Dog Breed

Black Russian Terrier

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Primary image of Black Russian Terrier dog breed
Full Name
Black Russian Terrier
Alternate Names
Tchiorny Terrier
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Life Span
10 - 11 years
Weight
90 - 130 pounds
Description

The Black Russian Terrier, also known as the Tchiorny Terrier is a breed of dog created in USSR in Red Star Kennel during the late 1940s and the early 1950s for use as military/working dogs

They wanted a large working dog who was built for a range of physical tasks, a solid guard instinct, yet could be friendly and work well with his owner.

Due to its history, it's clear that the Black Russian Terrier needs a strong and assertive owner. With plenty of training and exercise, they can make excellent home companionship dog, especially if you are looking for a dog with protective instincts.

Origin
Russia
Bred For
Working Dog
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Black Russian Terrier good with children?

    Unfortunately, the Black Russian Terrier is not automatically well suited with children and we would not recommend for homes with very small children unless early socialization with children is taken seriously.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Black Russian Terrier friendly with strangers?

    The Black Russian Terrier is not automatically friendly with strangers and we would not recommend for a living situation with frequent guests.
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Black Russian Terrier friendly with other dogs?

    The Black Russian Terrier is not naturally friendly with other dogs, but with a good amount of early socialization as a puppy they can learn to get along with most breeds of dog. Proper training is required before letting the Black Russian Terrier go off-leash or to dog parks.
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Black Russian Terrier like to cuddle?

    The Black Russian Terrier appreciates affection and that includes kisses and snuggles!
    Playfulness

    Does the Black Russian Terrier like to play?

    The Black Russian Terrier is always ready for play! It's important to keep in mind, as they need to be stimulated with games and affection throughout the day.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Black Russian Terrier make a good service dog?

    The Black Russian Terrier is a common service dog. The Black Russian Terrier is smart, dedicated, and patient. However, despite the Black Russian Terrier being an excellent breed for service work, they must pass through an extensive training period and only some will be up for a life dedicated to service work.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Black Russian Terrier good for first-time owners?

    The Black Russian Terrier would not be the best fit for first-time owners. A breed is only good for first-time owners if it is raised for home companionship, and is open to training and is motivated to please its owner.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Black Russian Terrier be trained?

    The Black Russian Terrier can be trained to the highest level and is oftentimes seen in various competitions. The Black Russian Terrier is not only intelligent, but it wants to please its owner and is motivated with competition, especially if it feels like it has a job assigned to it.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Black Russian Terrier shed a lot?

    The Black Russian Terrier does shed, but less than average.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Black Russian Terrier easy to groom?

    The Black Russian Terrier requires very little grooming relative to other dog breeds, their coat is very low maintenance.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Black Russian Terrier need a lot of exercise?

    The Black Russian Terrier has a lot of energy and getting daily exercise is very important, both for their well-being and for their focus, which is important when you train them.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Black Russian Terrier?

    The Black Russian Terrier is one of the smartest dog breeds. Having a very smart dog is fun, but it is also demanding- they require mental challenge and stimulation just as much as physical exercise.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Black Russian Terrier bark? Does the Black Russian Terrier bark too much?

    The Black Russian Terrier barks an average amount. It can vary widely between Black Russian Terriers - some may be much more expressive than others.
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Black Russian Terrier a good guard dog?

    The Black Russian Terrier can serve as an excellent guard dog. It is both physically intimidating and also enjoys having a "job" to protect its family and property.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Black Russian Terrier good at staying alone? Is the Black Russian Terrier independent?

    The Black Russian Terrier is not very independent and does not do great when left behind for longer than a couple of hours. This is one of the most important things to consider when getting a new dog.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Black Russian Terrier a good apartment dog?

    The Black Russian Terrier can be a good dog for apartment living. Daily exercise is still important, but the Black Russian Terrier is a better fit for apartment living than most breeds.
    Size

    How big is the Black Russian Terrier?

    The Black Russian Terrier is a large dog breed. A dog's size is important to consider when it comes to travel arrangements, budgeting for food, and how big of a living space you have.
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Black Russian Terrier tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Black Russian Terrier?

    The Black Russian Terrier can tolerate hot weather well. They still prefer having some variation and a cool space to sleep, but overall they can do well in warm climates.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Black Russian Terrier tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Black Russian Terrier?

    The Black Russian Terrier can tolerate some cold, but should not be over-exposed to cold weather. In general, they can live in cold weather climates, but may need clothing on particularly cold evenings or in snow.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Black Russian Terrier try to run away?

    The Black Russian Terrier does not have a large drive to run away. They can still be distracted and run, so precautions should be taken, but overall they have a less than average urge to run away.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Black Russian Terrier a healthy dog? The health of a Black Russian Terrier should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Black Russian Terrier is healthy, but has an average number of health risks that should be taken into consideration.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Black Russian Terrier?

    The Black Russian Terrier has a lot of energy and this needs to be considered before bringing the Black Russian Terrier into your home. Can you give your Black Russian Terrier enough exercise? They will need several small daily walks, or a large dog park trip to get all of the energy out.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Black Russian Terrier drool?

    The Black Russian Terrier drools very little, typically to where it's never a concern.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Black Russian Terrier have a large prey drive? Does the Black Russian Terrier like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Black Russian Terrier does not have a large prey drive towards birds or even cats, and can typically do very well living in the same home as them.
    Athleticism

    Is the Black Russian Terrier atheltic?

    The Black Russian Terrier is very athletic and would be well suited for a family that frequently works out or goes on adventures.
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  • Thumbnail image 1 of Black Russian Terrier dog breed
  1. Terrier
  2. Pinscher
  3. Black Russian Terrier
The Black Russian Terrier is a purebred dog that belongs to the Pinscher sub group, which falls under the larger Terrier dog breed group.
Terrier group: Anyone who has had a terrier knows that they come with a big personality. Across the Terrier dog group there is much variation, but they are all feisty, proud, and extremely loyal to their family. With this strong personality comes stubbornness, so they are not the easiest dog, especially for a first time dog owner. However, with training and a strong owner, they can be some of the most rewarding dogs- their strong personality is fun, active, and will always bring something new. Terriers were originally bred for hunting, exterminating small vermin, and home protection. Terriers are a healthy and athletic breed. Because of this they require a good amount of exercise.
Pinscher sub-group: The pinscher is a true German classic. They are one of the oldest breeds, and have been used for a variety of uses: from aesthetic dog shows, to police force work. The Pinscher can be trained well, as they are very intelligent and have a switch where they can suddenly become "serious". Pinschers are typically healthy dogs, although there are a few conditions that the breed can be prone to. Pinschers can most commonly have hip dysplasia and eye disease. Smaller pinschers are known to "nip" as they were bred to hunt rats. On the other side of the spectrum- doberman pinschers will not be so bite friendly, but are excellent guard dogs. Because of pinschers serious and demanding nature, they need a strong leader, and need to be socialized early and often. If that is the case, you will receive an excellent dog.

Black Russian Terriers for adoption

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