Q: Which organizations recognize the Russian Spaniel breed in North America?

A: At this point the breed is not on the American Kennel Club or Canadian Kennel Club breed list. We are preparing an application to the United Kennel Club.

For those interested in testing the dog's retrieving abilities, the Russian Spaniel is on the approved breed list for North American Hunting Retriever Association.

Breed is listed with some less known clubs: Continental Kennel Club, Universal Kennel Club, and Federation of International Canines. We, however, do not encourage registration with any of these as there seem to be no benefits to it, at least yet.

Q: What is the RSC's plan for the future?

A: The UKC is a club that is well respected for their dedication to working qualities of the dogs as well as the exteriors. It is the goal of RSC to preserve the Russian Spaniel's perfect combinations of looks and hunting abilities, and therefore, the UKC would be the perfect place to start. UKC runs conformation and field events, and would recognize RSC as the breed's home club and registry.

The AKC and CKC recognition would become the reality only if the Russian Kynological Federation petitions the Federation Cynologique Internationale for breed recognition. At this point it is unclear what the future holds since there are many opponents to this in Russia.

Q: As an owner, what can I do to help RSC?

A: Start with enjoying your dog and letting others know how much fun this breed is. This is simple and we all do it unintentionally. As our club's motto says: "Once you own a Russian Spaniel, the breed owns your heart!" Please be ready to answer questions about the breed and its history. A very common question you will face is "what's the difference between the Russian and other spaniels?". This information is available on the club's website, so please take the time to educate yourself, as you are now the speaker for this wonderful breed. Popularity of the breed increases the chances of getting it recognized.

Second, consider becoming a breeder. By that we mean, commit to having one or two litters of puppies in your dog's lifetime. It requires getting your dog's exterior evaluated, then getting the approval for breeding and recommendation of a bitch/dog to breed to. RSC would provide any advice you might need while you care for the pregnant dog and for new puppies, as well as help with finding buyers. Large population of dogs in North America and number of breeders is a requirement for breed recognition by most clubs.

Third, get your dog field trained. If you are a hunter, please have your dog evaluated at field trials or hunt tests as soon as he or she is ready. If you are not a hunter, please look into getting the pup field trained and tested anyway. It is a lot of fun for you and the pup! Remember that Russian Spaniel is a bird dog, and he or she will love the chance to use the inherited abilities in the field!  There are many books out there explaining ins and outs of "do it yourself" field training. At least, read one of these books to see if it is something you might want to do. You could surprise yourself and love it as much as your pup! Or you could work with a professional trainer. In addition to making your dog happy, you would be assuring the continuation of working qualities in the future generations of Russian Spaniels in the North America as well as helping spread the news to hunters who are the "target" pool of future owners for the breed.