The Russian Salon Dog Club of America was established in 2023 by Julie Burdette, a lifelong enthusiast of toy breeds. Julie both exhibits and breeds Biewer Terriers and Russian Salon Dogs and has made it her life’s work to see the Russian Salon Dog progress toward eventual recognition by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an officially recognized breed. The club was founded to serve as the parent breed club for the Russian Salon Dog in the United States, welcoming members from across the country and around the world.
The Russian Salon Dog was first introduced to the United States through the late Karen Hansen, a renowned Biewer Terrier breeder from Colorado. Since its introduction, the breed has gained steadily in popularity as new breeding programs continue to emerge. In 2023, the International All Breed Canine Association (IABCA) officially recognized the breed, granting Russian Salon Dogs the opportunity to participate in conformation events and earn titles.
Julie’s dedication to the breed has been a driving force behind its continued development and recognition. In 2024, the Russian Salon Dog was accepted into Phase 2 of the Bloodlines Listing Service with the United Kennel Club (UKC), with plans to move into Phase 3 and achieve full UKC recognition in the near future.
Originally developed nearly 30 years ago by Yulia Lakatosh in Russia in 1996, the Russian Salon Dog was the result of the careful selection of multiple breeds. The breed was formally recognized by the Russian Cynological Federation (RKF) in 2013. In 2016, the breed was successfully presented to the public at the World Cynological Championship in Moscow.
The primary goal behind the breed's creation was to produce a small, elegant, and gentle dog with a classical exterior, suitable for a variety of living environments. The breed was envisioned to feature erect ears, a rounded head, soft flowing long hair, and a pleasant, compliant temperament.
Russian Salon Dog owners often refer to the breed by its abbreviation, "RUSALKA" (meaning "Mermaid"), derived from the first and last syllables of the breed's Russian name: RUsskaya SALonnaya sobaKA (Russian Salon Dog).
The Russian Salon Dog is a cheerful, compact companion known for its delightful temperament and manageable care requirements. The breed successfully combines the best characteristics of its foundational breeds, with excellent overall health. The dogs' coats can be groomed short or left in their natural long length, and both variations conform to the breed standard for exhibition.
Due to the variety of coat colors within the breed, a distinction is made between two varieties: the red color group and all other color variations. These two varieties are judged separately during exhibitions, with each eligible for individual awards.
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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