Black Russian Terrier

Black Russian Terrier Facts

Black Russian Terrier Information

Black Russian Terrier Description:

Black Russian Terrier Care & Grooming:

Black Russian Terrier Health Problems:

Group:	Working
Size:	Large
Life Span:	10-14 years
Height:	Male: 27-30 inches
	Female: 26-29 inches
Weight:	Male: 90-145 lbs
	Female: 80-135 lbs

Coat :	Outer coat is hard and dense. Undercoat is soft
Gait :	Smooth and effortless
Color(s) :	Black or black with some scattered gray hairs
Living Area :	Any
Hair Length:	Medium
Exercise Need :	Long daily walk and jog
Recognized By :	(CKC) Canadian Kennel Club (FCI) Fï¿½dï¿½ration Cynologique Internationale (NKC) National Kennel Club (ANKC) Australian National Kennel Council (APRI) America Pet Registry, Inc. (AKC) American Kennel Club (ACR) American Canine Registry (DRA) Dog Registry of America
Date of Origin :	20th Century
Place of Origin :	Russia
Todays Use :	Guard Dog, Military Dog
Originally Used :	Guard Dog, Military Dog
Other Name :	Black Terrier

The origin of the Black Russian Terrier, as the name suggests, lies in Russia, the erstwhile Soviet Union. This breed was developed entirely by the Stalin army to work as a guard dog and a police dog. It is believed that as many as 20 breeds were used for making this breed, which includes breeds like the extinct Moscow Water Dog, Airdale Terrier, Newfoundland, Caucasian Ovcharka and others. The breed was entirely bred by the army, until 1957, when some specimens were sold to the general public. The breed was first recognized by the AKC in 2004.

The Black Russian Terrier is a large sized dog with a muscular build. It has a proportionate head; medium sized eyes which are oval in shape in dark in color; high set ears which are triangular in shape and lying close to the head; a strong muzzle which slightly tapers towards the end; black nose; thick, black lips with teeth which meet in scissors bite. This breed has a high set tail which is slightly sickle shaped in its natural form and is carried above the level of the back. However, in most cases, the tail is docked. Like other terrier breeds, it has short, strong, square shaped legs with well padded feet. This breed has a double coat with a hard, dense and medium in length outer coat and, a soft and dense undercoat. It has long hair on its face which forms eyebrows and beard. The color of the coat can be pure black or black with some scattered gray hairs.

The Black Russian terrier is a hard working and a loyal breed. It is loyal towards its master and has innate protective skills. It is slightly reserved towards strangers. These qualities make it an excellent watchdog as well as guard dog. With proper training it can goes well with kids as well as other pets, including other dogs. Hence, it makes for an excellent companion breed too. However, this breed does not like to stay away from its master for long. Hence, sufficient time needs to be devoted to the breed. Thus, this breed is not recommended for families who can’t devote enough time. It is a people pleaser and hence, easy to train. If sufficiently exercised it can do okay in an apartment life but is more comfortable at least in an average sized yard.

The Black Russian Terrier sheds very little hair. The coat needs to be brushed once or twice in a week, and also a professional grooming 2-3 times a year to maintain a healthy looking coat. It should be bathed only when necessary and must be dried properly after each bath. The eyes and ears of the dog should be cleaned properly. Extra care should be taken of its feet since it is a heavy breed and a lot of pressure is put on the feet. Regular trimming of the nails is advised to avoid injuries. The hair around its eyes, ears and paws should also be trimmed regularly. Its beard should be cleaned daily to remove any food remains.

It is an active breed which needs lot of daily exercise. Daily walks are essential to make the dog healthy both physically and mentally. These need to be supplemented with jogging or running in an open but secure area to release the excess energy of the dog. This breed should not be left alone for too long as it can lead to behavioral symptoms.

Grooming:

Shedding:

Energy Level:

Protection:

Watch Dog:

The Black Russian Terrier is prone to some health issues like hip and elbow Dysplasia, Ear and skin infections etc.

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