The Russian Black Terrier is a large, imposing dog with a strong build and heavy bone. Well-proportioned with a square outline, and robust frame, the RBT has a weather proof coat that is neither wiry nor soft. The body is typically kept trimmed close with the legs, beard and eyebrows kept long and full.
The Russian Black Terrier breed can suffer from:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Hyperuricosuria which is a condition where a substance called uric acid can build up in the urinary system, sometimes forming stones, and this can result in infections.
- Juvenile laryngeal paralysis and polyneuropathy which is a condition where the nervous system deteriorates. The disease affects the nerves in the throat first which can obstruct breathing.
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
- Hip dysplasia screening scheme
- Elbow dysplasia screening scheme
Impressive, confident, courageous and self-assured, the Russian Black Terrier, is not actually a terrier at all – they are a working dog and apart from some influence from the Airedale Terrier, the only strong terrier characteristic is the traditional trim leaving the ears, back, buttocks and thighs bare, and the coat on the legs, chest and face shaped and long. The RBT has a strong work ethic, a suspicion of strangers and a calmness that belies their ferocious nature if aroused by a real threat. They need lots of exercise and plenty of training, particularly early socialisation with other people and animals, to reach maturity as a sensible, pleasant adult dog.
| Family-friendly: | 4/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 4/5 |
| Easy to train: | 4/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 2/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 2/5 |
| Energy level: | 3/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 3/5 |
| Shedding: | 3/5 |
The Russian Black Terrier was developed in the USSR’s Red Star Kennels during the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. The intended goal was a military or working breed, and the founding stock were Giant Schnauzers, Airedale Terriers, Rottweilers, Newfoundland’s and Caucasian Shepherd Dogs. At that time, working ability was considered much more important than appearance so the dogs varied in type, although a large, strong build and long black weather-proof coat was preferred. When the state-owned Red Star Kennels finally sold some puppies in the late 50’s to civilians, these new breeders focused much more on appearance, whilst retaining the breeds working ability. This is the dog we see today, first recognised by the FCI in 1984, and first registered by the UK Kennel Club on the import register in 1998. For more background on Russian dog breeds, read our guide on 8 Russian dog breeds.
RBT owners should have experience with both larger terrier types and working breeds, as the Russian Black is a purpose bred work dog with terrier ancestry. You’ll need plenty of time for thorough socialisation and training, as RBT’s take a long time to reach maturity and have a natural suspicion towards strangers which can land them (and therefore you!) into trouble.
Better suited to the dog sports enthusiasts, those with large secure outdoor spaces and homes either without children, or with older, sensible teenagers.
When it comes to dog exercise, the adult RBT needs a good two hours walking per day, with training, games and sports or competition activities on top. This is not a breed for those who simply want a companion without much effort – the RBT is pretty much a full-time job for an owner and should not be considered by anyone who has neither the time nor the experience to offer to such a demanding dog.
Suited to medium to large homes with large, strongly fenced gardens. Ideally a rural suburb or truly rural home, the RBT will feel the need to guard, alert and protect. The constant comings and goings of inner-city life may create a stressed dog who is always just on the edge of their threshold and this would be ill advised and potentially dangerous to live with.
Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed them at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of their particular food.
The coats of Russian Black Terriers need grooming through each day, combing down to the skin, and clipping to the traditional working cut every 6 to 8 weeks. A breeder should show you how to do this when you buy a puppy. Alternatively, professional grooming will be required and you would need to habituate your puppy to the grooming process from day one so that this is always accepted happily. A RBT who dislikes being groomed will NOT be welcomed back to a professional groomer’s salon. Whether professionally groomed or taken care of at home, the RBT will need beard cleaning and paws checking after walks and food to keep them clean and free from dirt or debris. You can find out more about dog grooming with our easy guide.
The Russian Black Terrier is a clever and intelligent breed, able to make decisions without the input of their handler if pushed by circumstance to do so. It is imperative that owners train their dog consistently and well, using positive reinforcement and clever management such that the RBT is never put in a position where they can make a mistake! This breed can easily get themselves into trouble simply by frightening a member of the public, so care must be taken to socialise well and build a strong, trust-based bond with the owner. Early socialisation with children and other animals is vital as the RBT should never feel scared as they are likely to respond with aggression!
Ideal for those who need a working dog and have the time and skill to train one. In the pet home, this is not a dog recommended to live with small children. Best suited to someone who works with dogs, and can be with their dog and training their dog for the majority of each day. If you think you're a good match for a Russian Black Terrier, take a look at our best black dog names
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