Black Russian Terrier Dogs

Breed Type: Black Russian Terrier

Weight: 80-143 pounds (36-65 kg)

Height: 25-29 inches (63.5-73.5 cm)

Coat Type: Hard, dense, double coat

 

Black Russian Terrier represents an elegant dog breed, which belongs to Russia and the surrounding areas (earlier USSR - Union of Soviet Socialist Republics). It was bred as a guard and police dog. Also known as Black Terrier, Tchiorny Terrier, Chornyi, Russian Bear Schnauzer, and Russian Black Terrier; the dog is famous for its strength, courage and athleticism, throughout the country of its origin. Black Russian Terrier is a mixed breed of several canine dogs and hence, possesses some of the traits of each breed. The dog takes some time to become sociable, but makes up a great company if allowed to mingle even once. It is known for its protective and friendly nature. At the same time, the canine possesses a sensitive and aggressive personality. It makes an excellent pet and is also a great worker. In this article, we bring you details on the Black Russian Terrier dog breed.

Red Star Kennel, owned by the former USSR (currently Russia and the surrounding areas), required a dog for military purpose that would assist its people at border crossings, prisons, and military installations, for security purposes. Hence, it bred seventeen breeds of dogs, including the Airedale Terrier, Caucasian Ovcharka (also known as Caucasian Shepherd Dog), Rottweiler, Newfoundland Schnauser, Giant Schnauzer, Standard Schnauzer and the now extinct, Moscow Water Dog. It was in 1956 that the perfect Black Russian Terrier breed was finally obtained. Since the primary reason of breeding these dogs was to use them as work and military dogs, they were very plain looking. It was only in 1957, when the dog was sold to civilian breeders, that breeding them for appearance began. The breed was recognized in 1981, by the Russian Ministry of Agriculture. It was later recognized by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale), in 1984. Black Russian Terrier dog is one of the breeds recently recognized on the international platform, by American Kennel Club (in 2004).

 

Black Russian Terrier dog is a mid-size, powerful dog that has a rustic appearance. It comes only in black color, though with a few grey hair. The dog has a hard and dense coat, around 4-10 cm long, with a beard type of appearance. The head is broad and blocky-shaped, proportionate to the rest of the body. The dog has hair on its forehead, giving it an eyebrow type of structure there. The oval-shaped eyes are dark brown or dark black in color. It has large nose and large, scissor-type teeth. The ears are triangular in shape, set high, while the tail is short and thick. It possesses a well-developed muscular structure that suits the nature of its work well.

 

Black Russian Terrier is a courageous, confident, self assured and calm-spirited canine that develops a strong bond with its owner and his family. It is a soft, gentle and friendly dog that craves attention and human companionship; however, it tends to stay aloof with strangers. It is a highly intelligent, brave and loyal dog that learns fast and retains information easily, during as well as after the training. Black Russian Terrier is highly protective of the ones it loves and hence; makes the perfect guard dog. The dog, however, needs a dominant and confident owner; else, it can become aggressive and even tries to dominate.

Black Russian Terrier is a healthy dog and has a life span of 10-14 years. However, it is prone to some hereditary diseases, like Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. Regular checkups are necessary to protect the animal from these diseases.

Black Russian Terrier has a close lying wavy undercoat that requires trimming 2-3 times a year. The dog has a low shedding coat that requires brushing of the hair just once a week. In addition, it is essential to cut the hair under the paws and also remove the ones in the ear ducts.