Black Russian terrier is a large breed of working dog developed in Russia to guard people and property. Despite the name, black Russian terriers do not belong to the terrier group. Breeders developed them from a variety of dogs, including the giant schnauzer, Airedale terrier, rottweiler, and Newfoundland. The first true examples of the breed appeared in the 1950’s. Adult male dogs measure between 27 and 30 inches (69 and 76 centimeters) high at the shoulder and weigh from 80 to 145 pounds (36 to 66 kilograms). Females grow slightly smaller on average.
Black Russian terriers have strong bodies with powerful shoulders and front legs. Their coarse, thick outer coat covers a softer inner coat. Decorative hair on the face forms a moustache, beard, and eyebrows, giving the dogs a terrierlike appearance. This breed should have black coloring with no more than a few gray hairs. Owners should keep the tail cropped short.
Black Russian terriers can make excellent pets if trained properly. They have intelligent, loyal, and courageous personalities.
