Other Names- Black Terrier, Tchiorny Terrier, Chornyi, Russian Bear Schnauzer, Russian Black Terrier.

Height- males (25-29 inches), females (25-28 inches)

Weight- males and females average from 80 to 145 pounds

Life Expectancy- 10 to 11 years

Group- Working (AKC)

Recognized By- AKC(American Kennel Club), FCI(Federation Cynologique Internationale), ACR(American Canine Registry), APRI(American Pet Registry Inc.), CKC(Continental Kennel Club), ANKC(Australian National Kennel Club), NKC(National Kennel Club).

The Black Russian Terrier was developed in Russia for use as military and working dogs, by a state owned kennel called Red Star. In all they were about 20 breeds used in the development of the Black Russian Terrier. Some of these breeds included the Airedale Terrier, Caucasian Ovcharka, Rottweiler, Newfoundland, Standard Schnauzers, and the Moscow Water Dog.

Black Russian terriers have a hard dense coat that rarely sheds. The coat is usually between 1.4-4 inches long, noticeably longer where it forms the beard and eyebrows, and a slight mane around the neck area. The Colours are always black, or black with some gray hairs.

This breed is highly intelligent, brave and loyal dogs, that love to be in close contact with thier family at all time. They will take time to warm up to strangers, making them good watch dogs. They get along well with other pets in the house preferrably smaller and less dominant than them. This is a big powerful dog that you will want to establish dominance with at an early age.

This breed will do ok in an apartment provided they get lots of exercise. They are not suited for staying outside or in a kennel, because they need close contact with people.

Black Russian Terriers are prone to:

• hip dysplasia
• otitis

Brushing once a week should be sufficient for this breed. They shed very little. However you may want to seek a professional groomer to keep your dog properly trimmed, a few times a year.