Croatian Sheepdog vs Black Russian Terrier - Breed Comparison

Croatian Sheepdog vs Black Russian Terrier - Breed ComparisonCroatian Sheepdog is originated from Croatia but Black Russian Terrier is originated from Russia. Croatian Sheepdog may grow 23 cm / 9 inches shorter than Black Russian Terrier. Croatian Sheepdog may weigh 40 kg / 88 pounds lesser than Black Russian Terrier. Both Croatian Sheepdog and Black Russian Terrier has almost same life span. Croatian Sheepdog may have less litter size than Black Russian Terrier. Croatian Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance. But Black Russian Terrier requires High maintenance

History

croatian sheepdog - historyKnown also as Hrvatski Ovkars, the black Croatian Sheepdog has been in Croatia since the 7th century already. He was brought to the region by Croats who wanted a strong working dog.

Over the centuries, the dog hasn’t changed much in looks, and in 1935 a breeding program for the dog was developed. A certain Dr. Romic started the program with 3 dogs, and the work he did with the dogs saw that the Croatian Sheepdog got official recognition a few decades later.

In March 1968, the Yugoslav Kennel Club adopted the breed standard, and since then, several kennels recognize the Croatian Sheepdog. The dog is still not known particularly well outside their own county, but in Croatia it is essentially known as a companion dog.

black russian terrier - historyDuring the cold war, the Soviet Union developed the Black Russian Terrier as a working military dog. During the early 1950’s, the Red Star Kennel developed this breed and in 2004 by the American Kennel Club. The Black Russian Terrier is not really a terrier at all, but a mid-sized working dog used for hunting and guarding or as a pet. The Red Star Kennel is thought to have developed the BRT using a wide variety of breeds – as many as seventeen – including breeds like the Newfoundland, the Rottweiler, the Caucasian Shepard Dog and a Giant Shepard and an Airedale. So, you can see the wide variety and several more breeds were added. The Red Star Kennel in Moscow was owned by the state and they developed the BRT for specific working conditions and not for appearance. They did not really care how it looked except that it had to be black. In 1957 the state allowed a few puppies to be sold to non-military breeders. These breeders began to breed the Black Russian Terrier for appearance as well as function.

As these breeders worked with the dogs, they spread the breed throughout Russia and into Finland, Poland, Hungary, Germany, Czechoslovakia and Germany. From there they spread to Australia, Canada and the United States. The breed standard was developed in 1958 and by 1996 an updated version of the standard was developed to reflect the dog we see today. In 1996 the United Kingdom also got their first introduction to the breed. They are still rare outside of Russian or previous Soviet Union states.

Description

croatian sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe Croatian Sheepdog is a medium sized, muscular dog which stands roughly 40 – 53cm at the withers and weighs 13 to 20kg. The head is wedge shaped and lean and he has brown to black colored eyes.

The triangular-shaped ears are medium sized and semi-erect or erect. The tail of the dog is often docked, but if not it is set high and is inclined to curl over the back.

The dog is nearly always black although you’ll find a few white hairs on the throat or chest or on the legs and toes. The double coat is of medium length, being wavy or even slightly curly.

Temperament:

The Croatian Sheepdog is an athletic, alert dog and he has high energy levels, loving to be put to work or to be busy with one or other activity. He fits in well as a family pet and gets on well with children and pets in the home, but he is going to need plenty of exercise and games.

This particular dog won’t do well with a family of couch potatoes as he craves lots of activities. He will certainly benefit from training and socialization, and because he is intelligent he learns easily and then he is obedient and ready to please.

He is a dominant, confident dog who thrives on attention from his human family. He isn’t a dog you can just stick in the backyard as he is social and craves activity and attention. He is wary of strangers and makes an excellent watchdog.

black russian terrier puppy - descriptionA little larger than a mid-sized dog, the Black Russian Terrier is strong, powerful, stable and alert. His head is block shaped and has a broad skull. The muzzle is square with a beard and mustache. A black, large nose and full black lips are matched with powerful and large jaws. He has a scissor bite and his ears should be triangles with rounded apexes. They have very large paws that are bear-like in appearance with thick black pads. They are also covered with hair. Their legs are muscular, powerful and strong. They have a cropped tail.

Characteristics

croatian sheepdog dog - characteristicsThe Croatian Sheepdog isn’t a demanding dog, although he will be relying on you to give him plenty of exercise. He wants to please and will fit into life in the city or life in the country, so long as he gets regular exercise.

It doesn’t take much to keep the Croatian Sheepdog happy and content, and when he thrusts his wet nose into your hand and you see his wagging tail, you’ll know its all been worth it to give this pet the best as he gives you his undivided love and loyalty.

black russian terrier dog - characteristicsThe Black Russian Terrier is a working dog and he is confident, calm, self-assured and confident. He is responsive and intelligent, protective and fearless, loyal and aloof. He is not welcoming to strangers. If socialized well, he is enough of an independent thinker to be able to decide on his own who or what poses a threat to his family and what doesn’t. They get bored quickly because they are so smart. Keep him stimulated. These are strong, athletic dogs who will love to run with you, jog along side your bike, hike the mountain or just walk with you. Whatever your form of exercise is, the Black Russian Terrier can adapt to it. They also have a strong prey drive so don’t trust them with animals they do not know. They are ok with cats and dogs that they grow up with. They love to play with kids but be careful they don’t unintentionally knock the little ones down.

The Black Russian Terrier matures later than other dogs. Treat the puppy the way you want the adult dog to be. If you don’t want a large dog on your bed don’t let the puppy sleep on the bed. He will soon be a large, powerful and strong dog with a mind of his own and you will not be able to keep him off the bed.

