When you see a Black Russian Terrier for the first time, you’ll think that he’s covered in a blanket which is actually his big fur. These elegant black beauties are confident and clever guard dogs who aren’t pure terriers. They are people-oriented dogs that will go where the action is present. Keep reading to learn more about this magnificent breed.
| Breed Name | Black Russian Terrier |
| Other Name | Black Pearls of Russia |
| Dog Breed Type | Working dogs |
| Origin | Russia |
| Parent Breeds | Rottweilers, Airedales, Giant Schnauzers |
| Height | 26-28 inches |
| Weight | 80-140 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 10-11 years |
| Coat Type | Tousled double coat |
| Common Colors | Black, Tan, Salt and pepper |
| Grooming Needs | Medium |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Temperament | Stable, Energetic, Confident, Lively, Brave, Hardy |
| Apartment Living | Suitable for apartment living |
| Pet-Friendly | Yes |
| Health Concerns | Dwarfism, Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) |
| Overall Health | Healthy |
| Intelligence Level | Low to medium |
| Trainability | High |
| Energy Level | High |
| Activity | Active |
| Litter Size | 6-12 puppies |
Breed Characteristics
Adaptability 3 stars
Adaptive to apartment living 3 stars
Suitable for new owners 2 stars
Sensitivity range 4 stars
Comfortable being alone 2 stars
Comfortable with cold weather 4 stars
Comfortable with hot weather 3 stars
All about friendliness 3 stars
Lovable with family 4 stars
Kid-friendly 5 stars
Dog-friendly 2 stars
Frank with strangers 2 stars
Grooming and Health Requirements 3 stars
Shedding quantity 3 stars
Drooling capacity 3 stars
Effortless to groom 2 stars
Overall health 3 stars
Capable of weight gain 3 stars
Size 5 stars
Trainability 3 stars
Effortless to train 4 stars
Smartness 4 stars
Capable of biting 4 stars
Tendency to attack prey 2 stars
Urge to howl or bark 3 stars
Wanderlust personality 3 stars
Physical Requirements 4 stars
Energy range 3 stars
Intensity 5 stars
Exercise Requirements 4 stars
Playful personality 5 stars
Vital Statistics
DOG BREED GROUP: WORKING DOGS
HEIGHT: 26-28 INCHES
WEIGHT: 80-140 POUNDS
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10-11 YEARS
Highlights
The Black Russian Terrier dogs were initially bred to be guard dogs. They develop their protective instincts once they grow a year old. This gorgeous black beauty is a combination of power, agility, size, and intelligence. These dogs love their humans and want to be on their side all the time, making them perfect pets for families. These dogs will crave your love and attention, so make sure you give them. They are working-class dogs that are quite easy to train and respond well to consistent training. They give respect to their owners and expect the same in return.
Their smartness can scare you sometimes. If you can’t tolerate a pet being smarter than you, then the Black Russian Terrier is not the one for you. These dogs have a history of working with the police and the military. Contrary to their size, these dogs don’t mature early. You’ll see them perform actively more outside than inside.
Often people get kennels for their pets, but the Black Russian Terrier is not one of those pets that’ll live in a kennel. These dogs are people-oriented and want their humans by their side. When they see someone strange in their house, they’ll first make sure of the stranger’s behavior and then accept them. However, once they sense any danger, there’s nothing that can stop them from protecting their family.
History
The Soviet Army Scientists were behind the breeding of the Black Russian Terrier to get an excellent working dog. These dogs adapt to the shivering winters of Russia as their breeding is done to patrol with the soldiers on the border. The scientists didn’t want a whole new breed; they just needed a dog who could fulfill their military requirements.
Their breeding took place in the Red Star Kennel. This was established under the Red Army and had full government resources for help. Purebred dog breeding was put to a stop during the Russian revolution, economic problems, and World War II. Geneticists and breeders didn’t have enough homebred stock for breeding work.
