Black Russian Terrier

The Black Russian Terrier is a robust and strong dog. Known for their courage and intelligence, these dogs were initially developed for protection and guarding duties. They can weigh up to 130 pounds and reach a height of about 30 inches at the shoulder. Their thick, weather-resistant coat keeps them warm and dry, enabling them to thrive in some of the coldest regions in Russia and beyond.

Quick Info

Size
Extra large
Colours
Black, black and tan, salt and pepper, sable, or blue
Lifespan
10 to 12 years
Height
26 to 30 inches
Type
Working
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
80 to 130 pounds
Family
Schnauzer

Personality

Confident and strong, the Black Russian Terrier perfectly represents a loyal guardian. They tend to be cautious around new people and have a natural drive to keep their loved ones safe. While they are fast learners and enthusiastic, they can be headstrong when faced with tasks they dislike. Even though they are quite big, they are gentle and adapt well to family living.

History

In World War II, the Russians created a special type of dog to meet their military requirements. They mixed breeds from countries they had taken over, focusing on black German types like the Airedale Terrier, Rottweiler, and Moscow Water Dog. These dogs assisted soldiers by carrying supplies, pulling sleds, searching for people, and finding explosives. Breeders of the Black Russian Terrier took these dogs out of Russia and traveled to different nations, helping to spread the breed globally.

Ideal Owner

The Black Russian Terrier requires a person who knows how to handle a working dog and has experience with big breeds. This breed is attentive to its owner, so it’s important for owners to dedicate time and energy to meet the dog's desire to make them happy. They are loving and faithful, showing this through their protective nature. To thrive, they need training that is positive, steady, and strong, along with good socialization to avoid becoming overly bossy.

Exercise Needs

The Black Russian Terrier loves to join in on any activity their owner is doing, whether it’s walking, running, swimming, biking, or hiking. These dogs require a lot of physical activity to stay happy and calm; without it, they might feel lonely, bored, and start to cause trouble. They can also take part in various dog sports, including rally, protection trials, agility challenges, and obedience events.

Space Requirements

The Black Russian Terrier can weigh as much as 130 pounds, so they require plenty of room both inside and outside. A large, fenced yard is perfect for them. They enjoy being part of family life and prefer to be in shared spaces with their owners. They do not thrive when left alone, like in a separate kennel.

Training

Owners of Black Russian Terriers must dedicate themselves to training this strong and big dog using positive reinforcement techniques. Without proper training, these dogs can become overly assertive. It’s also crucial to socialize them early and consistently. They respond well and learn quickly when they are treated with kindness and respect.

Grooming

The Black Russian Terrier is known for its thick, messy, and shiny black fur. To keep it from getting tangled or matted, it requires regular brushing. The fur around its beard and mustache should also be trimmed often. If you decide to have it groomed by a professional, make sure to choose someone who has experience with large dogs.

Suitability for Family Life

The Black Russian Terrier is a dog that thrives on being around its family above all else. These dogs are quite big and need plenty of room, exercise, and proper training, which means they fit best in specific family settings, particularly those without young kids or with older children. They are very loving and enjoy being close to people.

Did You know?

The Black Russian Terrier is often called the Black Pearl of Russia. This breed was developed to accompany Russian soldiers during different tasks, such as handling explosives, pulling sleds, and assisting in search and rescue operations.

Similar Breeds

Norfolk Terrier
Patterdale Terrier

Need to Know

Dog suitable for owners with some experience
Extra training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys active walks
Giant dog
Some drool
Requires frequent grooming
Chatty and vocal dog