Black Russian Terrier Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Black Russian Terrier?

The stand-offish, intimidating, and alert character of a Black Russian Terrier isn't an accident: this dog was bred specifically for the purpose of defence. The Black Russian Terrier, as its name implies, was first bred in the then-U.S.S.R. following devastations to the nation's dog population during the Russian Revolution, WWI AND WWII.

The Russian Army wanted to devise a new kind of war dog, one that could be used to fiercely guard the Russian borders and also survive Russia's diverse climates. Following the overtaking of East Germany, two German-bred dogs were introduced to the U.S.S.R.: the Giant Schnauzer and the Rottweiler.

At the Red Star Kennel, both Giant Schnauzers and Rottweilers were crossbred with a number of other dogs, including the likes of Airedale Terriers and Newfoundlands, to create the mighty Black Russian Terrier.

The results of this crossbreeding project produced a powerful, versatile, and very intelligent dog, which first debuted in public in 1955 in Moscow. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed club first recognised the dog in 1984. In the following decade, they spread across the world, being bred by the likes of the American Kennel Club.

Who are Black Russian Terrier dogs best for?

Once a Black Russian Terrier gets comfortable with their new home and owners, they will grow extremely fond of each member of the family and crave attention from them. They also love to play dog sports and games with kids and become very protective over the younger members of the family.

However given their impressive size, they may not be the best choice of dog to have around toddlers and small children, as they may scare infants and accidentally harm them. For this reason, Black Russian Terriers are a better option for families with bigger kids.

Generally, it takes an active family to meet the needs of a Black Russian Terrier. They are highly active dogs - requiring around 2 hours of walking per day! And they like a challenge, making them an ideal dog for countryside hikes and long park walks.

Given their history as a guard dog, they are also recommended for anyone looking for a working dog.

How much grooming does a Black Russian Terrier need?

Like all dogs, if you want your Black Russian Terrier to look its best, it's recommended to get it professionally groomed once every 5-6 weeks. Despite being a big dog with lots of hair, a Black Russian Terrier sheds minimally. However, due to the denseness and sheer amount of hair they have, their fur gets easily tangled and matted, so needs to be brushed once per week.

Do Black Russian Terrier bark much?

Due to their heightened guard dog instincts, a Black Russian will bark whenever they detect someone unknown approaching their property. They will not bark unprovoked, so you can always expect a clear reason for their increased noise levels.

Do Black Russian Terrier bite?

Unless under threat, there is a very low chance of a Black Russian Terrier biting someone. If they are showing tendencies of biting, it would be a good idea to invest in a muzzle as the bite force of this terrier is among the most powerful of all canines.

What is the temperament & personality of a Black Russian Terrier?

Black Russian Terriers are naturally dominant dogs - they're also highly intelligent. Being bred for defensive purposes, the personality of a Black Russian Terrier dictates it to be suspicious of everyone who enters its home.

Naturally, they feel the need to defend their home, so will be markedly aloof to all new guests. This does not mean a Black Russian Terrier will be shy around new people but definitely won't display any level of trust initially.

Once a Black Russian has had sufficient time to judge a new guest, they may start to show some level of endearment towards them, or at the very least appear disinterested in what they originally perceived to be a potential threat.

Once properly trained, they can pretty much perform any working dog task. They are great at hunting and herding and grow a strong desire to please their human owners by completing tasks well.

What is the weight & size of a Black Russian Terrier?

The weight and size of a Black Russian Terrier depends, but they generally weigh between 36 and 68 kilograms, and they tend to reach a height of 68-72cm.

How much training does a Black Russian Terrier need?

Not only highly active dogs, Black Russian Terriers are very intelligent too, which makes training easy but vital. It's important to assert yourself over a Black Russian early, as they can very easily become their own masters and grow into disobedient adult dogs. Luckily, training is easy and can be done as part of their daily exercise routine.

From around 6 weeks, a Black Russian should be taken out on obedience trails, taught canine sports, and trained on how to perform agility tricks. When teaching them agility, always reward them vocally or with a treat.

On top of this, they need to be given plenty of opportunities to socialise with other dogs at the likes of a puppy kindergarten class. This is necessary throughout their puppyhood to prevent them from attacking other dogs in adulthood.

Again, this training should never involve any form of punishment - it is strongly encouraged to use positive reinforcement when training any dog.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Black Russian Terrier?

Generally healthy, a Black Russian Terrier may suffer from diseases common in all dogs. Specifically, this dog breed has been known to suffer from canine hip dysplasia (CHD), elbow dysplasia, urinary tract stones, and progressive retinal atrophy, which may cause them to go blind.

Responsible dog breeders should have each Black Russian checked for the above health concerns and inform buyers if any issue has become apparent. Before giving a Black Russian a forever home, make sure they have had their hips, elbows, and eyes professionally examined.

What is the lifespan of a Black Russian Terrier?

The life expectancy of a Black Russian Terrier tends to be between 10 and 11 years. The dog's age is often defined by whether or not they succumb to CHD which, although not deadly, severely limits their quality of life, and may cause them to deteriorate in other areas.

How much should you feed a Black Russian Terrier?

When a pup, these dogs require lots of food to help them reach their maximum size, which is why they are often recommended 3-4 meals per day. Once they reach 1 year old, this feeding routine should be switched to 2 times per day. The total feeding amount of an adult dog should equate to around 5 cups or 720-1280g of food per day.

What is the price of a Black Russian Terrier in Australia?

A breed standard Black Russian Terrier puppy can be bought for around $1,500 in Australia today. Anything below this price should be treated with caution, as there may be genetic health problems that the breeder is not informing you of.