AKA: Chornyi, Terrier Noir Russe, Russian Bear Schnauzer, Black Terrier, Tchiorny Terrier

Description: The Black Russian Terrier is a medium-sized rare breed that has a large black nose, full black lips, dark almond-shaped eyes, and triangular ears with a rounded apex and pendant. The ears are set high on the head and reaches down to the outside corner of the eyelids. Its head is long and has a blocky shape, with a broad skull and a well-defined stop. The teeth forms a scissors bite.

The length is squarely proportional to its height. The neck is thick and muscular. It has a highly set tail and large bear-like feet. The legs should be covered with 2 to 4 inches of hair. The forelegs are straight and well-boned, as are the hindlegs except that the hindlegs are angular. The shoulders are large and muscular, with the blades broad and sloping. The tail is set high, and cropped.

Dynamics: The Black Russian Terrier is an observant and protective dog. It gets suspicious of strangers. It need to be treated lovingly and firmly to be able to interact well with people. It is a sensitive dog, playful, adaptive, and enthusiastic. This breed likes to have intense contact with people and other animals. It avoids fighting with other dogs, although a male Black Russian Terrier may have a problem with dominant dogs.

It is easy to train the Black Russian Terrier. It enjoys training and is eager to please its owner. Training should be firm, though. Do not give the dog comforts that he will not be able to enjoy in the future (sitting on the bed, lying on the couch, etc.) or he will get used to it. This breed is people-oriented. Close interaction with the family brings out its good qualities.

Breed Group: Terrier, Working, Guardian

Weight: 80-143 lbs (36-65 kg)

Height: males 25-29 inches (64-74 cm), females 25-28 inches (64-72 cm)

Color: This breed comes in plain black.

Country of Origin: The Black Russian Terrier comes from Russia. It was bred from about twenty breeds which included the Giant Schnauzers, Rottweilers, and Airedale breeds. The Black Russian Terrier is like the German shepherd dog without the undue aggression.

Grooming: In grooming the Black Russian Terrier, regular trimming for two to three times a year and a professional grooming is necessary. Stripping is needed if the coat is soft. Brush the coat at least once a week. Remove hairs from ear ducts and clip the hair from under the paws.

Activities: The Black Russian Terrier loves to run and play and have fun.

Other Info: The Black Russian Terrier has a life expectancy of about 10-11 years. The breed is generally healthy but is prone to hip dysplasia. The ears should be checked, too, for otitis. The Black Russian Terrier will be fine in an apartment so long as it gets enough exercises and play sessions. This breed needs human contact to be happy.

Tags: black, breed, dog, guardian, pet, russian, terrier, working

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 15th, 2008 at 2:00 pm and is filed under Russian / Siberian / Scandinavian Dogs, Terriers, Working Dogs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.