The Black Russian Terrier dog is a breed of dog. Despite it’s name it is not a true terrier. It is a working dog, guarding dog, sporting and companion dog. It is also known as Tchornyi Terrier, Chornyi Terrier and simply as BRT.
The Black Russian Terrier dog breed was developed in the former USSR in Red Star (Krasnaya Zvezda) Kennel by the state for use as a military/working dogs. It is believed that about 17 breeds were used in it’s development, including the Airedale, the Giant Schnauzer, the Rottweiler, the Newfoundland, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and other breeds.
The Black Russian Terrier dogs were bred for working ability, rather than appearance, and early examples only resembled today’s Black Russian Terrier in their build and coat type.
The breed was bred solely by the state owned Red Star Kennel in Moscow until 1957, when some puppies were sold to civilian breeders. And these breeders began to breed for looks, while retaining working ability.
In time, the breed spread to the other parts of USSR like Saint Petersburg, Siberia, Ukraine and later to the first European country Finland and next to the other European countries: Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Germany and finally to the United States, Canada, Australia and others.
At the present time, the Black Russian Terrier dog is a breed recognized by the FCI (FCI’s from September 1983), AKC (AKC’s from July 2004), CKC, KC, ANKC, NZKC and other cynological organizations. The contemporary Black Russian Terrier is a working dog, guarding dog, sporting and companion dog.[1]
Black Russian Terrier Dog Characteristics
The Black Russian Terrier dog is a large, immensely powerful worker of heavy bone and coarse all-black coat. They have large bones and well developed muscles, creating a vibrant, flowing impression.
Their coat is a double coat with a coarse outer guard hair over a softer undercoat. The coat is hard and dense, never soft, wooly, silky or frizzy. It should be trimmed to between 2 and 6 inches in length. It should form a beard and eyebrows on the face, and a slight mane around the withers and neck that is more pronounced in males. The coat is low-shedding and the color is black with some scattered gray hairs.
The Black Russian Terrier dogs are large in size. Their average body height is between 28 and 30 inches at the withers for males, and between 27 and 28 inches for the females. Average live body weight of the mature dog is between 50 and 60 kg for males and between 45 and 50 kg for females.
Temperament
The Black Russian Terrier dogs are calm, courageous and confident. They have exceptionally stable nervous systems and radiate confidence and tranquility. Bred by the military, they are self-assured, loyal, and aloof toward those they don’t know. They are purposely designed to guard and protect, they could become dangerous without their famous emotional stability.
The Black Russian Terrier dogs are highly intelligent, and they take well to firm direction and need a job to perform (so, training is easy). They love children and will guard those in their circle.
They are house dogs and need to feel like part of the family. They are not suited to life in backyard. They need almost constant attention and guidance, and they will become withdrawn if you don’t give them enough.
Temperament of the Black Russian Terrier dog is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them.
Just like every dog, the Black Russian Terrier dog needs early socialization when they are young (including exposure to many different people, sights, sounds and experiences). Socialization helps to ensure that your puppies grow up to be a well-rounded dog.
Lifespan
Average lifespan of the Black Russian Terrier dog is between 10 and 12 years.
Feeding
How much a mature dog eats depends on it’s size, age, build, metabolism and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don’t all need the same amount of food.
The Black Russian Terrier dogs are large in size. So, their diet should be formulated for a large-sized breed with average to high exercise needs. You can consult with a vet in your area for better recommendations.
Caring
Taking good care of the animals is very important for raising Black Russian Terrier dogs. They need daily exercise and mental stimulation, at least half an hour each day, including walks, runs, disc games, obedience or agility.
The Black Russian Terrier dog’s tousled double coat-a thick, soft undercoat covered by a coarse, protective outer coat-needs regular maintenance to prevent mats from forming, with a through brushing once or twice a week.
An owner who is not willing or able to train a powerful, willful animal should not get a Black Russian Terrier. Socialization needs to start in puppyhood and continue throughout the dog’s lifetime in order to prevent aggressive behavior. Obedience training also needs to start as early as possible and should continue well into adulthood.
Health
The Black Russian Terrier dogs are generally healthy. But like all other dog breeds, they are also prone to certain health conditions.
Their common health problems include allergies, urinary tract stones, hip and elbow dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy. Always keep good contact with a vet in your area.
| Breed Name | Black Russian Terrier |
| Other Names | Tchornyi Terrier, Chornyi Terrier and simply as BRT |
| Breed Size | Large |
| Height | Between 28 and 30 inches at the withers for males, and between 27 and 28 inches for the females |
| Weight | Between 50 and 60 kg for males and between 45 and 50 kg for females |
| Good as pets | Yes |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates |
| Color | Black |
| Lifespan | Between 10 and 12 years |
| Good for children | Yes |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country of Origin | Russia |
