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Black Russian Terrier Dog Breed Introduction
Black Russian Terrier (also known as Russian Black Terrier and Chornyi Terrier) is a large-sized dog breed from Russia. It is popular for its rough and thick, slightly waved coat. Males of these dogs are huge and hefty in contrast with the females, with males having 27 to 30 inches and females between 26 to 29 inches in height.
These dogs were developed during the late 1940s and the early 1950s primarily as military/working dogs, guarding dogs, sporting and companion dogs. They are not true terriers: it is evident that about seventeen breeds were used in its creation, such as the Airedale Terrier, the Giant Schnauzer, the Rottweiler, the Newfoundland, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog, the South Russian Shepherd Dog as well as other breeds.
These dogs have unique facial furnishings, such as a beard, mustache, and eyebrows that hang down to cover their eyes. They are not suitable for novice dog owners because of their protective and assertive nature. Black Russian Terriers are high-spirited, strong-willed, loyal, and gentle towards children. However, Black Russian Terriers need an active and skilled parent who can provide them with obedience and socialization training.
Origin
Black Russian Terriers originated from Russia. These dogs were created in the early 1950s by the Russian military, precisely, the former Soviet Army’s Red Star Kennel. They were created for use as military/working dogs. This dog breed was bred for working ability, as opposed to looks, and initial examples only looked like now’s Black Russian Terriers both in their build and coat type. The breed was created by crossing many large dog breeds, such as the Rottweiler, Giant Schnauzer, Airedale Terrier, and Newfoundland, and many others.
These dogs were created until 1957 by Red Star Kennel in Moscow when some pups were introduced to civilian breeders. Slowly they got distributed to the other parts of the USSR such as Saint Petersburg, Siberia, Ukraine, and afterwards to the first European nation Finland. In 1996 Black Russian Terriers were first introduced into the UK.
Lifespan
The lifespan of Black Russian Terriers is 10 to 12 years.
Grooming
Black Russian Terriers shed minimally even though the coat grows throughout the year. Therefore, it must be thoroughly brushed using a slicker brush and combed once a week to avoid matting. Besides frequent brushing, their coat needs trimming every 6 to 8 weeks. Their trimming length should be between 5 and 15 cm (2–6 inches). Scissors are used to trim their coat while the abdomen, ears, neck, and head are clipped with clippers.
Black Russian Terriers need a bath every 6 to 8 weeks using a canine hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner. Before bathing Black Russian Terriers brush their coat to remove dirt and mats that get messier when wet. They have lengthy beards that get stuck with food particles after eating or water may drip on the beard after drinking. Therefore, Black Russian Terriers should have their beard wiped daily to get rid of dirt and keep it dry. Due to this, some parents may decide to trim their beards.
Black Russian Terriers need nail trimming every 2 to 4 weeks to prevent cracking, overgrowth, spitting, and discomfort when walking or running. Brush their teeth at least twice a week if not daily to get rid of tartar buildup using tasty canine toothpaste and toothbrush. Clean their ears every week using an ear cleanser solution and cotton balls.
Shedding
They shed at low to moderate levels throughout the year hence not suitable for allergy sufferers.
Coat Type
Black Russian Terriers have a double coat with coarse outer guard hair over a softer undercoat. Their coat is hard and dense, not soft, woolly, silky, or frizzy. The Black Russian Terriers’ coat should be trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks to around 5 and 15 cm (2–6 inches) in length.
Hypoallergenic
These dogs are not hypoallergenic as they shed throughout the year and, due to that, they leave pet dander in your home. Their dander, saliva, urine, mucus, and fur contain a protein allergen that triggers allergic reactions in people who suffer from dog allergies.
Training
Black Russian Terriers are high-spirited, intelligent, and playful dogs that excel in obedience training, agility, and interactive play. These dogs begin training at an early age of three weeks before they are adopted. These dogs also somewhat need a strong pack leader since they can become pushy and dominating with anyone they can intimidate. Train them for 5 minutes distributed throughout the day to prevent boredom. Keep the training sessions lively and short to avoid boredom and distraction.
Use positive reinforcement methods to inspire positive behaviors by using toys, treats, playtime, petting, and verbal praise. Avoid using harsh corrections ways such as yelling, shoving, kicking, beating, and punching. Black Russian Terriers also need socialization to minimize dog aggression.
Socialization exposes Black Russian Terriers to a wide range of people, animals, surfaces, sights, places, smell, and sounds like baby crying sounds, doorbells, sirens, lawnmowers, and washing machines. Enrolling Black Russian Terriers in a puppy class when they are 8 to 16 weeks will also work as a form of socialization. Teach Black Russian Terriers basic command words such as come, sit, leave it, wait, lie down, heel, etc. one at a time. Also housebreak Black Russian Terriers by creating a feeding guide, potty training, and crate training at an early age.
Russian Black Terrier Price
The price of a Black Russian Terrier is $1,000 to $2,500 depending on the pedigree of the dog, age, location of the breeder, and how famous the breed is at the time of purchase.
Russian Black Terrier Temperament
– Courageous.
– Intelligent.
– Confident.
– Calm.
– Energetic.
– Alert.
– Highly spirited.
– Loyal.
– Affectionate.
– Gentle with children.
– Playful.
Exercise
Black Russian Terriers require regular exercise and mental stimulation to thrive. Engaging Black Russian Terriers in activities such as obedience training, agility, and interactive play can keep them energetic and well-stimulated.
