Black Russian Terrier

Brushing Routine

Brush 3-4 times per week with a slicker brush, pin brush, and metal comb to maintain their thick, coarse, slightly wavy double coat. The coat grows 4-6 inches in length and has a dense undercoat. Use line brushing through the full body coat, paying special attention to the leg furnishings, chest, and the signature beard and mustache. A stripping comb helps maintain proper coat texture.

Bathing Tips

Bathe every 3-4 weeks with a texturizing shampoo that maintains the coat's harsh, weather-resistant quality. Avoid conditioners that soften the coat excessively. The beard requires separate cleaning with every bath and between baths as it collects food and water. Blow dry completely with a high-velocity dryer.

Common Issues

• Matting throughout the long, dense coat
• Beard becoming smelly and dirty from food and water
• Eye irritation from overgrown fall
• Ear infections from hair in ear canals
• Hot spots under matted areas

Extend Your Grooming Results

Daily beard cleaning is essential for this breed. Wipe the beard with grooming wipes after every meal and water session. Regular trimming of the fall above the eyes maintains vision and comfort. Strip excess hair from ear canals monthly to improve ventilation. Keep feet trimmed between the paw pads.

Seasonal Care

The BRT sheds minimally as dead hair gets trapped in the dense coat, requiring regular removal through brushing. Summer grooming may involve a shorter clip for comfort, particularly in humid climates like Houston. Winter coat grows in thick and provides excellent cold-weather protection. Hand stripping twice a year maintains optimal coat texture.

Maintenance Schedule

Brush 3-4 times weekly with line brushing. Clean beard daily. Bathe every 3-4 weeks. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks for trimming and shaping. Hand strip or clipper trim quarterly. Strip ear hair monthly. Trim paw pads biweekly. Clean ears weekly. Trim nails every 3-4 weeks.