Black Russian Terrier vs Bedlington Terrier - Breed Comparison

Black Russian Terrier vs Bedlington Terrier - Breed ComparisonBedlington Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Black Russian Terrier is originated from Russia. Bedlington Terrier may grow 32 cm / 12 inches shorter than Black Russian Terrier. Bedlington Terrier may weigh 49 kg / 108 pounds lesser than Black Russian Terrier. Both Bedlington Terrier and Black Russian Terrier has same life span. Bedlington Terrier may have less litter size than Black Russian Terrier. Bedlington Terrier requires Low Maintenance. But Black Russian Terrier requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Working dog
undefined
United Kingdom
Russia
Height Male:
41 - 44 cm
16 - 18 inches
72 - 76 cm
28 - 30 inches
Height Female:
38 - 42 cm
14 - 17 inches
68 - 72 cm
26 - 29 inches
Weight Male:
6 - 11 kg
13 - 25 pounds
50 - 60 kg
110 - 133 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 11 kg
13 - 25 pounds
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
9 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
6 - 12
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Rothbury Terrier, Rodbery Terrier, Rothbury's Lamb
BRT Russian Black Terrier • Russkiy Tchiorny Terrier • Chornyi • Terrier Noir Russe • Russian Bear Schnauzer • Black Terrier • Tchiorny Terrier
Colors Available:
Blue, Liver, Sandy, Tan
black only
Coat:
medium, thick and linty
Rough and thick, slightly waved
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Responsive, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

bedlington terrierOriginally known as Rodbury Terriers or Rothbury’s Lambs, and renowned for looking like a lamb, the Bedlington Terrier was bred in the village of Bedlington in Northumberland. They’ve had other names too and were also known as ‘gypsy dogs’ and this is because gypsies used them to hunt.

The Bedlington Terrier Club was established in 1875 and the National Bedlington Terrier Club was formed in England in 1877. The breed has links with the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. When you look at the slightly arched back, it could also be related to the Whippet. They have been crossed with Whippets to get that speed, and feisty character.

black russian terrierDuring 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

Lamb-Like in Looks but the Heart of a Lion

bedlington terrier puppy - descriptionDon’t let their lamb-like appearance fool you – the Bedlington Terrier is a plucky dog who has some amazing speeds when it comes to swimming and running. This is an intelligent dog too and every bit a Terrier in spirit. Their tenacity has seen them being used in dog fighting as well.

The Look

The Bedlington Terrier stands at about 41cm in height and weighs between 8 – 10kg. Muscular, with a deep chest, graceful and lithe, not only does he look like a lamb but the dog’s expression is gentle too with bright deep-set eyes. When it comes to his coat, the dogs have blue, sandy or liver color coats and the coat has tan markings in some areas.

The coat is shaggy and is made up of hard- and soft hair that will need to be regularly trimmed. Known as a hypoallergenic breed, the coat is also described as thick and linty. The ears are floppy with rounded tips, and are thin and velvety in texture with a small silky tassel at the tip. The longish tail is set low and tapers down to a point.

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

bedlington terrier dog - characteristicsYou can’t miss the Bedlington Terrier – he has a striking resemblance to a lamb. The curly coat is interesting too – a mix of hard- and soft hair. He is friendly, loyal and devoted to his human family and is known to be a brave, courageous, feisty dog with the inclination to bark more. Socialization and training can change this though. He gets on well with children and other pets in the home. He isn’t aggressive but if taunted, he can put up a good fight.

This is a dog that can adapt to his surroundings so he slots in well to both city- and country living. Wherever he lives, he will need adequate exercise.

The present-day Bedlington Terrier, inducted by the American Kennel Club in 1967, is not a lamb by any means, and by choosing to have him as your pet, you’ll be amazed at his wonderful qualities that make him such in ideal companion.

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

bedlington terrier puppies - health problemsBedlington Terriers are a healthy breed, but just like other dogs, they are prone to some common dog illnesses. You can always ensure that your Bedlington reaches his 12 – 14 years of age lifespan by ensuring his vaccines are kept up to date, that he is fed excellent food and fresh water, he is exercised and that he is loved and cherished. Also, if you’re looking to buy a Bedlington, find a reputable breeder.

Some common health issues to look out for in your Bedlington Terrier include -

Hip dysplasia
Different eye diseases
Hypothyroidism
Copper storage hepatopathy or Liver Disease – this is a disease which can be inherited and where large amounts of copper accumulate in the tissues of the liver. The result is inflammation and cell damage and this can lead to liver failure and even death. Abdominal swelling, jaundice and weight loss are symptoms to watch for with this disease.

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

Exercise and Training

bedlington terrier dogs - caringThe Bedlington Terrier is a lively, cheerful companion at home and is somewhat more relaxed than other terrier breeds. Affectionate and loyal, he just loves to spend time with his human family. He’ll love to be your companion on a walk and he gets delighted when you’re ready to play ball games with him. He makes a great friend for children too, and even though he makes a good watchdog, he will welcome any visitors you have. When trained and socialized he becomes an obedient, well behaved member of the family.

Grooming

The Bedlington coat sheds a little but the rough coat will need to be trimmed regularly and the coat brushed twice a week to ensure no tangling and to remove loose hairs. Also, regular cleaning of teeth and ears can help ensure that harmful bacteria doesn’t build up, ensuring the overall health of your dog.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Bedlington Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Bedlington Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Bedlington Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Bedlington Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Bedlington Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Bedlington Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Bedlington Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Bedlington Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Bedlington Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Bedlington Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Bedlington Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Bedlington Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Bedlington Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Bedlington Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Bedlington Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Bedlington Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Bedlington Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Bedlington Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Bedlington Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Bedlington Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Bedlington Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Bedlington Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Bedlington Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Bedlington Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Bedlington Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Black Russian Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Black Russian Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Black Russian Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Black Russian Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Black Russian Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Black Russian Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Black Russian Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Black Russian Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Black Russian Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Black Russian Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Black Russian Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Black Russian Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Black Russian Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Black Russian Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Black Russian Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Black Russian Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Black Russian Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Black Russian Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Black Russian Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Black Russian Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Black Russian Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Black Russian Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Black Russian Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Black Russian Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Black Russian Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison