Black Russian Terrier: Your Complete Guide
The black Russian terrier, also known as the black Russian, BRT, and Russian terrier, is a one-of-a-kind dog breed with some interesting characteristics. Unlike most other dog breeds that belong to the terrier group, the black Russian terrier is a towering dog that can reach up to 30 inches tall at the shoulders, making them the largest terrier out there.
Similar to their size, black Russian terriers also carry certain characteristics unlike any other terrier dog. Any household intending to add one of these dogs to their lives must do their research accordingly and decide if the black Russian terrier is a good fit, which is what this Dog Academy breed article will help you with.
Continue reading for an in-depth guide to the black Russian terrier, covering its physical characteristics, temperament, family life, trainability, grooming needs, and more.
Quick Look at the Black Russian Terrier
Below is a quick look at the black Russian terrier before we cover each point in detail.
| Weight/Height | 80-130 pounds / 26-30 inches |
| Coat Type | Curly double coat |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Intelligent, protective, responsive, active |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
What Is the History of Black Russian Terriers?
The black Russian terrier is one of Russia’s more recent dog breeds. The development of this breed started in the 1930s for military purposes by the Red Star Kennel, with the sole purpose of developing superdogs for the Russian army.
It is thought that a total of seventeen dog breeds, including the Rottweiler, Airedale terrier, and giant schnauzer, went into the development of the modern-day black Russian terrier. As a result, we now have the largest terrier dog, the black Russian terrier.
In the 1950s, as Stalin-era prisons were shutting down, which was one key place where the black Russian terrier was employed, the excess litters began being sold to breeders. Once a dog solely for the Russian army, the black Russian terrier then started gaining more recognition within the country and eventually reached other countries.
However, it took a while for the black Russian terrier to enter the United States, only entering the American Kennel Club’s Stud Book in 2004. Today, the black Russian terrier is a rare breed in the United States, with many of them being brought to the country by Russian families.
What Do Black Russian Terriers Look Like?
The black Russian terrier resembles a variety of dog breeds in one frame. They appear similar to giant schnauzers with their large size and have similar proportions to the Airedale terrier. As for the colors, black is the most common coat color, but salt and pepper, black and tan, sable, and blue are also among the recognized black Russian terrier colors, according to the breed standards.
What Size Is a Black Russian Terrier?
The black Russian terrier is a large dog breed. Female black Russian terriers stand 26 to 29 inches tall at the withers and weigh 80 to 110 pounds, whereas males are slightly larger, standing just one inch taller but weighing up to 130 pounds. With this height and weight range, the black Russian terrier is the largest dog breed in the terrier group.
What Is a Black Russian Terrier’s Coat Type and Length?
The black Russian terrier has a curly, medium-to-long coat. It is dense and somewhat rough to the touch, almost giving a slightly bristly texture when you touch the coat. However, puppies have noticeably softer coats that get coarser as they mature, usually by 18 to 24 months, which is how long it takes for these dogs to reach full maturity.
What Is a Black Russian Terrier’s Temperament?
The black Russian terrier personality has many of the traits you would expect from a terrier, in addition to their unique quirks. They are generally calm and stable, but keep a vigilant eye on their surroundings. They naturally have an observant temperament coming from their guardian instincts.
These alone make them pair best with experienced families. Given their dominant side and large frame, a black Russian terrier can easily be too much to handle if the owner can’t provide the direction these dogs need. However, there’s much more to the temperament of black Russian terriers. Below, we dive deeper into the breed’s common personality traits by looking at different aspects.
Are Black Russian Terriers Good With Kids?
Black Russian terriers are generally good with kids, but they do better with older kids who know how to interact with dogs. They are overall patient dogs that can tolerate unruly kids, but due to their large size, they are better suited for families with older children.
However, with their calm and stable nature, they can be a good fit for families with younger children. As long as you’re there to supervise interactions, you shouldn’t worry about adding a black Russian terrier to the family just because you have kids.
Are Black Russian Terriers Good With Other Animals?
The black Russian terrier can get along well with any animal in the family, provided they are raised together from a young age. They fit right into families with existing dogs and can learn quickly not to mess with cats.
However, these are terriers at the end of the day. They tend to have high prey drives, which is a big no for families with small prey animals. They can also get dominant around unfamiliar dogs. These tendencies must be managed with proper socialization, especially when young, to ensure a well-behaved dog in different situations. Otherwise, their large size can make them difficult to manage.
Are Black Russian Terriers Aggressive?
Black Russian terriers have some tendencies that can make them appear aggressive. They want to assert their dominance over other dogs and will do their best to take their owner’s attention all for themselves. These can sometimes result in behaviors that aren’t mannerly, like snapping and a constant stiff body posture.
Given that they are more prone to aggression than some other dog breeds, prioritizing socialization and training is important when raising a black Russian terrier. Keep this in mind and choose to adopt or buy a black Russian terrier only if you’re ready to provide the early socialization and training these dogs need to prevent unwanted behaviors.
Do Black Russian Terriers Bark?
Black Russian terriers are average barkers. They don’t use their voice to communicate everything, but they don’t always keep quiet either; these dogs are somewhere in between. Considering this, it is safe to say that when a black Russian terrier barks, it is something that you should pay attention to.
As for how loud their barks are, they are a true testament to their size. They are the largest terrier, so expect a dog that’s very loud. However, this can be a good thing if you’re looking for a watchdog, as their bark alone is enough to make potential intruders think twice.
Are Black Russian Terriers Affectionate?
Black Russian terriers are generally affectionate dogs. However, they are affectionate in their own ways. These dogs don’t always greet their owners with kisses and nudges. Because they were bred for military work, they are protective dogs that show love more through protection rather than physical touch.
