Black Russian Terrier vs German Shepherd

Compare the Black Russian Terrier to the German Shepherd. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Black Russian Terriers and German Shepherds.

Black Russian Terrier vs German Shepherd
Black Russian Terrier
German Shepherd
Black Russian Terrier
German Shepherd
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General Details
Black Russian Terrier
German Shepherd
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
10-12 Years
10-14 Years
Height
26-30 Inches
22-26 Inches
Weight
99-132 Pounds
75-95 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Above Average
History
Black Russian Terrier
German Shepherd
Origin Country
Russia
Germany
Origin Year
1940 AD
1899 AD
Temperament
Black Russian Terrier
German Shepherd
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Average
Pet Friendly
Below Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Average
Below Average
Personality
Black Russian Terrier
German Shepherd
Traits
Affectionate
Aggressive
Jealous
Loving
Needy
Protective
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Stubborn
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Black Russian Terrier
German Shepherd
Apartment
No
Yes
Indoor
No
Yes
Small Yard
No
Yes
Medium Yard
No
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
40-70 °F
40-85 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Black Russian Terrier
German Shepherd
Energy Level
High to Very High
High
Exercise Required
High to Very High
High
Top Running Speed
28 MPH
30 MPH
Strength
Very High
High
Grooming Needs
Black Russian Terrier
German Shepherd
Coat Maintenance
Medium to High
Medium to High
Shedding
Medium to High
High
Dander
Medium
High
Drool
Low to Medium
Medium
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Black Russian Terrier
German Shepherd
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
Black Russian Terrier
German Shepherd
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
Yes
Yes
Breed Instincts
Black Russian Terrier
German Shepherd
Aggression
Below Average
Average
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Below Average
Chasing
Average
Below Average
Follow Commands
None
Above Average
Fighting
Below Average
Below Average
Guarding
Above Average
Above Average
Herding
Above Average
Above Average
Hunting
Above Average
Above Average
Protection
Above Average
Above Average
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Below Average
Sled Pulling
None
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
Above Average
Above Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Black Russian Terrier
German Shepherd
Average Lifespan
10-12 Years
10-14 Years
Health Concerns
Black Russian Terrier
German Shepherd
Common Health Issues
Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Elbow dysplasia
Bladder stones
Cushing's syndrome
Bloat
Cancer
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Elbow dysplasia
Demodectic mange
Cherry eye
Lens luxation
Panosteitis
Megaesophagus
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
Degenerative myelopathy
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Retinal dysplasia
Seborrheic dermatitis
Heart problems
Blindness
Diabetes
Wobbler Syndrome
Osteochondrosis
Cruciate ligament rupture
Pannus
Digestive problems
Lupus
Vitiligo
Paralysis
Perianal fistula
Chronic diarrhea
Nail bed disease
Myasthenia gravis
Hemophilia A
Hemophilia B
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Black Russian Terrier
German Shepherd
Coat Type
Hair
Fur
Coat Layering
Double
Smooth
Double
Coat Texture
Rough
Straight
Coat Length
Medium
Short to Medium
Coat Coloring
Black Russian Terrier
German Shepherd
Breed Colors
Black
Black
Black
Black
Black and Cream
Black and Cream
Black and Red
Black and Red
Black and Silver
Black and Silver
Black and Tan
Black and Tan
Blue
Blue
Gray
Gray
Liver
Liver
White
White
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