Black Russian Terrier Breed Description

An Owner's Black Russian Terrier Description
Ebony came to me through a breeder friend I was visiting in California. I always thought I wanted a terrier because of their intelligence, loyalty and spunkiness, plus that desire and ability to learn new tricks quickly.

But Ebony is a terrier of a different color, so to speak. It's not that he lacks any of those qualities; it's just that he doesn't necessarily like to highlight them. Ebony would rather show his other endearing qualities, such as his stubbornness and independence, and to perform his clownish antics. All of that can exasperate me at times, but he is a real treat to be to be with.

He loves the kids and is very protective of them, which is one of the reasons I decided on this breed. As long as I'm firm with discipline, tempered with a kind hand, he responds very well. I learned early on that Ebony, like most terriers, will not do well with rough handling or mistreatment. So I use plenty of praise and affection, as well as a soft touch in patting his head.

Ebony is very calm, common for this breed of terrier. But I still kind of expected a hyper personality like I'd seen in some of the smaller terriers I'd met before, so it came as a pleasant surprise. I've noticed with Ebony that even when he learns how to do something, he may not always choose to do it. So by changing up the routine a bit - or at least changing how I present it - he responds as if the command is new and interesting, and then he is more than willing to obey. Typically, Black Russians don't like to socialize with strangers and will need to learn that skill early through interaction with family, friends and other dogs. But Ebony showed his ability to learn quickly and has all the necessary social skills to be a perfect companion.

The breeder told us that the brave, observant and highly affectionate Black Russian Terrier wants and needs close human contact; this isn't a dog to leave alone at home all day. Most have a strong protective instinct, a suspicion of strangers and are quick to protect their owner. Even in adulthood, this dog loves children, though the females are more likely to play with them. While males cannot live with other dominant dogs, the breed gets along very well with other non-dominant dogs and small pets. Like most terriers, these dogs should be trained while young, with a firm but loving hand. The Black Russian Terrier is very curious and intelligent and will learn quickly. Housebreaking is usually easy, and the dog does not need to be trained to walk with a leash. Bear in mind, however, that the superb memory of the breed makes it nearly impossible to retrain. Mellow by terrier standards, it will only bark when it deems it necessary. Do not share your bed with a Black Russian Terrier puppy, unless you also want to share it with a large, powerful adult like Ebony.

 

 

Introduction

This young breed created in the 1960's by Soviet dog lovers melded Giant Schnauzers, Airedales, Rottweilers, Newfoundlands and other breeds to fashion a big, tough, dog with a weather-resistant coat. Standing 26" to 30" at the withers, their dense coat needs regular care. Although reliable with their masters, they are suspicious and have an active defense reaction making this dog breed a well balanced guard dog. They are also lively and playful.

History

Apparently, 40-odd years back, the Soviet Union had an interest in developing a perfect guard dog. That meant more than a canine good at protecting a person or property. The perfect guard dog would work as man's companion, desiring a close relationship with a human being that would be both respectful and symbiotic. Simultaneously, the government wanted to create a Russian purebred dog that would be available to citizens in addition to being used in the armed forces. At that time, the Red Star Kennel was the state's organ for dog breeding for all branches of the military. Red Star came up with the Black Russian Terrier.

The effort was successful, and the Russian Black Terrier has developed a following both in and out of the armed forces and well beyond the borders of its Russian homeland.

General Description

Bearded and mustached, there's a square quality to the face of the Black Russian that reminds some of the Scottie. That's where the resemblance ends, however - the average Black Russian weighs as much as the average human, and is an agile animal with large bones and impressive endurance.

Medium triangular ears are set high and not cropped. The skull is fairly wide and the muzzle is broad and tapers only slightly towards the nose. Like the rest of the dog, its nose, lips, eye rims and foot pads are black.

The neck is thick and shows the dogs' powerful musculature; it is at roughly a 45 degree angle to the line of the back. Chest is both deep and wide, with a pronounced fore-chest. Hindquarters are set parallel and slightly wider than the powerful forelegs; all should appear in balance.

Temperament

Bred to guard and protect, these are confident dogs who are somewhat aloof toward strangers. They are highly intelligent and it requires significant dog experience to craft a training program that will keep the Black Russian active and interested. Socialized young, they can become devoted playmates for children; yet caution needs to be exercised as a small Black Russian puppy will rather quickly be a 100-pound adult!

Health and Care

Black Russians are double coated, but require little grooming other than an occasional brushing. Climate will dictate how often they 'blow' their undercoat. Bathe only when necessary, and acclimate the dog while young to nail clipping and teeth brushing so that it will be a normal part of the adult animal's routine.

Colors

The acceptable colors are black or black with few grey hairs. However, the grey hairs should be evenly dispersed and not found in patches anywhere in the coat.

Living Area

The Black Russian Terrier is a dog that forms very strong bonds with its owner. It needs to have close human contact to be happy and feel loved. This is not the type of dog that will do well living in a kennel environment. The yard size and house size are not necessarily that important because the Black Russian Terrier is a relatively inactive indoor dog. They are most likely to follow the owner around the yard and remain in very close proximity to them. If the Black Russian Terrier is left outside it will generally wait by the door to be let back in the home to be with the owner. If people are interested in having a large dog in an apartment environment this is an excellent choice. They are quite content to be inside with their owners and families. However, if the dog does live in a small living space it is important for the owner to make the efforts to take the dog for walks and other exercise.

Recognized By

CKC, FCI, AKC, ANKC, NKC, APRI, ACR

Pets4You offers listings of Black Russian Terrier breeders with puppies for sale.