Black Russian Terrier

also known as Black Terrier, Stalin's Dog, Tchiorny Terrier, Chornyi, Schwarzer Russicher Terrier, Terrier Noir Russem, BRT, Mustaterrieri, Russian Bear Schnauzer

Pros History


The Black Russian Terrier is a large, strong dog breed that was developed in Russia in the late 1940s. The breed was created by the Soviet Red Army's special breeding program, which was tasked with developing a new breed of working dog that could be used for a variety of military and civilian purposes.

To create the Black Russian Terrier, breeders used a variety of different breeds, including the Giant Schnauzer, the Rottweiler, the Airedale Terrier, and the Newfoundland. The result was a strong, intelligent, and versatile breed that was well-suited to a variety of tasks, including guard dog work, search and rescue, and police work.

The purpose of breeding Black Russian Terriers was to create a strong, intelligent, and versatile working dog that could be used for a variety of tasks. The breed has proven to be well-suited to this purpose, and Black Russian Terriers are now used for a variety of purposes, including guard dog work, search and rescue, and police work.

The Black Russian Terrier was officially recognized as a breed by the Soviet government in the 1950s, and it was recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1984. The breed is now recognized by a number of kennel clubs around the world, including the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Despite their strong working heritage, Black Russian Terriers are also well-suited to life as a family pet. They are intelligent, loyal, and protective, and they are known for their good temperaments and their ability to get along well with children and other pets. Black Russian Terriers are generally easy to train, and they require regular exercise and grooming to maintain their health and appearance.

Breed Information


Type

Is Black Russian Terrier a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Black Russian Terrier name? How do you say Black Russian Terriers?

blak ruhsh-uh n ter-ee-er

Purpose

What were Black Russian Terriers originally used for?

Military Work

Lifespan

How Long Do Black Russian Terriers Live? What is average life expectancy for a Black Russian Terrier? How long can Black Russian Terriers live?

10-14 years

The average Black Russian Terrier lifespan is somewhere between 10-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Black Russian Terrier Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Black Russian Terrier?

What is the average height of a Black Russian Terrier? How big is a Purebred Black Russian Terrier height? Black Russian Terrier dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 27-29 inches (68.6 - 73.7 cm) 24.0 inches (61 cm) 26.0 inches (66 cm) 28.0 inches (71.1 cm)
Female 26-28 inches (66 - 71.1 cm) 23.0 inches (58.4 cm) 25.0 inches (63.5 cm) 27.0 inches (68.6 cm)
What is the average weight of a Black Russian Terrier? How much should Black Russian Terriers weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 80-145 pounds (36 - 66 kg) 57.5 pounds (26 kg) 75.0 pounds (34 kg) 111.5 pounds (51 kg)
Female 80-143 pounds (36 - 65 kg) 57.5 pounds (26 kg) 75.0 pounds (34 kg) 111.5 pounds (51 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Black Russian Terriers get fat easily?

The Black Russian Terrier is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Black Russian Terriers Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Black Russian Terrier is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Black Russian Terrier personality? What are Black Russian Terrier dogs best known for?

Brave
Energetic
Lively
Confident
Stable
Affectionate
Gentle
Independent
Cheerful
Playful
Defensive
Social

Shedding Level

Are Black Russian Terriers heavy shedders? How Much Does a Black Russian Terrier Shed?

Black Russian Terrier will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Black Russian Terrier dog?

The Black Russian Terrier dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Black Russian Terriers come from?

Russia

Ancestry

What are Black Russian Terriers descended from?

Schnauzer, Rottweiler, Airedale, Russian Water Dog

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Black Russian Terrier breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Black Russian Terriers first bred? How old is the Black Russian Terrier breed?

1940s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Black Russian Terrier?

Working (AKC:2004)
Guardian Dog (UKC)

Black Russian Terrier Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Black Russian Terrier eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Black Russian Terrier nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Black Russian Terrier coat be naturally?

Black

Coat Length

How long is a Black Russian Terriers coat?

The coat of a Black Russian Terrier is longer than that of the typical dog.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Black Russian Terrier Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Black Russian Terrier?

Wavy

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Black Russian Terrier have in a litter? How many puppies can a Black Russian Terrier have in her first litter?

10-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Black Russian Terrier can have a litter of 10-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Black Russian Terrier dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Black Russian Terrier Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Black Russian Terriers have a lot of health problems?

The Black Russian Terrier is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Black Russian Terrier?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Urinary Crystals and Stones

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Black Russian Terriers?

