Black Russian Terrier dog training school and breed information

Understanding and Training a Black Russian Terrier

A brave, bold & highly capable breed. This is indeed a dominant dog that requires complete and total confidence in their handler - a person with strong leadership, to include firm, consistent handling skills and is able to train with respect and without force.

The Black Russian Terrier is a highly intelligent & powerful working dog that will not hesitate to defend their people, if believed they are under threat. Given these traits, you can expect that the breed is deeply loyal and suspicious of strangers, taking a very long time to warm to new people.

Although this breed seems aloof, it really needs human companionship and will fiercely

bond with those with whom they are close. Appreciate this characteristic and know you can trust them fully as a member of the family, yet maintain your leadership position as risk of turning this dog into a tyrant

Quiet and calm indoors, the Black Russian Terrier is most active out-of-doors. They do love to work and need to work, therefore incorporate such working tasks into their daily exercise to keep them fit, stimulated and give them purpose.

Breed Profile

Breed Name: Black Russian Terrier

Domestic Dog Group:

Brief Description:

General Size: 80 - 143 lbs (36 - 65 kg); 64 - 74 cm
General Temperament: Confident, Brave & Loyal
General Description: An ultimate guard dog and fiercely loyal companion that requires equal confidence, respect and appropriate leadership from its owner.

Breed’s Key Traits

High Med-High Medium Med-Low Low

Requires Experience x

Good Family Dog x

Exercise Required x

Activity Indoors x

Ease of Training x

Sociability with Strangers x

Grooming Requirements x

Brief History

This is a relatively new breed of dog developed post WWII by the Russian Red Army. The purpose was to create a powerful, working guard dog that could withstand extreme climate. A careful selection from cross-breeding to include the ReiesenSchnauzer (Giant Schnauzer), Airedale Terrier, Rottweiler and Moscow Water dogs (a further Russian cross-breed from the Caucasian Ovcharka, Newfoundland and German Shepherd).