Black Russian Terrier: temperament, size, care and health

About the Black Russian Terrier

The Black Russian Terrier, often shortened to BRT, is a big, solid dog with a broad head, a beard, squared-off whiskers and a wiry, dense black coat that looks tousled. Adults stand roughly 26 to 30 inches tall and are powerfully built. Despite the name, the breed is not a true terrier in the sense of a small earth dog, and it does not come from the terrier group of the British Isles.

Developed in the Soviet Union after the Second World War, it was intended as a rugged guard and service dog able to cope with harsh winters. Today it is kept by owners who like a protective, trainable dog with a family side and a handsome, distinctive look.

Temperament and family life

A well-bred Black Russian Terrier is calm, confident and very devoted to its family. It is naturally watchful with strangers and takes guarding seriously, though it should not be aggressive. The breed is often described as thoughtful and self-assured, and it can be slow to warm to people it does not know.

It generally gets on well with children it has grown up with, but its size and strength require supervision with small ones. Same-sex dominance with other dogs is possible. The breed bonds closely and dislikes being left alone for long periods. Early and continued socialization is vital, so that natural caution does not turn into suspicion.

Exercise and training

Daily exercise should include a good walk or two and active play in a fenced yard. The breed is not frantic, but it needs steady activity and mental stimulation, and it enjoys obedience, tracking, carting and protection-style sports. In hot weather exercise should be limited, because of the thick coat.

The Black Russian Terrier is intelligent and learns fast, particularly when training is consistent and engaging. It responds to a calm, assertive handler and resents harsh corrections or repetition. It can be willful in adolescence. Because of its size and strength, obedience training in puppyhood is essential, and a trainer experienced in large guardian breeds can help.

Grooming and shedding

This is a high-maintenance coat. The wiry hair sheds little, but it mats easily if neglected. Brush and comb thoroughly a few times a week, down to the skin, and expect professional grooming every six to eight weeks to trim the coat, shape the beard and tidy the legs. Some owners prefer a shorter clip to ease care.

The beard collects food, water and mud, so wipe it daily. Check the ears, which can hold hair and moisture, trim nails and brush teeth. Outdoor adventures may bring burrs and snow clinging to the leg furnishings.

Health

Responsible breeders screen hips and elbows, and test eyes for progressive retinal atrophy. Hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, an underactive thyroid and certain cancers are reported. The breed's gene pool is limited, as it was founded on few dogs, so inbreeding levels are worth asking a breeder about. Lifespan is typically 10 to 12 years. This text is general, and a veterinarian is the one to consult on any particular dog.

History

The breed was developed in the Soviet Union from the late 1940s at a military kennel, using the Giant Schnauzer, the Rottweiler, the Airedale Terrier and several other breeds. The goal was a large, black working dog resistant to cold. After a time limited to state use, dogs spread to private owners. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 2004.

Is the Black Russian Terrier right for you?

The breed suits an experienced, confident owner who is willing to train, groom and socialize a large guardian. It is a poor choice for first-time owners, for hot climates or for people unwilling to pay for professional grooming. Those wanting a similar look in a smaller form might compare the Standard Schnauzer, while the Giant Schnauzer shares some ancestry. The Bouvier des Flandres is another shaggy working breed.