Russian Black Terrier
Group: Working
Size: Large
Coat length: Medium
Grooming required: Every day
Coat sheds: No
Home size: Large House
Garden size: Large
Lifespan: Over 10 Years
Exercise: More than an hour per day
They are a largish, squarely-built dog rather like a Giant Schnauzer in shape with large, bear-like feet. They are powerful but seem to have a light tread and have a thick, coarse, black, wavy coat. They were developed in Russia in the 1940s by the Red Star army for use as a high spirited but stable working dog able to withstand extremes of temperature.
They are intelligent and trainable and become very attached to their owner. A well trained Russian Black Terrier is confident, eager to please and very loyal. They have a strong protective instinct and are wary of strangers although tend to get on well with children and are tolerant of most other animals. They have plenty of stamina and always enjoy a long walk. They tend to like snow and water too.
The weather-proof coat needs trimming regularly and may need stripping occasionally. They are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and can suffer with problems with their ears.