Black Russian Terrier

The Black Russian Terrier is a slight misnomer, since it's not really considered part of the Terrier Group in most Kennel Clubs. These large dogs are too big to be terriers, although the do look like overgrown versions of those types of dogs. History There is some mystery behind the Black Russian Terrier's creation, though most of the breed's history is well known. This dog was developed in the Soviet Union after World War II. The Soviets desired a purebred working dog for use in the military, police force, and in other operations. So, the Red Star Kennel, which was the state-operated organization in charge of providing dogs to the military, began creating a new breed. They used a variety of dogs in the creation of the Black Russian Terrier, including the Newfoundland, the Caucasian Ovcharka, the Airedale Terrier, the Moscow Water Dog, and the Schnauzer. At that time, the dog was bred for function instead of looks and the Red Star Kennel was the only breeder producing puppies. However, the breed's look changed in 1957 when it was finally sold to civilians. Then, breeders took over and began altering the dog's lineage, selectively breeding for more attractive looks. The breed slowly spread to neighboring countries such as Finland, Hungary, Ukraine, and Siberia, and then eventually made its way to the Americas. However, it wasn't until 2004 that the American Kennel Club recognized the breed. Appearance Black Russian Terriers are large dogs that stand between 27 and 30 inches at the withers. Females are a bit smaller, measuring between 26 and 29 inches at the withers. The body is robust and well muscled, which lends power and agility to this dog's gait. Torso measurements are slightly larger than height measurements, so the dog is longer than it is tall. Bones are large and heavy, and this adds to the weight of the dog. Average weights are between 77 and 154 pounds. A thick neck, deep chest, and straight legs add to the impression of power. A Black Russian Terrier's head is also very large, to stay in proportion with the rest of the body. Eyes are dark and wide-set, ears are triangular and lay against the head, and the muzzle is broad. At the end of the muzzle, the dog has a "moustache"� of fur that hangs down; it also has a beard on the lower jaw. The coat has two layers an undercoat and an over coat. The undercoat is soft, but the outer coat is rough. Fur usually has a moderate wave, though it's never curly. Length of the fur can be between 1.5 and 6 inches, with longer fur on the legs. The coat is solid black, always. Temperament This dog was bred to have a specific temperament that would suit the former USSR's needs. They wanted an intelligent dog with protective instincts and work ethic, and the Red Star Kennel successfully achieved that. Black Russian Terriers can be affectionate towards their masters, though they are usually reserved around strangers. Their memory is long, so they will remember learned techniques for a long time, whether those behaviors are good or bad. Other traits typically attributed to the Black Russian Terrier include confidence, courage, calmness, and self-assurance, and aloofness. It is rare to find a shy, fearful, or excitable dog in this breed; they are normally levelheaded and even-tempered. Health Issues The average lifespan of a Black Russian Terrier is between 10 and 14 years, which is average for a large purebred dog of this size. Common ailments are mostly musculoskeletal problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia. This breed is also prone to Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), which causes eye problems and blindness. Pet Care Like all large breeds, the Black Russian Terrier needs daily exercise. Obedience training is necessary to engrain good habits early. Since they remember learned behaviors for a long time, developing destructive tendencies is not desirable; it will be hard to break their bad habits. Also, their fur requires constant upkeep. Regular groomins is necessary. Without it, fur may become knotted, which can lead to skin problems. What Owners Have to Say Most owners who have a Black Russian Terrier love them for their work ethic. They are great for work on farms. They also work well as guard dogs, so owners looking to protect their children appreciate this dog's skills. They aren't overly excitable, so most owners also appreciate how laid-back they seem. Is this the right dog for you? If you are looking for a large, imposing guard dog, then the Black Russian Terrier may be the breed for you. It may not be the most excitable of dogs, but that is a desired trait for some owners. They also love to be around their humans, and even require this interaction so they are socialized properly. Black Russian Terriers, because of their calm disposition, are usually great around children. In fact, they may give extra protection to young children in the house, even if these "charges"� tug on the dog's ears and tail. Despite these good qualities, though, there are some downsides to this large dog. They may be great with children, but they can play rough without knowing it, so they must always be supervised around young kids. Their beards can become soaked with water when they drink, and they will drip on the furniture and floors. This will also bring the "wet dog"� smell into the house. They cannot be left outside a lot as it can lead to behavioral problems. Black Russian Terriers who are left outside are usually unsocialized and hard to control. While the guard dog instincts are great for protection, they can cause problems. If guests show up unannounced, you may need to crate this dog to keep it calm until it realizes it's ok to welcome the guest into the home. They can also be loud, especially at night when they snore, so be prepared. Finally, a Black Russian Terrier can learn to get along with other pets, but it takes time and socialization from a young age. They may only accept the other animals in your household. Don't bring a Black Russian Terrier home and expect it to immediately love your other pets. Take all of these points into consideration when thinking about buying one of these dogs. They are perfect for one-pet households as long as you are prepared to handle a big dog. However, if you don't make a good match with this type of breed, there are better choices out there.

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