Is the Black Russian Terrier Better than the Pekingese as a Pet? Answer…

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Black Russian Terrier Versus Pekingese: Introduction

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

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

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 Pekingese.

Black Russian Terrier versus Pekingese: Overview

A very important difference between the Black Russian Terrier and the Pekingese is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Black Russian Terrier is a giant-sized dog while the Pekingese 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 Pekingese belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Black Russian Terrier versus Pekingese: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Black Russian Terrier to the Pekingese 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 Pekingese

Factor Black Russian Terrier Pekingese
Life Span 10 to 11 years 12 to 15 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Height 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder 6 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
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 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Weight 80 to 140 pounds 7 to 14 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $2890 $1930
Price Range $2400 – $3550 $1288 – $2500
Temperament Score 93.9 percent 93.3 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
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 119 86

    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 Pekingese. 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 Pekingese is 77 out of 125.

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

    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 Pekingese 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 Pekingese

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

  • Black Russian Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Pekingeses have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Black Russian Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Pekingeses do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • Black Russian Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Pekingeses do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • The Similarities Between the Black Russian Terrier and the Pekingese

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

  • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Pekingese do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Pekingese do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Pekingese are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Pekingese require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Pekingese can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Pekingese are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Pekingese are very easy to train.
  • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Pekingese are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Pekingese are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Black Russian Terrier versus Pekingese

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

    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, Pekingeses weigh 7 to 14 pounds when fully grown. Pekingeses are 6 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Black Russian Terrier versus Pekingese

    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 Pekingeses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pekingeses is 13.5 years.

    Pekingeses live longer than Black Russian Terriers.

    Temperament of the Black Russian Terrier Versus the Pekingese

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

    This is because the temperament score for the Black Russian Terrier is 93.9 percent while the temperament score for the Pekingese is 93.3 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 93.3 percent, the Pekingese has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Black Russian Terrier and the Pekingese by measuring the temperaments of 164 Black Russian Terriers and 15 Pekingeses.

    Price of Black Russian Terrier versus Price of Pekingese

    The average price of the Black Russian Terrier puppy is $2890. The price of the Black Russian Terrier typically ranges from $2400 – $3550. However, the price of a Black Russian Terrier can be as low as $250 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 12 Black Russian Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Pekingese puppy is $1930. The price of the Pekingese typically ranges from $1288 – $2500. However, the price of the Pekingese can be as low as $700 and as high as $7500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 138 Pekingese puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Black Russian Terrier is more expensive than the Pekingese.

    Black Russian Terrier Pekingese
    Average Price $2890 $1930
    Price Range $2400 to $3550 $1288 to $2500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Black Russian Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Black Russian Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Pekingeses

    A breakdown of the prices of Pekingeses

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Black Russian Terrier puppy or the Pekingese 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.

    The Popularity of Black Russian Terrier versus Popularity of Pekingese

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Black Russian Terrier and the Pekingese over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Pekingese is more popular with dog owners than the Black Russian Terrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Pekingese is 86 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Black Russian Terrier is 119 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Black Russian Terrier

    Popularity of Black Russian Terrier

    Popularity of Pekingese

    Popularity of Pekingese

    Year Black Russian Terrier Popularity Rank Pekingese Popularity Rank
    2013 118 77
    2014 127 82
    2015 116 80
    2016 119 93
    2017 116 88
    2018 118 92
    2019 114 83
    2020 126 95

    Tolerates Being Alone: Black Russian Terrier versus Pekingese

    Black Russian Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Pekingeses can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Black Russian Terriers shed more than Pekingeses?

    Black Russian Terriers shed moderately.

    Pekingeses shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Black Russian Terriers drool moderately.

    Pekingeses do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

    Pekingeses require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Pekingeses 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 Pekingeses?

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

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

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

    Black Russian Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pekingeses can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Black Russian Terrier vs. Pekingese

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

    Pekingeses 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 Pekingeses Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Pekingeses cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

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

    Pekingeses do not get along well with other dogs.

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

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Black Russian Terriers and Pekingeses?

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

    Pekingeses do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Black Russian Terriers are very easy to train.

    Pekingeses are fairly easy to train.

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

    Black Russian Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Pekingeses adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Pekingeses are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Black Russian Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Black Russian Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Black Russian Terrier:

  • Bouvier des Flandres (77 percent match with Black Russian Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Pekingese vs Bouvier des Flandres.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pekingese

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Pekingese that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Pekingese:

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (72 percent match with Pekingese). Here is our comparison of the Black Russian Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Mal Shi (72 percent match with Pekingese). Here is our comparison of the Black Russian Terrier vs Mal Shi.
  • Pomeranian (72 percent match with Pekingese). Here is our comparison of the Black Russian Terrier vs Pomeranian.
  • Pomsky (72 percent match with Pekingese). Here is our comparison of the Black Russian Terrier vs Pomsky.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Black Russian Terrier and how the Pekingese compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Black Russian Terrier and of the Pekingese to other breeds:

    Black Russian Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Black Russian Terrier versus Pomapoo     Black Russian Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel     Black Russian Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Black Russian Terrier versus Bulldog     Black Russian Terrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Black Russian Terrier versus Swedish Vallhund     Black Russian Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Black Russian Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound     Black Russian Terrier versus Sealyham Terrier     Black Russian Terrier versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Black Russian Terrier versus Irish Wolfhound     Black Russian Terrier versus Irish Wolfhound     Black Russian Terrier versus Silky Terrier     Black Russian Terrier versus Cavachon     Black Russian Terrier versus Redbone Coonhound     Black Russian Terrier versus Saluki     Black Russian Terrier versus Afador     Black Russian Terrier versus Vizsla     Black Russian Terrier versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Black Russian Terrier versus Leonberger     Black Russian Terrier versus Bolognese     Black Russian Terrier versus Coton de Tulear     Black Russian Terrier versus Labrador Retriever     Black Russian Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Black Russian Terrier versus Lowchen     

    Pekingese Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pekingese versus Border Terrier     Pekingese versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Pekingese versus Pug     Pekingese versus Goldador     Pekingese versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Pekingese versus Norwich Terrier     Pekingese versus Welsh Terrier     Pekingese versus Skye Terrier     Pekingese versus Lhasapoo     Pekingese versus Chihuahua     Pekingese versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Pekingese versus English Setter     Pekingese versus Catahoula Bulldog     Pekingese versus Carolina Dog     Pekingese versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Pekingese versus Great Pyrenees     Pekingese versus Irish Setter     Pekingese versus Maremma Sheepdog     Pekingese versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Pekingese versus Great Pyrenees     Pekingese versus Bulldog     Pekingese versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Pekingese versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Pekingese versus Maltipoo     Pekingese versus Mal Shi     

    Conclusion: Black Russian Terrier versus Pekingese. 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 Pekingese better suits you and your family.