The Canine Chronicles Directory
Black Russian Terrier
Black Russian Terriers are a rare breed with a robust, heavy-boned build. They have
a water resistant, ruffled double coat consisting of a coarse outer coat and a soft,
thick undercoat. The coat should always be black with the exception of a few gray
hairs. White or brown markings are unacceptable when showing the dog. The Black
Russian Terriers head should be square shaped with a broad skull and a definite
stop. The muzzle is slightly shorter than the skull. The medium almond shaped eyes
are usually dark and wide set, rimmed with black. The triangular ears are small
and fold along the face. Cropped ears are not acceptable when showing this breed.
The nose is large and black. The black lips should be full, with no flews, the gums
dark and the tongue may have a black mark. The teeth should meet in a scissor-like
bite. The neck should be thick and muscular without a large dewlap. It should merge
into large muscular shoulders. The top line should be level. The withers rise over
the backline and the croup is lightly descending to a high set tail. The legs should
be parallel to each other, the forelegs straight and well-boned and the hindquarters
well-boned, muscular with a high degree of angulation. The hocks are large and developed
for flexibility and drive. The bear paw-like feet have tough, black, thick pads.
The nails are also large and dark. Rear dewclaws must be removed. The high-set tail
should be docked.
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Temperament
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Black Russian Terriers are brave, self-confident, stable and keenly observant. They
try to provide both physical and emotional support to their owners. This breed matures
slowly and the protective instincts will not emerge until they are one or two years
old. Once they are fully matured, they are excellent guard dogs and will protect
their family, home, farm, etc. This is a very observant breed and their reaction
to strangers will reflect those of their owners. Black Russian Terriers do not bark
unless it is necessary. They should not be left unsupervised around children. They
have a tendency to protect the family children from children who are unknown to
the dog. They also will try to herd the children. Males love children; although
females are more apt to play with them. Black Russian Terriers make great farm dogs
due to their attentive nature, their tendency to stay within their territory and
their gentility with farm animals. This breed needs to be a part of their family's
lives. If left alone for excessive periods of time, they can become aggressive and
destructive. Male Black Russian Terriers cannot live with other male dogs, however,
they can easily live with non-dominant or small dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, etc.
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Height, Weight
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Male Height: 25-29" ; Weight: 80-143 lbs.
Female Height: 25-28" ; Weight: 80-143 lbs.
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Health Problems
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This breed can be prone hip dysplasia. Care should be taken with the ears to prevent
otitis.
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Living Conditions
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Black Russian Terriers can live fine in an apartment. No matter how large your yard
is, you will always find them sitting at the front door waiting to come in. They
need extensive human contact to be happy and will follow you from room to room.
This breed does not do well in a kennel.
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Exercise
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This breed loves to go for a walk. They also love the water and snow.
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Life Expectancy
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About 10-11 years
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Grooming
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The BRT needs to be brushed about once a week and professionally trimmed 2-3 times
a year. Hair should be regularly removed from the ear ducts and from between the
toes. They are not heavy shedders.
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Origin
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The Black Russian Terrier was developed by the Russian Military in the 1950s. They
wanted to create a "Superman-stopper", but they needed a breed that would be hard
working, loyal and able to withstand the extreme Russian winters. Giant Schnauzer-Airedale
crosses were selectively bred with Airedale-Rottweiler crosses and Giant Schnauzer-Rottweiler
crosses. The Russian Water Dog was used along with 17 other breeds, resulting in
the creation of the Black Russian Terrier. In 1957, this new breed was exhibited
at a large all-Russian Dog show where it peaked the interest of private breeders
and the Russian "DOSAAF" Breeders (DOSAAF is a paramilitary organization). They
purchased the dog from the Red Star kennels and began to develop traits that helped
the Black Russian Terrier become milder in temperament. The FCI standard for this
breed was recorded in 1983. They were first exhibited in the United States in 1991,
were recognized by the UKC in 1995 and by the AKC in 2004.
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Group
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AKC Working, UKC Guardian Dog
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