Russian Black Terrier

Like every breed, the Russian Black Terrier is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Use positive reinforcement and build a strong, trust-based bond.
• Socialise early and widely with people, children and other animals.
• Manage situations so your dog is never put in a position where it can make a mistake.
• Take care around members of the public, as a large black dog can easily frighten people.
• Get your puppy used to being groomed from day one.

• Children

  Usually better with older, calmer children.

• Other dogs

  Can be selective about other dogs.

• Cats and small pets

  Varies with the individual dog.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Usually needs a roomy home.

• Garden

  A garden is helpful.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes only with short periods alone.

• First-time owners

  Best with an experienced owner.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Hip and elbow dysplasia

  Conditions of the hip and elbow joints that the Royal Kennel Club counts as a significant concern in the breed. It recommends hip and elbow testing under the BVA/RKC schemes before breeding.

• Hyperuricosuria (HUU)

  Uric acid can build up in the urinary system, sometimes forming stones, which can lead to infections. A DNA test is available.

• Juvenile laryngeal paralysis and polyneuropathy (JLPP)

  A condition in which the nervous system deteriorates, affecting the nerves in the throat first, which can obstruct breathing. A DNA test is available.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA)

  An inherited eye condition that the Royal Kennel Club lists as part of best-practice health testing for the breed.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Russian Black Terrier home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a Russian Black Terrier home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the Russian Black Terrier suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

Russian Black Terriers do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.