The Giant Russian Dog Breed is a majestic and powerful companion, originating from the Russian countryside. They are a large breed, weighing between 140-230 pounds and standing between 30-36 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their thick double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. This breed sheds heavily, especially during shedding season.
With proper training, they can be calm and gentle, making them a great family pet. They are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training.
Their strong prey drive means they require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
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Breed Characteristics
The Giant Russian dog breed is a gentle giant, known for its calm and even-tempered nature, which makes it a great companion for families.
They are highly intelligent and can be trained with ease, responding well to positive reinforcement and consistency.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them a low-maintenance choice for busy owners.
Appearance
Black Russian terriers are quite the sight to behold, weighing between 80–130 pounds and standing up to 30 inches tall. They have a muscular build that's hard to ignore.
Their eyes are medium and oval shaped, set relatively far apart with a confident gaze. This gaze is unmistakable and commands attention.
While black is the most common coat color, you may also find some with black and tan, sable, or blue coats. A few grey hairs may even sprout up over time.
Their extra-durable double coats are a marvel, keeping them well-insulated and perfect for cold climates. This is especially evident in their ability to withstand extreme Russian winters.
Temperament
Borzois are gentle, sensitive dogs that enjoy taking life easy. They are content to lounge around the house, preferably on a cold floor.
Borzois can be intolerant of rough handling, so they should be supervised around children. Their large size can be a hazard for very small children.
Borzois are good around older people and other household dogs, but may chase small animals in the yard. They generally do well with small indoor pets.
Black Russian terriers are calm, confident, and courageous. They are great family pets, but tend to keep a tight circle and don't care much for strangers.
Black Russian terriers are loyal and devoted to their family, and enjoy having a job to do. They tend to be non-social creatures, meaning they aren't immediately trusting of strangers.
Black Russian terriers are reliable dogs who will sound the alarm if a stranger approaches. They don't tend to bark just for the sake of barking.
Black Russian terriers can be a quick study when it comes to training, but require a lot of socialization and consistent positive-reinforcement training. They may not be an ideal dog for a first-time pet owner.
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Care and Upkeep
The giant Russian dog breeds are a joy to have as pets, but they do require some extra care and attention. They need regular grooming to prevent matting and shedding.
Their coats should be brushed at least once or twice a week with a bristle brush to keep shedding under control. Regular nail trims are also crucial to prevent discomfort and difficulty walking.
A Borzoi's coat needs weekly brushing, especially behind the ears, to prevent matting. They also shed abundantly once a year, so be prepared for some extra cleaning.
In addition to grooming, these dogs need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A Borzoi needs about 45 minutes of daily exercise, while a Black Russian Terrier requires about an hour of exercise time twice a day.
Here are some exercise ideas for your giant Russian dog breed:
- Brisk walks around the neighborhood
- Jogs on trails
- Going for swims
- Playing catch or Frisbee in a fenced-in yard
It's also essential to provide mental stimulation for your dog. Black Russian Terriers are super smart and enjoy solving food puzzles. They'll also appreciate a good game of lure coursing or agility training.
Remember, giant Russian dog breeds are loyal and loving companions, but they do require some extra care and attention. With regular grooming, exercise, and mental stimulation, you'll be well on your way to raising a happy and healthy dog.
Health
Black Russian terriers are generally healthy dogs, but their lifespan is shorter than that of smaller breeds, typically ranging from 10-12 years.
Like many large dog breeds, BRTs are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, which can cause loose joints and lead to pain, mobility issues, and osteoarthritis.
Elbow and hip evaluations are essential during veterinary exams to identify potential issues early on.
Progressive retinal atrophy is another condition that can affect BRTs, causing cells to deteriorate and potentially leading to blindness.
Regular veterinary check-ups can help catch these health issues before they become severe.
Breed History and Fun Facts
The Black Russian Terrier, a breed that's steeped in history and intrigue. Back in the 1930s, the Soviet government established the Red Star Kennel near Moscow to develop a "superdog" that could withstand harsh Russian winters and join the national security force.
This breed was created by drawing on 17 different breeds, including the giant schnauzer, Rottweiler, Airedale terrier, and Newfoundland breeds. The resulting dogs were highly dependable, skilled, intelligent, trainable, and could thrive in tough conditions.
Here are some fun facts about the Black Russian Terrier:
- The Black Russian Terrier has only 15-30 percent terrier in its genetic makeup, despite its name.
- Both Black Russian Terriers and giant schnauzers are high-energy, intelligent dogs, but BRTs can be double the size of giant schnauzers.
Fun Facts
The Black Russian Terrier is a breed like no other. Originally bred as a guard dog by the Soviet government in the 1930s, these loyal pooches were strategically created to work alongside the military police.
Here are some fun facts about the Black Russian Terrier breed:
- The Black Russian Terrier was created by breeding 17 different breeds, including the giant schnauzer, Rottweiler, Airedale terrier, and Newfoundland breeds.
- Despite their name, BRTs only have 15-30% terrier in their genetic makeup.
- The typical Black Russian Terrier size ranges from 80-130 pounds, making them a significant presence in any household.
- Black Russian Terriers are brave and protective of their families, but can be wary of strangers.
- These intelligent dogs are relatively easy to train, with a high intelligence level and a strong loyalty tendency.
- Black Russian Terriers are active dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
With their curly coats and outgoing personalities, it's no wonder why Black Russian Terriers are becoming increasingly popular as family pets.
Russian Dog Breeds
Russian Dog Breeds are a diverse group of dogs that originated in Russia and are known for their intelligence, athleticism, and ability to thrive in cold weather. Many Russian dog breeds are working dogs, bred to perform tasks such as herding reindeer and pulling sleds.
The Samoyed, for example, is a medium-sized dog that was bred by the Samoyedic people of Siberia to herd reindeer and pull sleds. They're known for their friendly temperaments, but be warned: they're big barkers!
The Borzoi, also known as the Russian Wolfhound, is a large sighthound that's built for speed and has a silky flat coat. With a high level of intelligence, they require an experienced owner to keep them happy and healthy.
The Siberian Husky is one of the most well-known Russian breeds, and for good reason - they're highly energetic and thrive in cold weather. They were originally bred as working dogs to pull sleds, and still make great companions for active owners today.
Russian dog breeds often require a lot of space to burn off their energy, so if you're considering bringing one home, make sure you have a big yard or a job that'll keep them active. And don't be surprised if they're a bit quiet - some Russian breeds, like the Borzoi, are known for being quiet dogs that only bark on rare occasions.
History
The Black Russian Terrier has a rich history that dates back to the 1930s when the Red Star Kennel was established in a secret location near Moscow.
The goal of the Red Star Kennel was to develop a "superdog" that would be highly dependable, skilled, intelligent, trainable, and able to withstand the harsh Russian winters.
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In their working days, Black Russian Terriers were used by military police at border crossings, prisons, and military installations. They were a vital part of the national security force.
The need for these dogs dwindled in the 1950s, and they transitioned into their roles as companions, starting with officers bringing their K-9 partners home.
The Red Star Kennel released dogs to private breeders in 1956, marking the beginning of the breed's transition from working dogs to beloved companions.
BRTs found their way to the U.S. in the 1980s, and it wasn't until 2004 that the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Russian bear dogs legal in the US?
Russian Bear Dogs are not inherently illegal in the US, but local regulations may prohibit ownership in certain areas. Check local laws before considering bringing one home.
How much does a big Russian dog cost?
The cost of a big Russian dog, such as a Russian Shepherd, can range from $1,500 to $6,000, depending on factors like lineage and breeding rights. Prices vary, so it's best to research further for a more accurate estimate.
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