Black Russian Terrier Keeshond Mix

The Black Russian Terrier Keeshond Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Black Russian Terrier and the Keeshond. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Black Russian Terrier is known for being nergetic, hardy, and lively. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Black Russian Terrier or the Keeshond? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Black Russian Terrier Keeshond Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Black Russian Terrier Keeshond Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Black Russian Terrier Keeshond Mix puppies for sale.

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Black Russian Terrier Keeshond Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Black Russian Terrier History

Here’s a dog that’s been sort of mislabeled: the Black Russian Terrier is not actually a terrier, but a working breed and a hodgepodge of other dogs that passed through Russia some time during or after World War II. Dogs that may have contributed to its development include the Airedale, the Giant Schnauzer, the Rottweiler, the Newfoundland, the Caucasian Ovtcharka and other breeds. The Black Russian’s purpose initially was to serve as a military guard for the Soviet Army; since then, his strong guarding instincts have helped protect families all over Europe. He goes by different names across the continents: in France he is known as the Terrier Noir Russe, and in Germany he goes by Schwarze Russische Terrier. And the Russians still have a number of alternate names for him: the Chornyi, the Tchiorny Terrier, the Russian Bear Schnauzer
Whatever you call him, he was placed in the working group when the AKC acknowledged him in 1984 — again, because that category more appropriately fits his heritage, temperament and skill set. During World War II and some of the Cold War years, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics owned and operated The Red Star Kennel for the purpose of breeding and training military dogs. The breeding stock came from several of the countries the Russians took over after the war, East Germany in particular. The dog was bred to work hard in the harsh climate of Russia and its surrounding countries. Little thought was given to the dog’s appearance.

The Red Star Kennel was the sole breeder of Black Russian Terriers until 1957, when a few puppies were sold to outside breeders. These breeders had the goal of blending in good looks while retaining the breed’s strength and capacity to work. In time, these efforts proved fruitful. The strong, capable and better-looking Black Russian Terrier soon began popping up elsewhere in the Soviet Union; he was seen in St. Petersberg, the Ukraine, and Siberia. It was only a matter of time before the first European sighting of the Black Russian Terrier, in Finland, and later in Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Poland and both Germanys. Later he went transcontinental, traveling to the United States, Canada, Australia and other nations where people seemed to fancy him. Full recognition from the American Kennel Club came in 1984.

Keeshond History

The Keeshond has a few nicknames, the Dutch Barge Dog, the Smiling Dutchman, the German Spitz, and the Wolfspitz. This is an older breed of dog. During the 1600’s and 1700’s it was a companion and watchdog for people on the boats going along the Rhine River. It has quite the history. Throughout some political unrest in Holland it was a symbol of the Rebel Party and it quickly became popular among ordinary people. When this party was overthrown many dogs were destroyed but it did manage to hold on. Around the year 1920 interest in the breed picked back up and it migrated away from just being on barges and such. It became a recognized breed with the American Kennel Club in 1930.

Black Russian Terrier Keeshond Mix Size and Weight

Black Russian Terrier
Height: 26 - 30 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 80 - 150 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 11 years

Keeshond
Height: 17 - 18 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 31 - 40 lb.
Lifespan: 13 - 15 years

Black Russian Terrier Keeshond Mix Personality

The Black Russian Terrier and the Keeshond might be a little bit spunky. They can be an inquisitive little fella so keep on the lookout for that behavior! All dogs need attention and don't want to be left alone. That's why you have a pet, right? Plan on putting forth effort to socialize her as this will reap dividends in the long run. Please use always use positive reinforcement even though they can have a mind of their own. Enjoy being with your new mixed breed and love the relationship you will have with them.

Black Russian Terrier Keeshond Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Black Russian Terrier mixed with the Keeshond might be prone to joint dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Black Russian Terrier Keeshond Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Black Russian Terrier Keeshond Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Black Russian Terrier Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in