Researchers are studying the personal subsidiary farming to find ways out of the prolonged crisis of the rural areas. The one is as optimal “survival” strategy, especially for the indigenous ethnic groups of Russia, traditionally living in rural areas. However, this strategy isn’t suitable for all because of the difference in ethnic and cultural features and another condition (large/small village). This article attempts to assess economic behavior through the prism of ethnic factor. It compares the features of livestock breeding among main ethnic groups of Khakassia (Russians and Khakass people). The role of the household varies for different groups: it’s a forced way of existence for some; it’s an additional source for others, while yet others don’t consider it as a source of income. Administrative and territorial features also affect peculiarities of livestock breeding. The number of farmsteads and the composition of farm animals vary. The household as the main type of employment has a high potential for the indigenous population. There is such possibility for ethnic majority of the region in small countryside.