The Black Russian Terrier presents an imposing and powerful silhouette, combining substantial bone structure with surprising agility for its size. This is a large to giant breed with males typically weighing between 100 and 130 pounds, while females generally range from 80 to 110 pounds. The overall body structure is slightly rectangular, with the length from point of shoulder to point of buttock being approximately five to ten percent longer than the height at the withers. This proportion creates a balanced, athletic appearance that reflects the breed's working origins and capacity for endurance.
The head is a defining characteristic of the Black Russian Terrier, appearing large and powerful yet proportionate to the body. The skull is moderately broad with a slight stop, creating a noble expression enhanced by the breed's signature furnishings. The muzzle is strong and deep, roughly equal in length to the skull, with a large black nose and tight black lips. The beard and mustache are distinctive features that frame the face, while thick, coarse eyebrows fall over the eyes without completely obscuring vision. The eyes themselves are medium in size, dark in color, and oval in shape, set wide apart to create an alert, intelligent expression. Small to medium ears are set high on the skull and hang close to the cheeks, forming an attractive triangular shape when viewed from the front.
The neck is powerful and substantial, blending smoothly into well-laid shoulders that create the proper angulation for efficient movement. The chest is deep, reaching at least to the elbows, with well-sprung ribs that provide ample room for heart and lung capacity. The topline remains level when the dog is in motion, supported by a strong, muscular back and a slightly sloping croup. The underline shows a moderate tuck-up, contributing to the athletic appearance without suggesting weakness. The tail is set high as a continuation of the topline and is customarily docked to three or four vertebrae in countries where docking is permitted, though natural tails are becoming increasingly common and accepted.
The forequarters demonstrate substantial bone and muscle, with front legs appearing straight and parallel when viewed from the front. The shoulder blade and upper arm are approximately equal in length and well-angulated to allow for efficient reach. The elbows lie close to the body without appearing pinched. Feet are large, compact, and round with thick pads and arched toes that provide solid footing in various terrain and weather conditions. The nails are black and strong. The hindquarters are powerful and well-muscled, providing the drive needed for work and endurance. When viewed from behind, the rear legs appear parallel with moderate angulation at the stifle and hock joints. The rear feet match the front in structure and appearance.
The coat is perhaps the most striking feature of the Black Russian Terrier. It consists of a dense, soft undercoat protected by a harsh, wiry outer coat that lies close to the body. Natural coat length varies significantly among individual dogs, ranging from one and a half to six inches, though the breed standard for conformation requires professional trimming to maintain a length of two to four inches. The coat grows longer on the head, creating the characteristic beard, eyebrows, and slight mane around the neck and withers that is more pronounced in males. The legs also carry longer furnishings. This double coat provides excellent protection against harsh weather conditions, reflecting the breed's development in the extreme Russian climate.
Color in the Black Russian Terrier is straightforward in the breed standard, calling for solid black or black with a scattering of gray hairs throughout the coat. Any other color is considered a disqualification. The black pigmentation extends to all visible skin, including nose, lips, eye rims, and paw pads. As the dog ages, more gray hairs may appear, particularly around the muzzle and face, which is considered acceptable. The movement of the Black Russian Terrier demonstrates power and efficiency, with good reach in the front and strong drive from the rear. The gait should appear effortless and ground-covering, with the dog moving in a straight line when viewed from front or rear. Sexual dimorphism is evident in the breed, with males appearing distinctly more masculine in head properties and overall substance, while females are feminine but still substantial and powerful in their own right.
Affection Level
Very affectionate with family members, bonding deeply with their people while remaining reserved with strangers
Good with Children
Excellent with children when raised with them from puppyhood; protective and gentle, though supervision needed due to size
Good with Other Dogs
Moderate; can be dominant with other large dogs, especially same-sex, but generally tolerant when properly socialized
Good with Other Pets
Generally good with household pets, particularly smaller animals and those they've grown up with
Playfulness
Playful and enthusiastic, especially when young, enjoying interactive games and activities with family
Energy Level
High energy as youngsters, decreasing to moderate in maturity; needs regular exercise and mental challenges
Trainability
Highly intelligent and capable but independent; requires confident, consistent training from an experienced handler
Intelligence
Exceptionally intelligent with excellent problem-solving abilities and quick learning capacity
Tendency to Bark
Moderate; will bark to alert but not typically excessive, barking purposefully rather than habitually
Amount of Shedding
Low to moderate shedding when brushed regularly; coat type reduces loose hair compared to smooth-coated breeds
Grooming Needs
High maintenance; requires regular brushing several times weekly and professional grooming every six to eight weeks
Prey Drive
Moderate prey drive; may chase small animals but generally manageable with training and socialization