Black Russian Terrier Temperament
The temperament of the Black Russian Terrier is diversely described as being a gentle giant to a dog that can become aggressive if provoked. He is a very smart and intelligent dog that can differentiate between safety and danger.
The Black Russian Terrier was bred to be a guard dog and he is instinctive to guard and protect. This is his nature. True to his nature, he is described and being aloof and weary of strangers. From my personal experience, I have seen Black Russian Terriers in the conformation ring, when being examined, exhibit the “weary of stranger syndrome” towards the examining judge. He may snap at the judge who in return disqualifies the dog because of his natural temperament.
In Russia, the Black Russian Terrier is used in the prison system because of his guarding abilities.
Once introduced into a home, the Black Russian Terrier displays his loyalty to his owners. He is gentle, always wanting to be around you guarding and protecting you. He is an alpha dog and can be stubborn at times, that is why the owner should have a strong personality that illustrate that “no means no and no does not mean yes”.
It is extremely important that Black Russian Terrier puppies when purchased should start obedience training from the age of three months. Owners of these dogs who do not train their dogs may run into behavioural problems
Temperamental Testing.
Most Breed Kennel Club offers temperamental training. What is temperamental training you may ask. It is a scenario where different simulations and conditions that are given to a dog in order to see how the dog may react. The dog is taken for a walk where the dog is tested for visual, auditory and touching stimuli. The dog is also tested for a neutral, friendly and threatening situations are the dog comes across.
The Temperamental Testing is explained in detailed at the American Temperament Test Society.
If one is interested in temperamental training, it is suggested that you contact your nearest go dog association for further details.
Other Information
Other information regarding the Black Russian Terrier can be found under the respective menu titles of Black Russian Terrier Overview, Black Russian Terrier History and Black Russian Terrier Health Issues