ForTheBreed
Not ideal with young kids high energy

Are Black Russian Terriers good with kids?

Black Russian Terriers can be challenging around young children. They tend to suit families with older, calmer kids rather than toddlers or very young children.

Black Russian Terriers are not ideal for families with young children
Better suited to households with children aged 8+ who understand how to interact respectfully with dogs. Always supervised.

The honest answer on Black Russian Terriers and children

Black Russian Terriers are not the easiest breed around young children.

Many Black Russian Terriers live successfully with children. The bar for supervision, training, and teaching children how to interact is just higher than with a breed known specifically for family tolerance.

Strong family loyalty creates a natural protectiveness toward children in the household, without training or direction. Calm dogs don't accidentally knock toddlers over or create chaos during play. Manageable energy in the house makes a real difference with smaller children. Protective instincts need direction with children. The goal is a dog that watches over kids without interpreting normal child behaviour as something to intervene in. Confidence means an unpredictable child movement is less likely to trigger a fear response. Predictable temperament around unpredictable people is a real safety asset. Intelligence helps in a family context. These dogs learn household rules quickly and pick up on context, including when a child is playing versus behaving in a way the dog finds uncomfortable.

With toddlers and very young children (under 5)

Are Black Russian Terriers safe around toddlers?
With toddlers, extra caution is needed. Black Russian Terriers are generally better suited to households with older children who understand dog behaviour. Toddlers are unpredictable, loud, and often don't read a dog's stress signals — which increases the risk of an incident. Constant supervision and careful management of interactions is essential.

With older children (ages 6–12)

Are Black Russian Terriers good with school-age children?
Older children (8+) are a much better fit for Black Russian Terriers than toddlers. Children who can follow instructions, read a dog's body language, and approach calmly have far more positive experiences. Set clear rules: no disturbing the dog during meals or sleep, no teasing, no pushing. With these boundaries in place, Black Russian Terriers can develop real, affectionate relationships with older kids.

Key traits that matter for families

Temperament
loyal, calm, protective
Energy
High — matches active kids
Training
Moderate — some patience needed
Size
Large (36–65kg)

How to set your Black Russian Terrier and kids up for success

Breed temperament is a starting point — how you manage the relationship matters just as much.

  • Socialise early. Expose puppies to children of different ages from 8–16 weeks. Early positive experiences build lasting tolerance.
  • Teach children dog rules. No pulling ears, tails, or fur. No approaching a dog that's eating, sleeping, or unwell. No staring directly in the eyes.
  • Give the dog an escape route. Always provide a quiet space (crate, bed in another room) where the dog can retreat from children. A dog that can always escape rarely needs to escalate.
  • Involve older children in training. Kids who can give commands and get responses feel respected by the dog. The dog learns to listen to them too.
  • Never leave any dog alone with young children. Regardless of breed, track record, or temperament. Incidents happen in seconds.

See the full Black Russian Terrier profile — temperament, costs, training and more.

Read the complete Black Russian Terrier breed guide →

More questions about Black Russian Terriers and children

Should I get a Black Russian Terrier if I have a baby on the way?
This combination is particularly challenging. Black Russian Terriers aren't the most natural fit with very young children, and puppies are extremely demanding. Consider waiting until your child is older before adding a dog to the mix — or consider an alternative breed.
Are male or female Black Russian Terriers better with children?
Individual temperament matters far more than sex. Properly socialised Black Russian Terriers of both sexes can be excellent with children. The breeder's assessment of each puppy's character is more useful than a gender preference.
What age should children be before you get a Black Russian Terrier?
For Black Russian Terriers, we'd suggest waiting until children are at least 7–8 years old. Older children can understand dog boundaries and interact appropriately — which leads to better outcomes for everyone.
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