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Breed profile

Black Russian Terrier

A big, bearded Soviet working dog bred to guard. Calm and affectionate with family, serious about strangers.

Black Russian Terrier lying on a lawn scattered with daisies
A big, bearded working terrier bred in the Soviet Union for guarding.Photo: Stephan Czuratis (Jazz-face) / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.5
Weight
36–60 kg79–132 lb
Height
66–76 cm26–30 in
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
Group
Working
Origin
Russia (USSR)
Popularity
#154 US#161 UK · 2025

Known for: WatchdogsLow sheddingCold climates

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Confident, Calm, Protective, Intelligent.

Health problems to know about

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Hyperuricosuria
  • Juvenile laryngeal paralysis and polyneuropathy
  • Progressive retinal atrophy

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

Daily exercise and regular training. Brush the thick coat at least weekly and trim every couple of months.

A good fit for

Experienced owners who want a steady guardian, homes with space.

Probably not ideal for

First-time owners, flats, people short on grooming time.

Sources

  1. American Kennel Club: Black Russian Terrier
  2. PetMD (vet-reviewed): Black Russian Terrier
  3. Wikipedia: Black Russian Terrier

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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