However, they did great work. They needed a dog with stamina who could chase and catch intruders, run long fence lines, and can survive the harsh weather. The crossing of Rottweilers, Giant Schnauzers, and Airedales was done, but there were 17 breeds that were crossed, including the Great Dane and some huge Russian breeds like the Ovcharka.
Also goes by the pet name Blackies, these dogs worked at prisons, rail crossings, and military venues, and they were good at their job. Military venues like the gulags started closing during the 1950s as there were more than enough dogs, and the Army started selling these puppies to the general public. The first breed standard for these dogs was created by the Soviet Army in 1958.
Size
The Black Russian Terrier is a huge and powerful breed. You will get scared if you see a full-grown Black Russian Terrier for the first time. These dogs grow tall, between 26-29 inches. They don’t even need to bark, and their size is enough to scare anyone away. Now, you can go on your night walks with your pet.
Personality
The Black Russian Terrier dogs are confident, brave, and serene. They radiate tranquility and confidence thanks to their stable nervous systems. As the military did their breeding, you can expect them to have an alert, self-confident, and loyal personality. If these dogs didn’t have emotional stability, no one knows how dangerous they could become.
These dogs are highly intelligent, and that’s why it becomes so effortless to train them. Firm and consistent training is the best form of training for these dogs. The earlier you start their training, the easier it becomes to get them on their best behavior. The Black Russian Terrier is fond of children and will even protect their friends.
The Black Russian Terrier wants to be a part of the family, so make sure you make them feel like it. Backyard life doesn’t suit these dogs. You should give blackies attention and care all the time if you want them as your pet.
Health
Generally, the Black Russian Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are some health issues associated with them you need to know about.
- Allergies
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Hip Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Care
Never ever keep your blackie alone in the backyard while you chill inside the house. They will keep waiting for you to play with them or until you let them in. These dogs are hungry for human contact, and if you can’t provide them with this, you probably shouldn’t get them as your pet. They are the happiest when they get to spend time with their humans. When you have to do some work, give them toys like the Buster Cubes to keep your pet busy. These dogs adapt well to apartment living as long as they get enough mental and physical stimulation. You can get a crate for your dog so they can sleep separately, not keep them locked in there all day. Maintain your pet’s dental and nail hygiene to keep them well-groomed and healthy.
Feeding and Diet
The dietary requirements of the Black Russian Terrier are unique, just like every dog breed. Their feeding needs depend on a lot of factors like age, size, and health, among many others. As these dogs grow, their dietary needs change. That’s why before feeding your dog anything you like or see on the internet, you should consult your vet first. They will do a proper analysis of your dog’s unique needs and then make a diet plan accordingly.
Coat color and grooming
The most common color of the Black Russian Terrier is black, of course. You might see variations of black color in different dogs. These dogs have moderate grooming needs as they have a double coat. Brush their coat weekly to avoid matting. Use a stripping comb, an undercoat rake, and a slicker brush for this.
Children and other pets
The Black Russian Terriers are friendly dogs that bond well with other pets and children. They will protect everyone in their group. Early socialization helps to maintain this behavior positively.
Shedding
The Black Russian Terrier doesn’t shed that much though you might notice little lumps of hair unless you brush them from time to time.
Male vs. Female attitude
There’s no noticeable difference in the attitude of male and female dogs of this breed.
Exercise
If you’ve convinced yourself to get the Black Russian Terrier as your pet, then prepare yourself to devote at least half an hour of your time to your pet’s daily exercise. These dogs need mental stimulation along with physical stimulation. Letting your dog play alone in the backyard doesn’t count as exercise.
Little known facts
Creating the Black Russian Terrier was a challenge back then, and as many as 17 breeds were used for this purpose.
FAQ on breed
- Where do the Black Russian Terrier dog breeds come from?
Russia, Soviet Union
- What is the best diet routine for a Black Russian Terrier?
This energetic breed should be given a nutritional diet.
- How much exercise is required for a Black Russian Terrier?
At least half an hour daily