Guide on Deciding Betweeen the Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal Terrier.

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Black Russian Terrier Versus Glen of Imaal Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal 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 Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal 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 Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal 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 Black Russian Terrier and for the Glen of Imaal 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 Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal Terrier.

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

Black Russian Terrier versus Glen of Imaal Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Black Russian Terrier is a giant-sized dog while the Glen of Imaal Terrier is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Glen of Imaal Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Black Russian Terrier versus Glen of Imaal Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Black Russian Terrier to the Glen of Imaal 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 Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal Terrier

Factor Black Russian Terrier Glen of Imaal Terrier
Life Span 10 to 11 years 12 to 15 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Height 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 80 to 140 pounds Up to 35 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $3050 No Data
Price Range $2600 – $3500 No Data
Temperament Score 93.9 percent 66.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Agouti DNA Test
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dominant Black DNA Test
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy
    		•
  • CONE ROD DYSTROPHY
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Must have an eye examination performed by an AVCO opthalmologist (or equivalent in foreign countries) beginning at 2 years of age and repeated every 2 years until age 8
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Black Russian Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal 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 Black Russian Terrier is 74 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Glen of Imaal Terrier is 83 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Glen of Imaal Terrier is a better pet than the Black Russian Terrier. So, you should get the Glen of Imaal 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 Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal Terrier

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

    • Black Russian Terriers require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Glen of Imaal Terriers are very easy to groom.
    • Black Russian Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Glen of Imaal Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.

    The Similarities Between the Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal Terrier

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

    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal Terrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal Terrier do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal Terrier do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal Terrier are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal 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 Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal Terrier are very easy to train.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal Terrier are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal Terrier are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal Terrier are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Black Russian Terrier versus Glen of Imaal Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal Terrier.

    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.

    On the other hand, Glen of Imaal Terriers weigh Up to 35 pounds when fully grown. Glen of Imaal Terriers are 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Black Russian Terrier versus Glen of Imaal Terrier

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

    The lifespan of Glen of Imaal Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Glen of Imaal Terriers is 13.5 years.

    Glen of Imaal Terriers live longer than Black Russian Terriers.

    Temperament of the Black Russian Terrier Versus the Glen of Imaal Terrier

    The Black Russian Terrier has a better temperament than the Glen of Imaal Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Black Russian Terrier is 93.9 percent while the temperament score for the Glen of Imaal Terrier is 66.7 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 93.9 percent, the Black Russian Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 66.7 percent, the Glen of Imaal Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 164 Black Russian Terriers and 3 Glen of Imaal Terriers.

    Health Problems of Black Russian Terrier versus Health Problems of Glen of Imaal 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 Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal 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 Black Russian Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Glen of Imaal Terrier.

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

    7 health tests are recommended for Black Russian Terrier while 4 tests are recommended for the Glen of Imaal Terrier.

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

    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.

    Glen of Imaal Terrier Health Problems

    Glen of Imaal Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Glen of Imaal 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Glen of Imaal 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 Glen of Imaal Terriers for:

  • CONE ROD DYSTROPHY
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Must have an eye examination performed by an AVCO opthalmologist (or equivalent in foreign countries) beginning at 2 years of age and repeated every 2 years until age 8
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Glen of Imaal Terriers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Black Russian Terrier versus Glen of Imaal Terrier

    Black Russian Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Glen of Imaal Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Black Russian Terriers shed more than Glen of Imaal Terriers?

    Black Russian Terriers shed moderately.

    Glen of Imaal Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Black Russian Terrier or the Glen of Imaal Terrier

    Black Russian Terriers drool moderately.

    Glen of Imaal Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Black Russian Terrier or the Glen of Imaal Terrier?

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

    Glen of Imaal Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Black Russian Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Glen of Imaal Terrier?

    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.

    Glen of Imaal Terriers 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.

    Do Black Russian Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Glen of Imaal Terriers?

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

    Glen of Imaal Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Black Russian Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Glen of Imaal Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Black Russian Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Glen of Imaal Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Black Russian Terrier vs. Glen of Imaal Terrier

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

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

    Can Black Russian Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Glen of Imaal Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Glen of Imaal Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Black Russian Terrier or the Glen of Imaal Terrier?

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

    Glen of Imaal Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Black Russian Terriers good family dogs? What about Glen of Imaal Terriers?

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

    Glen of Imaal Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Black Russian Terriers and Glen of Imaal Terriers?

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

    Glen of Imaal Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Black Russian Terrier Easier to Train than the Glen of Imaal Terrier?

    Black Russian Terriers are very easy to train.

    Glen of Imaal Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Black Russian Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Glen of Imaal Terrier?

    Black Russian Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Glen of Imaal Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Black Russian Terrier or the Glen of Imaal Terrier?

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

    Glen of Imaal Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Black Russian Terrier versus Glen of Imaal 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 Black Russian Terrier and the Glen of Imaal Terrier better suits you and your family.