundation breeds with excellent health. The hair of the dogs can be cut short as well as left in the natural long length. Both lengths can participate in exhibitions, due to the breed standard.

Since the coat of Russian Salon dog varies wide in color, this particular point has been adopted as the criterion for distinguishing between the two varieties of the breed: red color group and all other colors. These two varieties are exhibited and judged separately and can each be awarded.