Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview
The Petersburg Orchid is a rare and relatively young decorative breed developed in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in the late 20th century. The breed’s founder, a St. Petersburg breeder, aimed to create an elegant companion dog with a refined appearance and balanced temperament. Various small and decorative breeds were used in the breeding process, resulting in the establishment of a unique type. The name “Petersburg Orchid” reflects both its graceful look and Russian origin. The breed quickly gained recognition among enthusiasts of decorative dogs for its miniature size, elegance, and friendly nature. Today, the Petersburg Orchid is valued as a symbol of refinement and harmony, remaining a rare and distinguished representative of Russian cynology.
General Appearance
The Petersburg Orchid is a miniature, finely built dog with a light but sturdy frame and dry musculature. The body is slightly elongated, well-proportioned, and elegant. The head is small and neat, with expressive eyes and long, pendant ears covered in silky hair. The neck is graceful, slightly arched, and blends harmoniously into the body. The limbs are straight, fine-boned, and end in compact paws. The tail is of medium length, thin, richly feathered, and gracefully curved in motion. The long, silky coat emphasizes elegance, forming ornamental fringes on the ears, chest, tail, and legs. The overall impression is one of refinement, harmony, and decorative grace.
Important Proportions
The body format of the Petersburg Orchid is slightly elongated — the body length slightly exceeds the height at the withers. The head is proportionate to the body, with the muzzle about one-third of the total head length. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows, with moderately rounded ribs. The neck is of medium length, smoothly arched, and allows a high, proud head carriage. The limbs are fine yet firm, proportionate to the body; the paws are compact. The tail continues the top line naturally, covered with a feathered plume. Weight and size must reflect harmony between lightness and strength, creating a balanced miniature dog.
Behavior and Temperament
The Petersburg Orchid is a friendly, gentle, and even-tempered companion dog. It is loyal, intelligent, and cheerful. Despite its miniature size, it is self-assured, without signs of fear or aggression. It gets along well with children and other animals, enjoys play, but also values peace and comfort. The breed is affectionate, deeply attached to its owner, and learns quickly with positive reinforcement. The temperament is calm and tender without excessive clinginess. The Petersburg Orchid is ideally suited to urban and family life, combining elegance with a loving and sociable disposition.
Head
The head is small, refined, and in harmony with the miniature body. The skull is rounded and proportionate, slightly elongated, with a smooth but distinct stop. The muzzle is neat, tapering toward the nose, about one-third of the head length. Cheeks are soft and not coarse, giving a delicate appearance. The overall expression is gentle, attentive, and noble.
Facial Region
The facial features are elegant and dry, with smooth, refined lines. The nose is small, black, and well-pigmented, with open nostrils. Lips are thin, tight, and well-fitted, never pendulous. The chin is defined but not heavy, ensuring a proper bite. The jaws are strong, teeth white and even, with a complete set preferred. The face reflects refinement and composure.
Eyes
The eyes are large, expressive, and set moderately wide. Almond-shaped, not bulging or round. The iris is dark and rich in color, harmonizing with coat and nose pigmentation. Eyelids are tight, thin, and well-pigmented. The expression is soft, intelligent, and affectionate. Light eyes or lack of pigmentation are faults that detract from the breed’s type.
Ears
The ears are long, thin, pendant, and set high, widely spaced, falling gracefully along the sides of the head. The shape is elongated with softly rounded tips. The long, silky feathering forms elegant fringes, adding to the dog’s decorative look. The ears should be fully covered with straight or slightly wavy hair. Short, erect, or poorly feathered ears are undesirable.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, slender, and slightly arched, emphasizing the dog’s noble outline. It is strong enough to carry the head gracefully and merges smoothly with the shoulders. The skin is thin and elastic, without dewlap. Long, silky hair enhances the outline and elegance of the silhouette.
Body
The body is elongated but strong, with well-balanced proportions. The topline is straight and firm; the withers are moderate; the back is short and strong; the loin compact. The chest is deep, but not broad; ribs moderately curved. The abdomen is slightly tucked up, and the croup slopes gently to the tail base. The overall outline conveys lightness, balance, and refinement.
Tail
The tail is of medium length, thin, elegant, and set high, continuing the topline harmoniously. In motion, it forms a graceful arc, sometimes carried slightly over the back but not tightly curled. It is covered with long, silky hair forming a luxurious plume. The tail enhances balance and elegance; low set or unfeathered tails are faults.
Forequarters
Forelegs are straight, fine-boned, and dry. Shoulders are long, sloping, and close-fitting, forming correct angles. The forearms are parallel and strong. Elbows are directed backward, not turned in or out. Pasterns are short and resilient. Feet are small, compact, and arched, with strong pads. Crooked limbs or splayed feet are faults.
Hindquarters
Hind legs are well-proportioned, elegant, and strong, providing smooth propulsion. Thighs are moderately long and muscled. Stifles are well-angulated, not exaggerated. Hocks are low, strong, and parallel when viewed from behind. Feet are oval, compact, with firm pads. Close-set or cow-hocked hind legs are faults.
Gait and Movement
Movement is light, elastic, and elegant. Steps are free, balanced, and confident. The front moves straight and parallel; the hindquarters drive powerfully. The topline remains steady, without sway. The gait expresses grace, smoothness, and confidence. Stiffness, instability, or crossing legs are faults.
Coat
The coat is long, silky, straight or slightly wavy, lying flat along the body. The undercoat is soft and fine. Long fringes adorn the ears, chest, tail, and limbs, giving a decorative appearance. The hair should be glossy and smooth to the touch, never coarse or excessively fluffy. Short, sparse, or curly coats are undesirable.
Acceptable Colors
All colors are permitted, including solid, bi-color, and tri-color variations. Accepted shades include black, white, cream, fawn, gold, sable, red, chocolate, and their combinations with white markings. Rich, clean, and even colors are preferred. Nose and eyelids must be black. Merle and albinism are disqualifying.
Size
The Petersburg Orchid is a miniature breed. Adult height at the withers is 18–22 cm; weight ranges from 2 to 4 kg. Males are usually slightly stronger, females more delicate. The breed must maintain harmony and balance — extremes in size are undesirable.
Faults
Minor faults include slight disproportion, overly long or short limbs, weak bone, light muscles, oversized or undersized head, long or short muzzle, pale eyes, weak pigmentation, incomplete dentition, or poor feathering. Soft, dull, or sparse coats and faded coloring are also faults. Gait irregularities or timidity are minor deviations but should not destroy the overall type.
Disqualifications
Serious deviations include aggression, extreme shyness, major bite faults (overshot, undershot, jaw misalignment), missing canines or numerous teeth, depigmented or pink nose, blue or mismatched eyes, erect or short ears without feathering, low-set or tightly curled tail, leg deformities, coat without proper texture, artificial coloring, merle or albino coloring, cryptorchidism, or refusal of examination.
Important Notes
Judges must assess the overall impression, harmony, and breed type. Elegance, proportion, and coat quality are key. The coat must be natural, long, silky, and glossy, with proper fringes. Artificial grooming or color alteration is unacceptable. Movement should be light and graceful. The temperament must be friendly and calm, without fear or aggression. Health, structure, and stable temperament define the breed’s value as a companion.
Conclusion
The Petersburg Orchid is a unique decorative breed of Russian origin, combining miniature size, elegance, and loyalty. The ICCF standard highlights its balanced proportions, refined silhouette, and stable temperament. Only dogs with official ICCF documents confirming origin and breed purity may participate in shows or breeding. Strict adherence to the standard ensures preservation of the breed’s integrity and recognition as a national treasure of Russia.
