Black Russian Terrier

Also called Russian Black Terrier, Russkiy Tchiorny Terrier, Tchornyi Terrier, BRT

Recognised breedFCI group 2Short profile

From Soviet Union (Russia), created at the state-run Red Star (Krasnaya Zvezda) kennel near Moscow in the late 1940s and early 1950s.1 2

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male50 to 60 kg1 3

Weight, female45 to 50 kg1 3

Height, male72 to 76 cm1 2

Height, female68 to 72 cm1 2

Lifespan10 to 12 years3 2

Sizegiant

FCI standard figures; PetMD gives a wider 80-130 lb (about 36-59 kg) across the breed.

PetMD gives 10-12 years; Wikipedia cites a 2024 UK study with an average life expectancy of 10.9 years.

confident and courageous

calm and self-controlled

trainable and hard-working

1 4

Coat and looks how to spot one

rough, thick double coat

A big, heavy-boned, powerful dog under a coarse black jacket 5-15 cm long with a thick undercoat. Bushy eyebrows, a moustache and a beard give the face its famous bearded look.1 4

Coloursblackblack with scattered grey hairs (up to a third of the body)1

Personality what they are like

A steady, self-assured guardian that stays composed in most situations and settles quickly after a moment of alertness. It is deeply loyal to its family and naturally reserved with strangers, so ongoing socialisation and consistent training suit it best.1 4 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate to high: at least two walks a day plus play, and it enjoys fetch, hiking, swimming, obedience and agility.3 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush several times a week with a slicker brush, paying attention behind the ears and under the legs. Regular professional trimming shapes the beard, ears and feet. It is not a heavy shedder.3

Home where they are happiest

Bred to cope with a wide range of climates; it adapts to different homes but, as a giant breed, appreciates room to move and a secure garden.1 3

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete food for large, active breeds; puppies usually eat three to four meals a day and adults two. Slow-feeder bowls and a rest period around meals are commonly advised.3

Company who they like around

A devoted family dog that often bonds closely with one person and likes having a job to do with its people.2 3

The story where it all began

After the Second World War the Soviet army's Red Star kennel set out to build a large, tough, trainable working dog, mixing Giant Schnauzers with Rottweilers, Airedales, Newfoundlands and others. Civilian breeders took over from 1957 and refined its looks, and the breed went on to international recognition in the 1980s and AKC recognition in 2004.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Despite its name it is not a true terrier; its main ancestor is the Giant Schnauzer.1
2
Around 17 breeds are thought to have gone into its making.2
3
For its first decade the breed was produced only by the Soviet state kennel.2
4
Growing puppies can put on roughly a kilogram a week.2

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 327 (Russian Black Terrier), Group 2, Section 1.4 (Pinscher and Schnauzer type); standard dated 10.01.2011, country of origin Russia. The standard gives 1984 for FCI recognition; Wikipedia gives 1983, with the standard adopted in 1984.1
AKC: Working Group; recognised in 2004.2
The Royal Kennel Club: Recognised in 1998 (per Wikipedia).2
UKC: Recognised (per Wikipedia), alongside the CKC, ANKC and NZKC.2

Popularity Ranked 154th of AKC-registered breeds5

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Black Russian Terrier. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year

Start a free diary

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FCI Standard No. 327, Russian Black Terrier fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
Black Russian Terrier, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, recognition dates, lifespan study, fun facts
PetMD Black Russian Terrier petmd.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, diet, temperament
AKC Black Russian Terrier breed page akc.orgused for temperament, appearance
AKC, The Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2025 akc.orgused for popularity

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.