Privacy Policy: Your email address is 100% safe.
We don't spam and hate it as much as you do :-) You can also unsubscribe from our mailing list at any time.
Subscribe to The FREE Black Russian Terrier Training Course to learn how you can easily turn your unruly and disobedient Black Terrier into a loving, friendly companion. Step-by-step tips for puppy housebreaking, dog obedience training and stopping bad behavior.
Sign Up
Sign Up
Black Russian Terrier: Temperament, Exercise, Grooming, Health
About Black Russian Terrier
Country of Origin, History of Black Russian Terriers
The Black Russian Terrier was specially designed and bred by the Soviet Russian Red army in the 1940s at their own “Red Star Kennel.” The new breed needed to be massive and robust but high-spirited, highly trainable, and always willing to work. He needed to be able to withstand all types of climate, but especially the long, cold, harsh winters. His coat had to be protective but low maintenance.
The Black Russian Terrier counts Giant Schnauzer, Rottweiler, Airedale, Newfoundland, Caucasian Ovcharka, Great Dane, Eastern European Shepherd and Russian Water Dog among the 17 breeds in his background. His character and temperament stabilized but his appearance took longer. The Russian DOSAAF worked to standardize the breed.
The Black Russian Terrier is to the Russian army as the Malinois is to the French army and the German Shepherd Dog was to the German Army.
Some puppies were sold to hobby breeders starting in 1958. The breed spread to the Baltic countries, the Ukraine and Siberia. A few were sold to breeders in Finland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and the United States. In 1984 the breed was recognized by the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale).
Black Russian Terrier Tools
Breed Selector Tool - is the Black Russian Terrier the right breed for you?
Is the Black Russian Terrier the right breed for you and your family?
Find out by using our Free Dog Breed Selector Tool
Check Your Black Russian Terrier's Learning Style
Are you aware dogs also have a learning style that can greatly affect their ability to housetrain as well as be trained correctly. Evaluate your Black Russian Terrier's learning style and personality using our free Learning Style tool so that you are better able to provide him with the proper Black Russian Terrier training methods.
Is your Black Russian Terrier dominating over you?
Does your Black Russian Terrier bark unnecessarily? Does your Black Russian Terrier come to you when you call? Download a FREE Report on Dog Dominance for you and your Black Russian Terrier and learn how to control your dog.
Do you make these mistakes with your Black Russian Terrier?
Are you inadvertently snow-balling bad behavior in your Black Russian Terrier? Evaluate your Dog Training Style from our Free Tool and learn how best to deal with your dog.
Black Russian Terrier Calorie Calculator
Do you know how many calories your Black Russian Terrier needs every day and how many cups of food you should be giving it every day? Click here to use our Black Russian Terrier Calorie Calculator.
A General Appearance of the Dog
The Black Russian Terrier is called a medium dog, but if you see one, you will think it is a large-boned dog. It is very rectangular, muscularly strong, and robust. Its blocky head is broad with a mustache and beard and full, square nose and muzzle. Dark eyes and triangular, small pendant ears finish the look of the head.
The Black Terrier is even muscular in his neck and legs. His large feet appear bear-like with thick, dark pads. Although his gait is strong and powerful, he is well coordinated and appears light on his feet. His high-set tail is cropped.
Coat Color
The Black Russian Terrier is all black. Any other color of hairs in the coat is a disqualification unless it is gray in an older dog, especially around his face.
Coat Type
The Black Russian’s outer coat is waterproof. It is fairly coarse, about 1.5 to 4 inches in length, and can be slightly wavy. Legs should be covered with 2 -4 inches of coarse hair. The feet are covered with hair. The dog’s coat should appear full and tousled. The undercoat is thick and soft.
Height
Males: 27 -30 inches
Females: 26 – 29 inches
Weight
80 – 150 lbs
Do not overfeed; make sure they get plenty of exercise.
Free Black Russian Terrier Training Secrets
Free Course on Black Russian Terrier Training & Obedience
Stop All Bad Behavior, Excessive Barking and Biting
Black Russian Terrier Personality Traits
Temperament of the Dog
Black Russian Terriers were created to be the perfect all-around dog. He is very adaptable, alert and lively, easily trainable, and even-tempered. He is self-confident and brave, wary of strangers with a good dose of natural guarding instincts. And, on top of that, he has a low maintenance coat.
Since they are a large dog, they need to start training early with someone who will be firm and consistent with them. They take to the leash without much encouragement. They are easy to housebreak. They enjoy training because they love to please their masters.
