Which is Better Between the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier?

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Beagle Versus Black Russian Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Beagle and for the Black Russian Terrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Beagle or the Black Russian Terrier.

Beagle versus Black Russian Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Beagle is a small-sized dog while the Black Russian Terrier is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Beagle belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

On the other hand, the Black Russian Terrier belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Beagle versus Black Russian Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Beagle to the Black Russian Terrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier

Factor Beagle Black Russian Terrier
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
General Health 1/5 3/5
Easy To Train 1/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 15 years 10 to 11 years
Height 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder
Weight 18 to 30 pounds 80 to 140 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 10.5 years
Average Price $1160 $3050
Price Range $650 – $1450 $2600 – $3500
Temperament Score 79.7 percent 93.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Advanced Cardiac Evaluation
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Eye Examination
  • FACTOR VII Deficiency
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • MLS
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Agouti DNA Test
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dominant Black DNA Test
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Beagle in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Black Russian Terrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Beagle is 71 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Black Russian Terrier is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Black Russian Terrier is a better pet than the Beagle. So, you should get the Black Russian Terrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier are most different:

    • Beagles are not easy to train. However, Black Russian Terriers are very easy to train.
    • Beagles get along well with other dogs. However, Black Russian Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Beagles are very friendly towards strangers. However, Black Russian Terriers are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Beagles have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Black Russian Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.

    The Similarities Between the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier

    The Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier are most similar:

    • Both the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Beagle versus Black Russian Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier.

    Beagles weigh 18 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Beagles are 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Black Russian Terriers weigh 80 to 140 pounds when fully grown. Black Russian Terriers are 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Beagle versus Black Russian Terrier

    The lifespan of Beagles is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Beagles is 12.5 years.

    The lifespan of Black Russian Terriers is between 10 to 11 years. The average lifespan of Black Russian Terriers is 10.5 years.

    Beagles live longer than Black Russian Terriers.

    Temperament of the Beagle Versus the Black Russian Terrier

    The Black Russian Terrier has a better temperament than the Beagle.

    This is because the temperament score for the Black Russian Terrier is 93.9 percent while the temperament score for the Beagle is 79.7 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 79.7 percent, the Beagle has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 93.9 percent, the Black Russian Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 79 Beagles and 164 Black Russian Terriers.

    Price of Beagle versus Price of Black Russian Terrier

    The average price of the Beagle puppy is $1160. The price of the Beagle typically ranges from $650 – $1450. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1017 Beagle puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Black Russian Terrier puppy is $3050. The price of the Black Russian Terrier typically ranges from $2600 – $3500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 9 Black Russian Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Black Russian Terrier is more expensive than the Beagle.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Beagle and Black Russian Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Beagle puppies or how many Black Russian Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Beagles. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Beagles. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Black Russian Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Black Russian Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Beagle puppy or the Black Russian Terrier puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Health Problems of Beagle versus Health Problems of Black Russian Terrier

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Beagle is prone to more genetic health problems than the Black Russian Terrier.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Beagle than for the Black Russian Terrier.

    9 health tests are recommended for Beagle while 7 tests are recommended for the Black Russian Terrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Beagles and in Black Russian Terriers.

    Beagle Health Problems

    Beagles are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Beagle puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Beagle puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Beagle breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Beagles for:

  • Advanced Cardiac Evaluation
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Eye Examination
  • FACTOR VII Deficiency
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • MLS
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Beagles here.

    Black Russian Terrier Health Problems

    Black Russian Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Black Russian Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Black Russian Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Black Russian Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Black Russian Terriers for:

  • Agouti DNA Test
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dominant Black DNA Test
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Black Russian Terriers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Beagle versus Black Russian Terrier

    Beagles do not like to be left alone.

    Black Russian Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Beagles shed more than Black Russian Terriers?

    Beagles shed moderately.

    Black Russian Terriers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Beagle or the Black Russian Terrier

    Beagles do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Black Russian Terriers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Beagle or the Black Russian Terrier?

    Beagles are very easy to groom.

    Black Russian Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Beagle Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Black Russian Terrier?

    Beagles have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Black Russian Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Beagles Bark and Howl? What about Black Russian Terriers?

    Beagles are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Black Russian Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Beagles Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Black Russian Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Beagles cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Black Russian Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Beagle vs. Black Russian Terrier

    Beagles have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Black Russian Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Beagles Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Black Russian Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Beagles can tolerate hot weather.

    Black Russian Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Beagle or the Black Russian Terrier?

    Beagles get along very well with other dogs.

    Black Russian Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Beagles good family dogs? What about Black Russian Terriers?

    Beagles are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Black Russian Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Beagles and Black Russian Terriers?

    Beagles get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Black Russian Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Beagle Easier to Train than the Black Russian Terrier?

    Beagles are not easy to train.

    Black Russian Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Beagle Better for Apartment Owners than the Black Russian Terrier?

    Beagles adapt very well to apartment living.

    Black Russian Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Beagle or the Black Russian Terrier?

    Beagles are OK for new dog owners.

    Black Russian Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Beagle versus Black Russian Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Beagle and the Black Russian Terrier better suits you and your family.