OWNERS of a rare Russian dog breed came from far and wide for the UK’s first meet-up in Oxford over the weekend.

Eight owners got together to discuss their Russian Toy dogs, and work out ways to help protect the extremely rare breed, which is believed to be the smallest in the world.

Iffley resident Janine Bailey fell in love with the breed when her daughter Jeannette Filja, 35, bought one, called Secret, after losing her Patterdale terrier.

Her mum has since purchased two Russian Toy dogs – Foxy and Topps, one of which she brought from Lithuania.

At the get-together, owners, who came from across the south of England, set up the UK’s first breeding club for the variety, took their dogs on a walk and held fancy dress, sausage-eating, clever tricks and tail-wagging competitions.

Ms Bailey said: “It’s the first time we’ve been able to get the dogs together to launch the breed club. The real purpose is to set up a proper breeding programme so we can help eliminate any faults with the breed in the UK.

“They are such a charismatic breed.

“It was really nice to see them all together and look at the different varieties.”

Ms Filja added: “It’s been fun. It was a lovely experience to get to see so many of them in one place.

“We want to try to make sure the dogs are protected as there is a big problem with smugglers bringing the dogs in from Lithuania, Latvia and Russia and if they are brought in illegally and are under four months old they get put down.

“When I took Secret to the vet he told me there is a big problem with dog farming and the dogs that are brought in often have flaws in the breeding.”

Mrs Bailey’s pedigree Lithuanian-import Foxy goes to show-ring classes at the Oxford Dog Training Society and the other two dogs in the family – Topps and Secret – have embarked on another career path.

The dogs are working towards being registered to work as Pets for Therapy. She said: “I would like to take them into old people’s homes and hospices. I want to share them around.

“They would sit on anyone’s lap and are wonderful little dogs.”

The group met at Donnington Social Club on Saturday morning to finalise details of the group and elect a committee before heading down to the Isis Farmhouse pub near Iffley Lock.

Mrs Bailey said: “Russian Toys that are bred well are few and far between in the UK and we want to do all possible to bring their natural qualities out.

“We also want our dogs to be approved by the FCI and the UK Kennel Club, and to educate members and breeders.”