Russian Terrier - what does it look like?
The Black Russian Terrier has a great appearance: it seems proud and at the same time exudes calmness and strength. Its size contributes to its impressive appearance: males reach a height at the withers from 70 to 74 cm, females from 68 to 72 cm. Adult animals can weigh up to 65 kilograms. The Russian Terrier has an athletic and muscular body, a massive bone structure and a voluminous chest. The head is large, with a broad skull and a flat forehead. Particular attention is drawn to the beard and the so-called "Mustache" adorning the mouth. The tail is shaped like a saber or sickle and is never carried over the back. The fur of the Russian Terrier is always black in color and has a dense, soft undercoat and a thick, equally dense top layer. Scattered gray hair is allowed (up to a maximum of 30%).
History of the breed
The Russian Black Terrier is a young breed, its roots date back to the 40s. The goal of Russian breeders was to create a new working dog, durable and resistant to unfavorable climatic conditions (in the northern areas). To this end, they crossed different races with each other. The blood of 26 breeds of ancestors flows in the veins of the Russian Black Terrier, including the Newfoundland, Giant Schnauzer, Airedale Terrier and Rottweiler. Thanks to this cross, strong puppies were born with a courageous, persistent and obedient disposition. Dogs that, thanks to their thick and long hair, could work well in all climatic zones of Russia.
Suggested sizes and widths of accessories for this breed of dog:
Here are the suggested sizes for adult dogs of this breed. They were selected on the basis of many years of experience in sewing accessories and the most common choices of other dog owners of this breed. Remember, only measuring will give you 100% certainty - every dog is different.
The first individuals served mainly as guard dogs in prisons and as military and police dogs, they also worked in border services. However, it soon turned out that time-consuming grooming, late maturation and expensive maintenance limited the usefulness of the Russian Terrier as a "professional dog". Fortunately, dog lovers saw in him many positive qualities as a friend and family companion, thanks to which the breeding of the breed gradually established itself. In Russia, the Russian terrier was recognized as an independent breed in 1981. The International Cynological Federation recognized the Black Russian Terrier three years later.
The character of the Russian Terrier
The Black Russian Terrier is very loyal to its owner and is considered an intelligent, devoted, fearless four-legged dog. He is not only loyal, but also courageous and always ready to defend his loved ones or his territory. He never gets into a fight, nor does he bark in vain. However, if its space is violated or a stranger enters the area it protects, it reacts immediately. In dealing with loved ones, the Russian Black Terrier is good-natured, calm and joyful. He delights with his obedience and affection. Usually gets along well with young children. However, you should never leave your kids and your four-legged friend unattended.
The Russian Terrier is generally looking for one person with whom he develops an exceptionally close bond. On the other hand, he is usually suspicious of strangers. It learns quickly and easily adapts to different living conditions (although it should not be kept in small apartments). Despite the dignified appearance and impressive figure, it shows an extremely sensitive and sensitive character. He likes to cuddle. It requires friendly, consistent upbringing and early socialization.
Russian terrier - health
The breed is considered strong and generally healthy. However, as with all large dogs, the Russian Black Terrier is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. For this reason, apart from preventive measures, he should not climb stairs too often. To a lesser extent, representatives of this breed may be prone to certain neurological diseases, as well as heart diseases, such as: cardiomyopathies (disorders in the structure of the heart muscle) and eye diseases. A balanced diet plays a huge role in proper care, as it should be modified with the height, health and level of activity of the pet.
Beauty treatments
Regular care for this impressive four-legged friend is extremely important. Russian terrier hair should be brushed thoroughly two to three times a week to keep it from becoming matted and matted. It is worth getting your pet used to the comb and brush from the puppy. The fur between the paws should be trimmed periodically, especially in winter, to prevent snow lumps from forming in these areas. Routine grooming treatments for the Russian Terrier include trimming the hair around the eyes, checking the length of the claws (trimming if necessary), caring for the teeth, and removing hair in the inner ear (preferably with rounded tweezers). In addition, you should trim your pet's fur every month or two, removing the dead undercoat at the same time.
Russian Terrier - some interesting facts
- The Russian Black Terrier practically does not moult, all dead hair must be removed by the handler while brushing the coat.
- The hair of the Russian Terrier can reach a length of 16 cm.
- The great devotion of the Russian Terrier to his family earned him the nickname "Black Pearl of Russia".
- The average life expectancy of representatives of the Russian Terrier breed is from 10 to 12 years.
- In general, puppies in one litter have a similar weight, but in the case of a Russian terrier, some puppies in a litter weigh 200 grams, and others even 600 grams.
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