However, this can be totally different depending on individual temperament. Some black Russian terriers are affectionate to the point that they aren’t aware of their size and constantly demand attention. Nevertheless, one thing is for sure: black Russian terriers take their time warming up to strangers and don’t trust unfamiliar faces.
Are Black Russian Terriers Intelligent?
The black Russian terrier is one of the smartest dog breeds in the world. After all, they were utilized for a wide range of jobs in the Russian army, from apprehension to guard work to detection. They are problem solvers with a highly driven nature, which are the top qualities to have in any working dog.
Black Russian terriers also have exceptional social skills, both with other canines and people. They are highly in touch with the feelings of their owners and will come to comfort them in case they sense that something isn’t right. This skill also enables them to differentiate a real threat from something completely harmless, further proving their watchdog capabilities.
Are Black Russian Terriers Energetic?
Black Russian terriers are overall high-energy dogs, though some could fall between medium and high. This entirely depends on the individual characteristics of the dog, as well as lineage, as those specifically bred for working dog roles tend to be higher energy.
As someone who owns a black Russian terrier, be prepared to take these dogs out for long walks and mentally enriching activities. They should receive at least an hour of daily exercise. However, it shouldn’t be the same every day; black Russian terriers thrive on variety. Take them to new places, play engaging games, and incorporate training and socialization to get the most out of each walk.
Are Black Russian Terriers Easy to Train?
Black Russian terriers are generally easy to train. They are highly responsive dogs that are motivated to learn new skills and commands, provided the trainer/owner follows positive reinforcement training. Although they are hardy dogs, black Russian terriers can have a negative outlook on training if they are constantly punished or corrected harshly.
At Dog Academy, we can help you provide the best training possible for your dog, whether through self-led online training courses or by connecting you with a professional dog trainer in your area. Check out our courses or book a training session to get started.
Are Black Russian Terriers Good Watchdogs?
As we’ve mentioned several times, black Russian terriers are exceptionally good watchdogs. They are naturally protective and bark only for a reason. Coupled with their loud barks and large size, black Russian terriers are undoubtedly one of the best dogs in this regard.
Are Black Russian Terriers Good Service Dogs?
While black Russian terriers make exceptional watchdogs, the same can’t be said for their role as service dogs. They surely have the trainability for it and would make particularly great mobility assistance dogs for those with physical disabilities, with their large, powerful frames, but their protectiveness and dominance often get in the way of them becoming good service dogs.
However, black Russian terriers can make excellent emotional support dogs, especially for those who prefer the presence of a large guardian dog.
How to Care for a Black Russian Terrier?
In many ways, black Russian terriers are high-maintenance dogs. They require a lot of daily exercise and have immense socialization and training needs when young. Here’s more to their care needs when it comes to grooming, health, and feeding to help you determine whether or not the black Russian terrier is the dog for you.
Do You Need to Groom a Black Russian Terrier?
Black Russian terriers have high grooming needs. In addition to basic care, like ear cleaning, paw care, and so on, they should be brushed at least two to three times a week to prevent mats and tangles. They also need occasional haircuts to tidy up their appearance, especially their face.
If you plan on taking a black Russian to a professional groomer, we recommend early trips to the groomer while your dog is a puppy so that they are familiar with the experience of being groomed. Those who intend to groom their black Russian terriers at home can take a look at our General Canine Grooming Course to learn more about dog grooming at home.
Do Black Russian Terriers Shed?
Black Russian terriers aren’t hypoallergenic. They shed a moderate amount, and it increases during seasonal changes. Therefore, they aren’t hypoallergenic dogs that won’t leave any pet hair on your sofa. Although it is easy to manage a black Russian terrier’s shedding with regular brushing, they can still trigger allergic reactions. Keep this in mind if you’re allergic to pet hair and plan to get a black Russian terrier.
What Health Problems Do Black Russian Terriers Have?
The black Russian terrier is overall a healthy dog breed. In fact, they’re among the healthiest terrier dogs. However, they can still be prone to certain canine health conditions, which owners should educate themselves about to identify any problems early to provide the medical attention their black Russian terriers need.
These health problems include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cardiovascular problems, skin allergies, and progressive retinal atrophy. Black Russian terriers are also prone to chronic ear infections; their ears should be cleaned regularly. Just like their smaller terrier counterparts, black Russian terriers are also susceptible to dental issues, so their teeth must be brushed regularly.
How Long Do Black Russian Terriers Live?
The black Russian terrier’s lifespan averages around 10 to 12 years, which is typical compared to dogs that are around the same size. However, a lot of factors can impact lifespan; genetics, diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors can make a black Russian terrier live significantly longer or shorter than the average lifespan for the breed.
What Should a Black Russian Terrier Eat?
A black Russian terrier should eat a healthy diet that supports their overall well-being. A high-quality commercially available dog food or a homemade diet formulated specifically for them is equally appropriate. In case you doubt what you’re feeding your black Russian isn’t the best, consult your vet or an animal nutritionist. You can also check our best dog food reviews to find the right diet for your black Russian.
Is a Black Russian Terrier the Right Dog for Me?
The black Russian terrier is a large, protective dog that was developed for military work. They are naturally vigilant and take their time to warm up to unfamiliar faces, both humans and animals. These traits mean that they require immense socialization and training early on to manage their instincts or at least help them channel them in the right direction.
The ideal owner for a black Russian is one who has the experience handling similar dog breeds and the time and availability to provide them with the socialization and training they require. If you’re willing to meet these and have adequate space to welcome a black Russian terrier into your home, then you’re all set for the largest terrier.