Black Russian Terrier Breed History
The black russian terrier is a relatively new breed in comparison to other popular dogs today.
This breed was developed after the second World War, at which point Europe was divided into two geopolitical areas.
The Western bloc was led by the United States while the eastern bloc was governed by the Soviet Union.
The German Shepherd had quickly become the predominant military dog by the turn of the 20th century.
However, the post war Russian military was in need of a dog breed that was bulkier, and more equipped to withstand cold temperatures in order to accompany theri national security personnel.
The Soviet military ended up developing a uniquely Russian breed, using the dogs available at the government’s Red Star Kennel in Moscow.
From the mid to late 1940s, well into the 1950s, the Russian kennel is known to have crossbred over 15 different breeds.
In the end, the Black Russian Terrier was created.
This dog is a blend of four main breeds, with a speculated distribution of 30% Giant Schnauzer, 30% Airedale Terrier, 30% Rottweiler, and 10% Newfoundland based breeds.
The AKC officially recognized the Black Russian Terrier breed in the year 2004. Today, there are a number of active breeders and breed lovers across the globe.
Giant Schnauzer Breed History
The Giant Schnauzer breed is reported to have been created at some point in the mid 1800s in the Bavarian Alps of Germany.
Bred using the Standard Schnauzer, these larger versions were originally developed as multipurpose dogs who could work as cattle drivers and help to guard property and livestock.
By the turn of the 20th Century, the Giant Schnauzer was often being used as a watchdog at industrial factories, breweries, stockyards, and other establishments in Bavaria.
The breed was virtually unknown outside of Bavaria until they were used as military dogs in the first and second World Wars.
The first Giant Schnauzers are recorded to have been imported to America in the 1930s, but continued to be quite rare for a number of decades.
In the 1960s, the breed started to grow in popularity and presence. In 1962, there were 23 new Giant Schnauzers registered with the AKC (American Kennel Club).
Just over a decade later, in the year 1974, the number had grown to well over 350, and by the late 1980s it was over 1000 dogs!
In today’s society, the Giant Schnauzer is used as a police dog in some countries.
They are trained to be extremely obedient and agile, and are effective in search and rescue and herding situations.
The Giant Schnauzer is well-known as a show dog in the Americas, but is more typically used as a working dog in European countries.
Black Russian Terrier Vs. Giant Schnauzer
Size And Weight
The Black Russian Terrier is actually a significant amount larger than the Giant Schnauzer, despite names that may indicate otherwise.
Male Giant Schnauzers are known to reach weights of up to 90 pounds, while the male Black Russian Terrier can weigh upwards of 132 pounds fully grown.
In terms of size, the average Giant Schnauzer stands slightly shorter, about 2 inches shorter, than the average Black Russian Terrier.
Here is a brief size and weight comparison, based on average males. Females will typically be slightly shorter and lighter.
Size
Black Russian Terrier:
Average Male Height – 69cm to 74cm (27in to 29in)
Giant Schnauzer:
Average Male Height – 65cm to 70cm (25in to 27in)
Weight
Black Russian Terrier:
Average Male Weight – 50kg to 60 kg (110lb to 132lb)
Giant Schnauzer:
Average Male Weight – 29kg to 41kg (65lb to 90lb)
Overall, the Black Russian Terrier is both heavier and taller than the Giant Schnauzer breed.
Temperament
Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer are dogs that were originally bred to be working dogs and effective protectors.
Both have also been implemented in the military and in police working roles.
Thanks to a similar developmental history, these breeds are quite similar in temperament as well.
They are both incredibly loving towards loved ones and other trusted individuals, but are often quite suspicious of strangers and unknown presences.
As a result, they are naturally awesome guard dogs. These breeds should be properly introduced to new people in order to create trust, and should be monitored around strangers.
Working breeds are inherently active dogs who can get bored quite quickly when they aren’t being stimulated.
Both the Black Russian Shepherd and Giant Schnauzer are known to get into trouble when left unattended and unamused.
These breeds are incredibly loyal to their people and will do everything they can to protect their own.
Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer are confident, calm, and self-assured by nature, with a high emotional intelligence to boot.
One thing to note is that Giant Schnauzers have been considered to be less kid-friendly than Black Russian Terriers, and should not be left with small children.
Coat & Shedding
The Black Russian Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer are breeds that have similar coats and shedding habits. Both of these dogs have beautiful double coats (undercoat and overcoat), which are extra thick and provide insulation for cold weather.
These dogs typically require brushing once a week to ensure that their thick coats do not accumulate matting and cause discomfort.
If their coats are left unattended for long periods of time, and matting becomes excessive, it can lead to serious skin diseases and infections that could be dangerous.
In terms of shedding, both of these breeds do not shed their coats very often, which contributes to the need for regular grooming.
There will not be much loose hair around the house, and owners can mediate this even more with consistent grooming and cleaning.
These breeds tend to have thick hair around their eyes and mouth that needs to be trimmed regularly to prevent any potential issues.
There are a variety of grooming tools available that can help moderate shedding while keeping your dog’s coat clean and healthy.
Health Issues
Both of these breeds are known for being very active and healthy dogs overall. However, being a large breed of dog, they are inherently extra prone to hip and elbow issues.
The most common structural health issues that these breeds are likely to experience are hip and elbow dysplasia, which are caused by the existence of malformations in the hip and/or elbow joints.
The build-up of hair around the eyes of both Black Russian Terriers and Giant Schnauzers makes them prone to a number of eye infections if left unattended.
The Russian Terrier also has a genetic predisposition for developing an ocular condition known as progressive retinal atrophy, which can eventually lead to blindness.
The Black Russian Terrier also has ears that are significantly droopier or saggy than the Giant Schnauzer, and as a result is prone to occasional ear infections that need to be treated properly.
On another note, the Giant Schnauzer breed is known for having a higher risk of developing hypothyroidism, which is a condition that causes lethargy, lack of energy and weight gain.
Black Russian Terrier Vs. Giant Schnauzer: Who Is The Better House Dog?
In regards to which of these two awesome dog breeds is best to have as a house or family dog, there are a number of things to consider. As we have already discussed, these two dogs are actually quite similar, and will also have similar qualities as house dogs.
When it comes to loyalty and protection, both of these dog breeds are known for being incredibly strong.
They will both become loving and loyal companions to their family and the people that they trust. These dogs are brave, intelligent and obedient, which makes them very easy to train and great to have around the house when trained properly.
These dogs will do best under the authority of someone with a strong, dominant presence who can law down the line.
In terms of shedding and what that would mean for your home, both of these breeds have double coats that they do not shed very often.
Neither is known as excessive shedders, and you can further mediate the hair build-up in your house with regular grooming sessions.
One thing to keep in mind is that both of these breeds are large, energetic, and active.
They will typically need a significant amount of space and opportunities to release their energy while getting the exercise their bodies need to stay healthy.
They will do best with an owner who can provide an active, healthy lifestyle. Because of their size and relative space and activity needs, these dogs are not good apartment or condo dogs.
Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer have the potential to be great house dogs, and as a result, it is hard to choose one as the outright better option.
Both of these dogs have the loyalty, love and intelligence to make a great house dog.
They do however require consistent grooming to maintain their coats and need sufficient space and activity to stay healthy and happy.
These two breeds may admittedly not be the most suitable choices for first-time dog owners, as they do require a fair bit of attention and an overall understanding of large dog breeds and their needs.
Black Russian Terriers and Giant Schnauzers are both dogs that need to have ample space to grow and thrive, and as a result, should have owners who can provide!
When considering these two breeds as a potential purchase and part of your family, consider what we have discussed in terms of temperament, maintenance, and overall compatibility as a house dog.
Dan is a well respected content researcher who has vast experience working projects in the pets niche. He is a frequent contributor to dogtemperament.com and loves delivering numerous helpful dog articles like this one that are read by thousands of our readers monthly.