Black Russian Terrier

Ebony came to me through a breeder friend I was visiting in California. I always thought I wanted a terrier because of their intelligence, loyalty and spunkiness, plus that desire and ability to learn new tricks quickly.

But Ebony is a terrier of a different color, so to speak. It's not that he lacks any of those qualities; it's just that he doesn't necessarily like to highlight them. Ebony would rather show his other endearing qualities, such as his stubbornness and independence, and to perform his clownish antics. All of that can exasperate me at times, but he is a real treat to be to be with.

He loves the kids and is very protective of them, which is one of the reasons I decided on this breed. As long as I'm firm with discipline, tempered with a kind hand, he responds very well. I learned early on that Ebony, like most terriers, will not do well with rough handling or mistreatment. So I use plenty of praise and affection, as well as a soft touch in patting his head.

Ebony is very calm, common for this breed of terrier. But I still kind of expected a hyper personality like I'd seen in some of the smaller terriers I'd met before, so it came as a pleasant surprise. I've noticed with Ebony that even when he learns how to do something, he may not always choose to do it. So by changing up the routine a bit - or at least changing how I present it - he responds as if the command is new and interesting, and then he is more than willing to obey. Typically, Black Russians don't like to socialize with strangers and will need to learn that skill early through interaction with family, friends and other dogs. But Ebony showed his ability to learn quickly and has all the necessary social skills to be a perfect companion.

The breeder told us that the brave, observant and highly affectionate Black Russian Terrier wants and needs close human contact; this isn't a dog to leave alone at home all day. Most have a strong protective instinct, a suspicion of strangers and are quick to protect their owner. Even in adulthood, this dog loves children, though the females are more likely to play with them. While males cannot live with other dominant dogs, the breed gets along very well with other non-dominant dogs and small pets. Like most terriers, these dogs should be trained while young, with a firm but loving hand. The Black Russian Terrier is very curious and intelligent and will learn quickly. Housebreaking is usually easy, and the dog does not need to be trained to walk with a leash. Bear in mind, however, that the superb memory of the breed makes it nearly impossible to retrain. Mellow by terrier standards, it will only bark when it deems it necessary. Do not share your bed with a Black Russian Terrier puppy, unless you also want to share it with a large, powerful adult like Ebony.