Environmental Allergies
Food Allergies

Occasional Diagnoses

Otitis Interna and Media

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Black Russian Terrier breed?

Complete Physical Examination
Eye and Ear Examination
Allergy Testing
Abdominal Ultrasound
Hip and Elbow X-rays

Black Russian Terrier Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Black Russian Terriers have a lot of energy?

Black Russian Terriers are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Do Black Russian Terriers need socialization? How social are Black Russian Terriers?

Black Russian Terriers have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Black Russian Terriers get?

The Black Russian Terrier dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Black Russian Terrier have? Do Black Russian Terriers sleep a lot?

Black Russian Terriers dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Black Russian Terrier drool a lot?

The Black Russian Terrier is known to be an average drooler among dog breeds. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds or it can be a sign of a health problem. In the case of the Black Russian Terrier, it is a normal part of their physiology, however it is important to keep an eye on the amount of drooling and any changes in drooling patterns, as excessive drooling can be an indication of an underlying health issue and should be checked by a veterinarian.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Black Russian Terriers tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do Black Russian Terriers exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Black Russian Terriers mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Black Russian Terrier running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Black Russian Terrier dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Black Russian Terriers enjoy doing? How do I keep my Black Russian Terrier busy?

All

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Black Russian Terrier? How much energy does a Black Russian Terrier have?

Medium

Black Russian Terriers are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Black Russian Terrier walk each week? How many miles should a Black Russian Terrier walk every week?

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Black Russian Terrier, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Black Russian Terrier should exercise a day? How much activity does a Black Russian Terrier need?

60 minutes

In general most Black Russian Terriers usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Black Russian Terrier?

The Black Russian Terrier is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Black Russian Terrier?

Daily

Ideally, Black Russian Terrier should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Black Russian Terriers?

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Black Russian Terrier eat?

3 cups

For an average 80-145 pound (36 - 66 kg) Black Russian Terrier feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Black Russian Terrier Cost Daily?

$2.80 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of a Black Russian Terrier is somewhere $2.80 - $3.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Black Russian Terrier Cost Per Month?

$84 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of a Black Russian Terrier is between $84 - $95. This makes an average of $1008 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Black Russian Terrier Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Black Russian Terrier?

The Black Russian Terrier have below the average degree of obedience intelligence among other breeds. However, calling them “dumb dogs” is unfair. Where Black Russian Terriers lack in obedience & working intelligence, they make up for it with their keen ability to understand human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Black Russian Terrier dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Black Russian Terrier dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Black Russian Terrier do well in apartments? Are Black Russian Terriers good indoor dogs?

Black Russian Terriers are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Black Russian Terriers good with kids? Are Black Russian Terriers good around children?

Black Russian Terriers are average friendly dogs towards children.

Senior-friendly

Are Black Russian Terriers good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Black Russian Terriers good with cats? How friendly Black Russian Terriers are toward cats?

Black Russian Terriers are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Black Russian Terrier dogs get along with other dogs? Are Black Russian Terriers OK with other dogs?

Black Russian Terriers are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Black Russian Terrier dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Black Russian Terriers friendly with strangers?

Black Russian Terriers are not stranger friendly dogs.

Playfulness

Do Black Russian Terriers like to play? Are Black Russian Terriers playful?

Black Russian Terriers have an average level of playfulness. The Black Russian Terriers, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Black Russian Terrier easily trained?

Black Russian Terrier dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Intelligent and trainable
    Black Russian Terriers are intelligent and are generally easy to train, especially when trained early on and with consistent and positive reinforcement methods.
  • Loyal and protective
    These dogs are known for their loyalty and protective instincts, which make them good guard dogs. They are also good with children and can be good family pets.
  • Active and athletic
    Black Russian Terriers are an active breed and require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They excel in activities such as obedience, agility, and tracking.
  • Low maintenance coat
    Black Russian Terriers have a dense, wavy coat that requires minimal grooming, making them a good choice for busy owners.

Cons

  • Not suitable for office environment
    An office is not the best place for a Black Russian Terrier.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Due to their non-hypoallergenic nature, Black Russian Terriers may cause allergic reactions in some people.
  • Large size
    Black Russian Terriers are large dogs and may not be suitable for people living in small homes or apartments. They also require a lot of space to run and play.
  • Expensive to purchase and maintain
    Black Russian Terriers are a relatively rare breed and can be expensive to purchase. They also have high grooming and feeding costs due to their size.