Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier

80-150 lbs
25-30"
Europe
Black Russian Terrier
Irish Wolfhound
Black Irish, Black Russian Wolf Terrier, Wolf Terrier

The Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier is a combination of the Black Russian Terrier and the Irish Wolfhound. The Black Russian Terrier was bred for use by the Red Army; they sought to develop a strong, intelligent dog who could function well despite the harsh conditions of the climate. The ancestors of the Irish Wolfhound were bred and used by various armies over the years for dragging men off horses in battle; this brave and obedient demeanor is still with this beautiful canine today and is combined with a loving and affectionate personality. The offspring of these two breeds, the Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier, is a large dog, black with shaggy hair. They are highly intelligent and adaptive; they love their family intensely. The Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier is also a gentle giant; they are very clever and thrive on having a job to do. Receptive to their owner’s commands, the Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier is gentle, inquisitive, and eager for activity. Both parent breeds have very shaggy hair, so the Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier will require a moderate amount of coat maintenance. 

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Black Russian Terrier, Irish Wolfhound

Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier Health

Average Size
Male Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier size stats
Height: 25-30 inches Weight: 80-150 lbs
Female Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier size stats
Height: 25-30 inches Weight: 80-150 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Otitis Externa
  • Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
  • Anesthesia Sensitivity/Allergy
Occasional Diagnoses
  • None Known
Occasional Tests
  • Hip
  • Elbow
  • Blood Test
  • X-Rays
  • Ear Examination
  • Complete Physical Examination

Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier Breed History

The Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier’s name is a reflection of the parent breeds, the Black Russian Terrier and the Irish Wolfhound. The Black Russian Terrier is a breed that is small in number, much like the Irish Wolfhound. Combinations of the two are fairly new and rare as well. The Black Russian Terrier is a native of Russia. The Red Star Kennels began breeding the Black Russian Terrier with the aim of developing a hardy, courageous canine with intelligence. This goal was successful and the characteristics can be seen in the breed still today, so much so that the independent nature and desire to lead have to be kept in check by a confident owner and plenty of obedience training. The Black Russian Terrier is thought to be a combination of several breeds including the Russian Water Hound, Giant Schnauzer, Rottweiler and Airedale. The Irish Wolfhound has a history of serving in the military as well. The ancient Romans used the Wolfhound to pull men off horses and out of their chariots. A breed with a noble background, at one time, only members of the royalty were allowed to own an Irish Wolfhound. Once the elk and wolf became extinct in Ireland, the Irish Wolfhound almost followed suit. In the mid-1800s, thanks to the efforts and determination of both Captain George Graham and Major H.D. Richardson, the breed began to make a comeback. Though a few years apart in effort, both men deserve credit for re-establishing this majestic breed. The two parent breeds of this hybrid are large in size and are both excellent hunters; however, they are mostly used now as companion dogs. The Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier is recognized by the Dog Registry of America. 

Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier Breed Appearance

The Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier is a large dog; they can be jet black, gray, brindle, red, cream or fawn in color.  With scruffy hair on their head, feet, and mouth, they have a powerful body that appears to be square. They are very large and have a muscular body that suits their stature. Their broad head will be evenly matched with their strong neck and powerful shoulders. Their high-set tail may or may not be docked. They have large, bear-like feet, and legs covered in coarse hair. This hybrid will have a long, shaggy coat. The possibility that the Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier will be waterproof may be about fifty percent. Only one parent breed is waterproof; it is possible that in one litter you may have some that are waterproof and some that are not. With a gait that displays their confident nature, the Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier is a hybrid that exhibits the best of both parental traits.

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
fawn Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier coat
Fawn
brindle Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier coat
Brindle
black Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier coat
Black
gray Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier coat
Gray
cream Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier coat
Cream
red Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier coat
Red
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier wavy coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier Breed Maintenance

The Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier will have a fifty percent chance of being hypoallergenic, though the Irish Wolfhound parent breed tends to shed a good bit, and it is likely the offspring could inherit this trait. Regularly brushing the Irish Wolfhound parent's coat, and a plucking every six months are necessary to remove excess dead hair. The Black Russian Terrier parent usually has a hard, wiry, close-lying wavy coat which may be up to four inches long in some spots and he has eyebrows and a beard. It is suggested that he has a regular trim two to three times a year. This parent breed needs to be brushed at least once a week. The Black Russian Terrier is not prone to shedding. One can reasonably expect the Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier to be a mix of the two parents, with a thick coat that will require weekly care in order to remove loose fur and to prevent matting. You may prefer to have a groomer trim the coat. You should brush your Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier’s teeth at least three times a week; however, if you want to prevent gum disease and the potential for extra dental care and expense, brush their teeth daily. Trim your hybrid’s nails every other week. This will prevent cracking or splitting of the nails and also enables your dog to be at ease during the process.

Brushes for Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Dematter
Dematter
Scissors
Scissors
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier Temperament

The Black Russian Terrier is a highly alert, intelligent dog. They are tough but not aggressive. Surprisingly, the Irish Wolfhound is not a good watch dog. Many are alert, but not suspicious of strangers. Often, their size will intimidate would-be intruders, but they are, overall, not a guard dog. They need a calm and confident handler. The Irish Wolfhound will shut down if the handler yells at them or is overly harsh. Keeping the temperaments of both the parent breeds in mind, it is likely that the Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier will be alert and intelligent. They will be tough, but not overly forceful. It is likely that they will actually be a good guard dog due to the Black Russian Terrier inheritance. They will likely live in peace with other animals; the Irish Wolfhound parent may be a giant, but they are not known to attack smaller animals. Overall, these hybrids love their families. The Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier is known to follow their owner from room to room in the home. 

Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier Activity Requirements

An Irish Wolfhound is definitely not an apartment dog. A fenced-in yard is necessary so that the Irish Wolfhound can get adequate exercise in addition to day to day walks. Much the same can be said for the Black Russian Terrier. They enjoy a long daily walk and love to play in snow and water when the season is right. Because your Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier will likely be large, an expansive fenced-in yard is suggested to provide supplementary exercise for your dog apart from plenty of brisk strolls. This hybrid requires vigorous exercise in order to be content; taking your dog to a secure area such as a dog park is an essential part of their fitness regimen. Keep in mind that the Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier must have firm, consistent, and gentle commands when out and about on leash.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
14 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3.5 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$2.00 - $2.50
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$60.00 - $75.00
food bag monthly cost

Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier size stats at six months
Height: 23.5 inches Weight: 77.0 lbs
Female Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier size stats at six months
Height: 19.0 inches Weight: 73.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier size stats at 12 months
Height: 27.0 inches Weight: 114.0 lbs
Female Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier size stats at 12 months
Height: 23.5 inches Weight: 110.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier size stats at 18 months
Height: 34.0 inches Weight: 150.0 lbs
Female Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier size stats at 18 months
Height: 24.0 inches Weight: 140.0 lbs

Black Russian Wolfhound Terrier Owner Experiences

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