Black Russian Terrier Complete Breed Guide

Black Russian Terriers make wonderful guard dogs, playmates, and friends. They’re high energy and lovable, always exploring new things to smell and play with. This breed is a great match for families with kids, as they’re friendly yet protective.

Black Russian Terriers were originally bred as military working dogs, and they’re still very much eager to please. You can spot them by their solid black coat with expressive eyebrows and a beard. These dogs are a unique combination of guard dog and playmate and are known for having high energy levels. Because of this, they are always looking to their owners for fun activities and direction. They’re great around kids and love walking, running, and playing. When they aren’t keeping an eye on the family, you can often find Black Russian Terriers exploring the backyard and interacting with anyone who will give them attention.

Lifestyle & Living Conditions

This breed is quite energetic and affectionate. They love playing with kids and constantly seek attention. If you aren’t home regularly or don’t enjoy interacting with your dog, this breed may not be for you. Black Russian Terriers get along well with other pets, as long as they aren’t dominant. Otherwise, they feel the need to be the pack leader and may become aggressive toward other animals. These pups also love playing in large spaces, so homes with yards are preferred over small rooms or apartments.

Exercise & Activity

Black Russian Terriers are playful and enjoy running around outdoors. They look forward to long walks each day and may get hyperactive and destructive if they don’t get enough exercise. Plan on keeping this dog active and engaged to avoid unpleasant surprises. Black Russian Terriers are known as fast learners, but also as being stubborn, so it’s important to assert yourself as the leader, train them to walk on a leash, and generally instill obedience at an early age.

Black Russian Terriers are family oriented, loving, protective, and curious. They take direction well and want nothing more than to please you. That’s why it’s especially important not to let your Black Russian Terrier get away with anything as a puppy that you don’t want them to as adults. As they grow, they’ll be harder to handle and will do whatever they can to get their way. These qualities make them good guard dogs, as they’re skeptical of strangers and will naturally want to protect everyone around them.

The Black Russian Terrier’s double coat is black, dense, and rough to the touch. The coat underneath is soft, while the top coat is much more coarse. You’ll notice distinct eyebrows and a beard on their face, which gives them expressive personalities. Because of their thick coat, Black Russian Terriers need to be professionally groomed occasionally. They should be brushed every week (except for the beard and eyebrows) and stripped if the coat gets too soft. You should also plan on trimming them a few times a year and removing hair from their ears and the bottom of their paws.