Yorkshire Terrier vs Black Russian Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Yorkshire Terrier
Toy Group
Black Russian Terrier
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Yorkshire Terrier Overview
Yorkshire Terriers showcase a compact, elegant frame with a distinctive blue and tan silky coat that flows to the ground. Their erect ears, bright eyes, and confident posture reflect their spirited personality. Standing 7-8 inches tall and weighing around 7 pounds, these diminutive dogs possess a bold demeanor that far exceeds their size. Their fine-boned structure is complemented by a high-set tail and a small, well-proportioned head.
Black Russian Terrier Overview
Powerful and imposing, the Black Russian Terrier boasts a robust build with a distinctive black double coat. Standing up to 30 inches at the shoulder with a muscular frame, these dogs exhibit a balanced blend of strength and agility. Their rectangular body shape, beard-like facial furnishings, and alert expression create an unmistakable silhouette that commands attention.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Yorkshire Terriers are less energetic than Black Russian Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Yorkshire Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Black Russian Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Yorkshire Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Black Russian Terriers.
- Trainability: Yorkshire Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Yorkshire Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Yorkshire Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Black Russian Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier and Black Russian Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Black Russian Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 11-15 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | England | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Black Russian Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 7-8 inches 18-20 cm | 26-30 inches 66-76 cm |
| Weight | 7-7 lbs 3-3 kg | 80-130 lbs 36-59 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Black Russian Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Sprightly, Tomboyish | Intelligent, Calm, Powerful |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Black Russian Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Yorkshire Terrier Temperament
The Yorkshire Terrier is known for being affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Black Russian Terrier Temperament
The Black Russian Terrier is characterized by being intelligent, calm, powerful, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Yorkshire Terrier and Black Russian Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Black Russian Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Black Russian Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Black Russian Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Black Russian Terrier
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Black Russian Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Yorkshire Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Yorkshire Terriers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Yorkshire Terriers require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Black Russian Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Black Russian Terriers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Black Russian Terriers require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Yorkshire Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Tracheal Collapse
- Dental Issues
- Retinal Dysplasia
Black Russian Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Von Willebrand's Disease
- Hyperuricosuria
Pros & Cons
Yorkshire Terrier
Pros
- Portable size
- Minimal shedding
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Long lifespan
- Affectionate with family
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be yappy
- Delicate physique
- Stubborn streak
- Difficult to housebreak
Black Russian Terrier
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Intelligent
- Good with family
- Excellent guard dog
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires extensive training
- Not apartment suitable
- Can be stubborn
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Yorkshire Terrier and Black Russian Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.