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.

AKA: Berner, Berner Sennenhund, Bouvier Bernois, Bovaro Bernese, Durrbachler

Description: The Bernese Mountain Dog is a sturdy medium-sized dog that appears heavy with its moderately long weather-resistant coat. The coat can be either straight or slightly wavy. The breed has a broad head, with a slight furrow in the middle. The ears are triangular and pendant. The eyes are dark and carry with it a gentle expression. The nose is black, and the teeth forms a scissors bite.

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a compact body and a wide chest. It has a brisket that goes down to elbow. Dewclaws from the legs should be removed. It carries its long and bushy tail low but sometimes raises it up in an upward curve when it is alert.

Dynamics: The Bernese Mountain Dog is an intelligent and cheerful breed. It is easy to train and is a natural watchdog. It is a very friendly dog that can get along well with strangers and other pets and dogs. It also gets along well with children. Like other breeds, the Bernese Mountain Dog has to be socialized as a puppy in order to avoid excessive shyness or excessive aggressiveness, as it is generally a sensitive dog.

The Bernese is neither sharp nor shy. It is good-natured and self-confident. It may be slow to mature, and be puppy-like and very playful for quite some time. The breed is also people-oriented, and loves to be with people.

Breed Group: Working, Guardian Dogs

Weight: males 85-110 lbs (38-50 kg), females 80-105 lbs (36-48 kg)

Height: males 24-28 inches (61-71 cm), females 23-27 inches (58-69 cm)

Color: The coat of the Bernese Mountain Dog is a tricolor double coat of black with symmetrical markings of rust and white. There is a white blaze on its chest, head, and toes. The rust markings are found over each eye, on the cheeks, on the sides of the chest, under the tail, and on each leg.

Grooming: Regular brushing of its long thick coat is required in grooming this breed. Extra care is especially needed when it is shedding. Bathe or dry shampoo as necessary.

Country of Origin: The exact origin of the Bernese Mountain Dog is not definite, but it is believed to have come from the Swiss mountains. There was an influx of foreign dogs in the 19th century which led Professor Albert Heim, Franz Schertenleib and others to preserve the breed. The Bernese Mountain Dog was named after the Berne canton of Switzerland where it is popular.

Activities: Bred as a farm dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog has been used in driving livestock, draft work, and farm guarding. It is also used for tracking, herding, watchdogging, guarding, search and rescue, carting, and competitive obedience. It is also a great companion dog with its calm and happy temperament. This breed needs regular exercises and outdoor activities.

Other Info: Normally, the life expectancy of the Bernese Mountain Dog is about 10-12 years. But it has recently decreased to 6-8 years. Despite it being a hardy breed, cancer is a very common cause of death. Many Berners die young from it, in fact. The Bernese Mountain Dog is also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and eyelid problems. The Bernese Mountain Dog is not suitable for an apartment life. They do better in an open area and like being outdoors. This breed prefers cool climates, due to a discomfort when in warm weather.