Quick to act, the Black Russian Terrier will be very protective of his owner and his home. Because of this dominance, they may not get along well with other large or dominant dogs, but they do get along well with almost all other animals.
Black Russians want intense contact with humans and other animals. They bark only when they think it is necessary.
Black Russian Terrier Puppies are very inquisitive and will get into everything. They are late maturers and many adult characteristics will not appear until they are 1.5 to 2 years old.
Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?
They seem able to live outdoors year-round, but this would be mean to this gentle dog. They really want and need to be close to their family. They are little trouble in the house and are very happy there with play times and walks outdoors. Close contact with the family hones the good qualities of this breed.
If the BRT is kenneled outside, he will not learn what to protect and may one day protect his kennel against his owner.
Are they suited to homes with kids?
Black Russian Terriers love children and love to play with children (especially the females).
Black Russian Terrier Activity Level
How Active is the Breed?
Black Russian Terriers are always ready for a long, daily walk or several very active play times in a securely fenced yard. They love to romp and play. Most of them love to play in the snow or in the water.
How Much Exercise Does the Dog Need at every stage of its Life?
Black Russian Terriers are always ready for a long, daily walk or several very active play times in a securely fenced yard. They love to romp and play.
Grooming
Weekly brushing will keep the Black Russian Terrier from shedding. They do not have seasonal shedding.
Remove hair from ear ducts. Trim the paws.
Regular trimming and Black Russian Terrier grooming 3-4 times a year by a professional groomer will really help the Black Russian Terrier look and feel his best. Handstripping may be necessary.
Free Black Russian Terrier Training Secrets
Free Course on Black Russian Terrier Training & Obedience
Stop All Bad Behavior, Excessive Barking and Biting
Health and Care
Genetic Problems
Hip dysplasia and ear infections are the only known problems.
Litter Size: 6-12 puppies
Life Span: The average life span is 10 – 11 years.
National Breed Clubs
National Breed Clubs
British – Russian Black Terrier Club –
www.rbtclub.co.uk
US – Black Russian Terrier Club of America
(BRTCA) – www.brtca.org
Other Recognition: CKC, FCI, NKC, ANKC, APRI, AKC, ACR
Rescue Link: www.brtca.org/rescue.htm
Group: AKC Working Dogs, KCGB Working Group (Russian Black Terrier)
AKC Popularity Ranking: 134
Also Known As: Black Terrier, Russian Black Terrier, Russian Bear Schnauzer, Chornyi, BRT
Train Your Black Russian Terrier To Listen To You
Get Instant Access to Your Training Now - For Free
Sign up for our Free Black Russian Terrier Mini Course to have a housebroken, obedient dog that happily comes to you every time you call.
You'll learn new commands to obedience-train your dog as well as how to housebreak your dog in 6 days or less.
You'll also learn how to eliminate bad habits like barking, nipping or biting, jumping, or pulling on the leash.Here's just s small fraction of what else you'll learn in the course:
How to lead and think like a pack dog - the new psychology.
3 dangerous mistakes that most Black Terrier owners make when they are trying to potty train their dogs.
The 2 main reasons why your dog barks excessively and how to control its excessive barking.
How to obedience train your Black Russian Terrier to permanently end behavioral problems like Jumping, Aggression, Pulling on Leash.
A surprisingly easy way to teach your dog cool new tricks.
How to improve your dog's lifespan and keep it from getting overly heavy with a healthy and nutritious diet.
Getting Pro help fast - how to get access to our expert trainers when you need them most.
One hidden psychological trigger that all Black Russian Terriers have... that practically allows you to "analyze" and "control" your dog's every action.
Priority access to the free online seminars conducted by our training experts.
Whereas other dog training related web sites and books offer generic information for dogs in general, ours is the ONLY web site that offers Black Terrier information specifically, from a renowned panel of experts - because as you probably know, Black Terriers have their own special training requirements that other dogs don't have.
What Other Dog Owners Say…
Our Free Courses
Dog Obedience TrainingDog Housetraining
Stop Dog Barking
Stop Dog Biting
HomeMade Dog food
Dog Grooming
Adopting A Dog
Read More
PureBred Dog BreedsMixed Dog Breeds
Dog Groups
Training Small Dog Breeds
Training Medium Dog Breeds
Training Large Dog Breeds
Exercising Your Dog
Dog Health
More Articles
Dog Grooming Needs
Our Tribute