Barking
Black Russian Terriers have a strong working instinct and they are wary of strangers. Therefore, Black Russian Terriers are the self-appointed guardians of their homes. Due to this, they may be quite vocal while executing this role.
Black Russian Terrier Size
Black Russian Terriers are 26 to 30 inches ( approx. 66 to 76 cm ) tall and weigh 80 to 140 pounds ( approx. 36 to 64 kg ).
Height
Mature Black Russian Terriers have a height of 26 to 30 inches ( approx. 66 to 76 cm ).
Weight
Black Russian Terriers have a weight of 80 to 140 pounds ( approx. 36 to 64 kg ).
Mini
There are no miniature Black Russian Terriers because these dogs were created by crossing many large dog breeds, such as the Rottweiler, Giant Schnauzer, Airedale Terrier, and Newfoundland, and many others.
Bite Force
These dogs have a strong bite force that can cause big wounds. Their bite force is 556 PSI because of their large size. To prevent biting it is good to learn how to train Black Russian Terriers not to bite from an early age.
Health Issues
Black Russian Terriers are generally healthy and somewhat long-lived dogs. However, they may be prone to certain health problems like Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Hyperuricosuria, and eye disease.
Names
Black Russian Terriers parents may find a name for the pet before it joins them home or days after it has already settled to know its traits better. They may get name inspirations from the Swedish heritage of the breed, coat color and texture, movies, books, and historical songs.
The names chosen should freely roll off the tongue. Black Russian Terriers and other dog breeds understand a name that has vowels. If Black Russian Terriers have a name that rhymes with the command words it will create confusion. Also if they share a name with a family member or guest who frequents the home may cause confusion. Some of the names that Black Russian Terriers parents give to their pets include:
- Gia.
- Marcus.
- Cola
- Trixie.
- Kona.
- Cerise.
- Jordy.
- Ginger.
- Jack.
- Milo.
Food
The amount of food Black Russian Terriers feed on depends on their age, size, metabolism, body build, and activity level. Black Russian Terriers may feed on commercial dry or wet food, raw food, or home-made dog food. Puppies should take meals twice a day while adult Black Russian Terriers should eat twice a day. They are prone to obesity hence ensure the calorie consumption and weight level are checked. Make sure Black Russian Terriers have access to clean water at all times. Owners should be well-versed with human foods that are safe for the dog.
Colors
The Black Russian Terriers’ color is black or black with some dispersed gray hairs through the coat, but not in confined areas, and in total not over one-third of the coat.
Allergies
Black Russian Terriers are predisposed to various forms of allergies including:
Food allergies – Even if rare, some Black Russian Terriers suffer from a true food allergy that causes an immune response. It is mostly followed with many symptoms from skin problems to gastrointestinal issues. Food that Black Russian Terriers are most allergic to are corn, beef, chicken, eggs, soy, wheat, and milk.
Skin allergies – Black Russian Terriers skin inflammation can be caused by food, contact, and environmental allergens.
Environmental allergies – The environment has allergens that may or may not affect Black Russian Terriers. Some of the environmental allergies that affect Black Russian Terriers are pollen, grass, mites, dust, and house molds. As of now there are no available allergic tests to test for dog allergies. Diagnosis is usually detected on the dog’s breed, age, symptoms, and origin of the dog.
Vs Bouvier Des Flandres
– Bouvier Des Flandres weigh around 100 to 130 pounds while Black Russian Terriers weigh 80 to 140 pounds.
– Bouvier des Flandres are older breeds than the Black Russian Terriers.
– Black Russian Terriers and Bouvier Des Flandres have heavy double coats with thick undercoats.
– They both have short-coupled bodies with flat toplines.
Vs Giant Schnauzer
– Black Russian Terriers are both heavier and taller than the Giant Schnauzer breed.
– The Black Russian Terriers’ can weigh up to 132 pounds while Giant Schnauzer can weigh up to 90 pounds.
– They were created to drive cattle, and they tend to bark more compared to the Black Russian Terriers.
– The Giant Schnauzers have a lifespan of 12-15 years, slightly surpassing the 10-12 years of the Black Russian Terriers.
Russian Black Terrier Puppies
Black Russian Terriers puppies grow up to be well-rounded dogs. The more well-socialized they are, the better they are with other dogs, although some will only enjoy other canine companions who reside in their household. Enrolling them in a puppy class when they are 8 to 16 weeks will also work as a form of socialization, and taking them to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on strolls to meet neighbors will also help them nurture their social skills.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are Black Russian Terrier Aggressive
No, Black Russian Terriers are loyal and gentle dogs but can develop aggressive tendencies. If socialized from an early age these dogs get along well.
Do Black Russian Terrier Shed
Yes, Black Russian Terriers shed at low to moderate levels all-year round.
How Much Do Black Russian Terrier Cost
Black Russian Terriers’ puppies cost between $1000 to $2500 depending on the pedigree and the location of the breeder.
How Much Does A Black Russian Terriers Cost
Depending on the pedigree and the location of the breeder, Black Russian Terriers’ puppies cost between $1000 to $2500.
How Much Is A Black Russian Terrier
The price of a Black Russian Terriers’ ranges between $1000 to $2500 depending on the pedigree and the location of the breeder.
Black Russian Terrier Quick Facts
- This dog breed is alert and will bark at unusual sounds hence making perfect working dogs.
- Black Russian Terriers are slow to mature, like most big dogs.
- These dogs are large and in charge.
