Do Black Russian Terriers Shed? (BRT Shedding Guide)

The Black Russian Terrier, also known as the BRT, is a working dog. They were originally bred in the Soviet Union during 1940-1950 for military purposes. 

However, in the late 1950s, civilian breeders started popping up and introducing the BRT to the general public. So they eventually made their way to other countries across the globe.

Today, not only do they make great working dogs, but they’re also an energetic (and very obedient) companion for the whole family.

How much hair do they shed? The short answer is not much!

But let’s look at this in more detail, starting with the BRT’s coat…

The Black Russian Terrier’s Coat

The Black Russian Terrier’s coat is dense, coarse, and about 2-4 inches long. He also has a thick, soft undercoat, which is waterproof and keeps him warmer in colder conditions.

This is one of the many reasons why “Blackies” are such great working dogs. However, an undercoat (AKA double coat) also means higher shedding during certain times of the year.

As the name suggests, the BRT’s coat is solid black. But some come with a black coat, as well as some fine gray hairs throughout.

• Hair is 2-4 inches long over the body and longer over the face
• Coarse, dense top coat with a soft, thick undercoat
• Solid black or black with some gray hairs throughout

Black Russian Terrier Shedding

The Black Russian Terrier is a relatively low shedding breed.

However, they do have a thick undercoat, which means they typically shed more than dogs with a single coat and can shed seasonally.

This is typically noticeable in fall and spring as they blow coat for several weeks. This is a natural process and not something you want to attempt to stop by any means.

Proper, regular grooming will minimize the effect of this, though. Which is something every BRT owner will have to do anyway since their coat does require above-average attention.

What Are They Like to Groom?

The BRT requires more grooming than the average breed.

Given the length and texture of the coat, it’s important to brush him at least 2-3 times per week. Especially if he’s outside playing a lot!

This is important to avoid mats and tangles and to remove any debris his coat has collected from his outdoor adventures.

A slicker brush works well to remove mats and tangles and to effectively remove loose fur from the undercoat. A regular comb or brush works well when all you need to do is keep his coat in tip-top shape.

In addition to regular brushing, it’s worth getting him some professional grooming every 2-3 months. This is because the hair around his face and eyes can become quite long, so reducing this down to under 6 inches is recommended.

Avoid clipping his hair too far back, though, and do not cut into his undercoat.

It is also advisable to use a quality dog shampoo when bathing to avoid stripping the natural oils out of his hair. Dry, irritated skin is one of the leading causes of excessive shedding, so using a balanced shampoo and not over-bathing is very important to reducing shedding.

Bottom Line

Black Russian Terriers do not shed much hair, but they do blow coat seasonally. Regular grooming and brushing are important for keeping his coat tangle-free and for reducing overall shedding. By keeping up a good grooming routine, your home will be relatively hair free!