Black Russian Terrier Breed Overview
One of the most searched dog breeds on the internet, Black Russian Terrier belongs to the giant large size dog. Also known as Black Terrier, this breed was discovered first in the Russia. The average lifespan of this dog breed is 10-11 years and is associated with the Working Dogs Group.
| Dog Breed Name: | Black Russian Terrier |
|---|---|
| Other Names: | Black Terrier |
| Size: | large size dog |
| Average Height: | Male: 25-29 inches (64-74 cm), Female: 25-28 inches (64-72 cm) |
| Average Weight: | 80-143 pounds (36-65 kg) |
| Energy: | high energy level |
| Origin: | Russia |
| Group: | Working Dogs |
| Life Span: | 10 to 11 years |
| Dog Breed Overview: | A legacy of the Cold War, the Black Russian Terrier was bred by Soviet Army scientists who were striving for the perfect working dog. Wonderfully adapted to the inhospitable Russian winters, the Black Russian was bred to patrol the borders alongside soldiers. The scientists weren't trying to invent a new breed; they just wanted a dog who was suited to their military needs.The Red Star Kennel, where the breeding took place, was established under the Red Army and had the full resources of the government for assistance. Thanks to the Russian Revolution, World War II, and other economic difficulties, purebred dog breeding had taken a back seat during much of the 20th century, and the team, which included breeders and geneticists, didn't have much homebred stock with which to work.However, they did an admirable job. They wanted a dog with endurance who could run long fence lines, chase and catch intruders, and stay warm enough to survive. They started crossing Giant Schnauzers, Airedales, and Rottweilers, but there are traces of 17 breeds, including Great Danes and some large Russian breeds such as the Ovcharka.The Blackies worked at rail crossings, prisons, and assorted military venues including gulags, and they excelled at it. However, when the gulags began closing in the 1950s, they had more dogs than needed, and thus the Army began selling the puppies to the public. Fanciers made a few changes in the breeding; Newfoundlands, for instance, were added for stability. In 1958, the Soviet Army created the first breed standard for the Black Russian Terrier.Officially, the Black Russian Terrier obtained breed status from the Soviet Ministry of Agriculture in 1981. It didn't take long for them to become one of the most admired breeds of the world because of their many fine traits: large size, ability to protect home and family, excellent working abilities, courage, elegant appearance, sociability, and love of children. |
| Colours: | Gray,Black |
| Temperament: | Brave,Energetic,Lively,Confident,Stable,Affectionate,Gentle,Independent,Cheerful,Playful,Defensive,Social |
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Black Russian Terrier Breed Price
Black Russian Terrier from regular breeders cost you from $1800 to $2500 per puppy.
Black Russian Terrier Breed Size
The Black Russian Terrier varies in size: males are normally about 25-29 inches (64-74 cm), in height and around 80-143 pounds (36-65 kg)in weight, while females are normally around 25-28 inches (64-72 cm)in height and 80-143 pounds (36-65 kg) in weight.
Black Russian Terrier Breed Temperament
The Black Russian Terrier is a large, immensely powerful worker of heavy bone and coarse all-black coat. BRTs are known for their courage, confidence, and intelligence. Bred to guard and protect, they are naturally aloof with strangers.
Black Russian Terrier Breed Lifespan
The average lifespan for an Black Russian Terrier is 10 to 11 years. That’s because these are medium-sized dogs with a good mix of genes in their blood.
Interesting Facts about Black Russian Terrier Dog
- Blackies need a job. They were bred for it and will be unhappy without one. Their job as your companion could be competing in agility, obedience, Schutzhund, or various canine sports.
- Black Russian Terriers need at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. They are intelligent and powerful, and exercise provides a needed outlet. A Black Russian can manage in an apartment with sufficient outdoor exercise. A fenced yard is best for the Blackie living in a house.
- They do bark and shed, but not very much.
- Blackies enjoy the company of their families and prefer to stick close to their human pack. They don’t do well stuck in the backyard by themselves.
- The sometimes stubborn Blackie needs firm training as soon as you get them home so that they won’t try to establish themselves as the leader of the pack.
- Blackies are by nature aloof with people they don’t know, and unless they have regular exposure to lots of different people–ideally beginning in puppyhood–they can become overly protective of you around strangers. This may lead to biting out of fear and aggression. Give your Blackie lots of contact with friends, family, neighbors, and even strangers to help them polish social skills.
FAQ’s on Black Russian Terrier
Are Black Russian Terrier Dangerous Dogs? Are Black Russian Terrier naturally aggressive?
Certain breeds of dog are naturally more protective than others, and aggressive when necessary. Black Russian Terriers fall into this category, but they should never be vicious or go on the attack without cause. They are always guarded with strangers and you can’t train this out of them
Are Black Russian Terrier smart?
Yes, Black Russian Terrier are a highly intelligent dog breed.
Are Black Russian Terrier trainable?
They are highly trainable, have the ability to learn complicated tasks, and perform excellently as search and rescue dogs.
Can Black Russian Terrier be kept with other dogs?
Black Russian Terriers are best suited to households where they are the only pet. They may tolerate other dogs and cats with whom they’re raised, but you should never leave them unsupervised around other pets. BRTs should never live with small animals such as rabbits or gerbils because they will consider them prey.
Do Black Russian Terrier have locking jaws?
No, they do not have locking jaws.
Are Black Russian Terrier safe to keep with kids?
Are Black Russian Terriers Good with Kids? Black Russian Terriers are calm and protective of the children in their families. They are big, however, and are best with older children. Because they are not friendly with strangers, they shouldn’t be around kids who are not members of their family.
What should I feed my Black Russian Terrier?
Black Russian Terriers are known to piling on the pounds, however, so their diet should consist of biologically appropriate proteins, healthy fats, ground bones and vegetables – which are packed with essential vitamins and minerals – for optimum health and performance.
At what age is a Black Russian Terrier fully grown?
Black Russian Terrier Puppies weigh between 24 and 36 pounds when they are three months old. By the time they are six months old, they will have grown to weigh between 64 and 78 pounds. They will be fully grown around the time they are 12 months old.
When does a Black Russian Terrier mature?
At maturity (over 18 months of age), the AKC standard recommends 27-30 inches for males with the desired height between 27 and 29 inches and 26 and 29 inches for females with the desired height between 26 and 28 inches.
When do Black Russian Terrier lose their teeth?
At around four months of age — and it can vary from breed to breed and even from dog to dog — the 28 puppy teeth are replaced with 42 adult canine teeth, which include the molars.
How long does a Black Russian Terrier live?
An Black Russian Terrier can live anywhere from 10 to 11 years.