Health Problems

croatian sheepdog puppies - health problemsThe Croatian Sheepdog is a healthy dog breed. He is the kind of pet that won’t cost you a lot of money because he is low maintenance. In fact he is a dog which has developed resistance to many diseases.

With good food, exercise and love and care he won’t cost you much in terms of vet’s fees. He can live to be 12 to 15 years of age.

Even though he is a healthy kind of dog, there are some dog illnesses that you will want to be aware of such as bloat and eye problems. Also if you aren’t going to let him become a parent, then spaying or neutering your Croatian Shepherd will have numerous health benefits for him.

black russian terrier puppies - health problemsThis is a healthy breed who faces some of the same issues other large dogs face such as dysplasia in the elbows and hips. Then they also face their own hereditary diseases such as Juvenile laryngeal paralysis, hyperuricosuria and polyneuropathy. They are also susceptible to heart disease, eye diseases, allergies, Panosteitis and hypertropic osteodystrophy. Let’s look at the major hereditary disease that are not so common.

Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis

This occurs when the larynx arytenoid cartilages stop working and don’t operate so then the adjoining muscles don’t work either and the dog cannot swallow without the possible damage to the airway and the cannot breathe properly during exercise or while panting.

Hyperuricosuria

This is a condition that can occur in people and animals. This condition can lead to kidney or bladder stones as there is too much uric acid in their urine.

Polyneuropathy

Like any form of neuropathy, in this disease many different nerves are damaged, and this can cause weak reflexes and tremors. There are effective treatments however.

Caring The Pet

croatian sheepdog dogs - caringThe Croatian Sheepdog has always been a working dog and is regarded as a hardy, low maintenance dog. He will require minimal grooming so a good brush twice a week will suffice.

Diet:

There are excellent and convenient dog foods on the market which have been specifically manufactured to ensure your dog gets all the vitamins and minerals he needs for health and energy. Stick to the feeding instructions on the label so that he maintains his lean, muscular body.

Raw meat can be expensive, but it will be to his benefit if you can include some raw meat into his kibble every now and then. If you are unsure in any way as to how to feed your dog, your vet can give you good advice on a food that caters for his age and his activity levels. Always make sure that he has a fresh bowl of water available.

Feeding

black russian terrier dogs - caringThis is a large, working dog that needs healthy nutrition. Feed once or twice a day but do not overfeed. Don’t let your Black Russian Terrier get overweight. Proper nutrition for puppies is critical given the nutrionally based diseases discussed below.

Health issues

  1. Hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD) – Watch out for this in your puppy. Like other large, puppies that grow fast the Black Russian Terrier is susceptible to this bone disease.
  2. Panosteitis (Wandering Lameness) – Again an issue for puppies of larger breeds as a nutritional issue causes an abrupt lameness at 6-8 months of age.
  3. Heart Disease – Cardiomyopathy, Mitral Valve Dysplasia and Aortic Stenosis
  4. Eye Diseases – Conjunctivitis, entropion and ectropion.
  5. Allergies – Food, contact and inhalant. Hot spots and fungal infections of the beard and ears.

Exercise and games

This is a high energy dog that needs to work. He doesn’t just want to work, he needs to work. So, find him a job and one that includes a lot of exercise. He needs consistent and firm training but will respond well and excel in Obedience Trials. They are good at Schutzhund and agility. They need plenty of exercise and will be unhappy and destructive without enough and a job. He needs to burn off that energy.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
Origin:
Croatia
Russia
Height Male:
40 - 53 cm
15 - 21 inches
72 - 76 cm
28 - 30 inches
Height Female:
40 - 53 cm
15 - 21 inches
68 - 72 cm
26 - 29 inches
Weight Male:
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
50 - 60 kg
110 - 133 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
9 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
6 - 12
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Hrvatski Ovkars
BRT Russian Black Terrier • Russkiy Tchiorny Terrier • Chornyi • Terrier Noir Russe • Russian Bear Schnauzer • Black Terrier • Tchiorny Terrier
Colors Available:
Black
black only
Coat:
Medium length, wavy or curly
Rough and thick, slightly waved
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Responsive, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Black Russian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Bullmastiff vs Black Russian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Great Pyrenees vs Black Russian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Presa Canario vs Black Russian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Labrador Husky vs Black Russian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Argentine Dogo vs Black Russian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Giant Schnauzer vs Black Russian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Goldador vs Black Russian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Dogo Cubano vs Black Russian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Dogo Sardesco vs Black Russian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Central Asian Shepherd vs Black Russian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Mackenzie River Husky vs Black Russian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Black Russian Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Black Russian Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  15. Black Russian Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  16. Black Russian Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  17. Black Russian Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Black Russian Terrier vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  19. Black Russian Terrier vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  20. Black Russian Terrier vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  21. Black Russian Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  22. Black Russian Terrier vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  23. Black Russian Terrier vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  24. Black Russian Terrier vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  25. Black Russian Terrier vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  26. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  27. Dutch Shepherd vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  28. English Shepherd vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  29. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  30. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  31. Queensland Heeler vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  32. German Coolie vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  33. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Croatian Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  35. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Croatian Sheepdog vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  37. Croatian Sheepdog vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  38. Croatian Sheepdog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  39. Croatian Sheepdog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  40. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  41. Croatian Sheepdog vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  42. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  43. Croatian Sheepdog vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  44. Croatian Sheepdog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  45. Croatian Sheepdog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  46. Croatian Sheepdog vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Croatian Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  48. Croatian Sheepdog vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  49. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  50. Croatian Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds