Why you Should Get the Yorkshire Terrier Instead of the Black Russian Terrier.

Last Updated: Apr 09, 2022

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Yorkshire Terrier Versus Black Russian Terrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier or the Black Russian Terrier.

Yorkshire Terrier versus Black Russian Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier versus Black Russian Terrier: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Yorkshire Terrier 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.

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.

Yorkshire Terrier versus Black Russian Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Black Russian Terrier

FactorYorkshire TerrierBlack Russian Terrier
Does NOT Drool5/53/5
Life Span12 to 15 years10 to 11 years
Tolerates Being Alone2/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather2/54/5
Tolerates Hot Weather2/53/5
Kid-Friendly2/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers2/52/5
Does NOT Shed4/53/5
Easy To Groom2/52/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight4/53/5
Does NOT chew on things4/52/5
Low Prey Drive4/54/5
Dog Friendly3/52/5
Easy To Train3/54/5
Intelligence3/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/53/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/53/5
Good For Novice Owners4/52/5
Affectionate With Family4/54/5
General Health4/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor2/51/5
Minimal Exercise Needs2/52/5
Weight4 to 6 pounds80 to 140 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/53/5
Easygoing1/52/5
NOT Rambunctious1/53/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Height8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder26 to 28 inches at the shoulder
Average Lifespan13.5 years10.5 years
Average Price$2420$2830
Price Range$1600 – $2950$2500 – $3375
Temperament Score83.7 percent93.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cornell DNA Bank
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- Prior to the onset of breeding, recommend evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 Years of Age.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Agouti DNA Test
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dominant Black DNA Test
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds9120

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Yorkshire 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 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 Yorkshire Terrier is 76 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 Yorkshire Terrier is a better pet than the Black Russian Terrier. So, you should get a Yorkshire Terrier!

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Black Russian Terrier

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

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

  • Yorkshire Terriers do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Black Russian Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • The Similarities Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Black Russian Terrier

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

  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Black Russian Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Black Russian Terrier cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Black Russian Terrier are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Black Russian Terrier do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Black Russian Terrier require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Black Russian Terrier are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Black Russian Terrier have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Black Russian Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Black Russian Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Black Russian Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Black Russian Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Black Russian Terrier are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier versus Black Russian Terrier

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

    The Yorkshire Terrier weighs 4 to 6 pounds when fully grown. The Yorkshire Terrier is 8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Black Russian Terrier weighs 80 to 140 pounds when fully grown. The Black Russian Terrier is 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Size of Yorkshire Terrier versus Size of Black Russian Terrier

    Lifespan of Yorkshire Terrier versus Black Russian Terrier

    The lifespan of the Yorkshire Terrier is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Yorkshire Terrier is 13.5 years.

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

    The Yorkshire Terrier live longer than the Black Russian Terrier.

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Black Russian Terrier

    Temperament of the Yorkshire Terrier Versus the Black Russian Terrier

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

    This is because the temperament score for the Black Russian Terrier is 93.9 percent while the temperament score for the Yorkshire Terrier is 83.7 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 83.7 percent, the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Black Russian Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 43 Yorkshire Terriers and 164 Black Russian Terriers.

    Price of Yorkshire Terrier versus Price of Black Russian Terrier

    The average price of the Yorkshire Terrier puppy is $2420. The price of the Yorkshire Terrier typically ranges from $1600 – $2950. However, the price of a Yorkshire Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 957 Yorkshire Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Black Russian Terrier puppy is $2830. The price of the Black Russian Terrier typically ranges from $2500 – $3375. However, the price of the Black Russian Terrier can be as low as $250 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 30 Black Russian Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Black Russian Terrier is more expensive than the Yorkshire Terrier.

    `
    Yorkshire Terrier Black Russian Terrier
    Average Price $2420 $2830
    Price Range $1600 to $2950 $2500 to $3375

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Yorkshire Terriers. 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 Yorkshire Terrier 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.

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Black Russian Terrier

    The Popularity of Yorkshire Terrier versus Popularity of Black Russian Terrier

    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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Black Russian Terrier over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Yorkshire Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Black Russian Terrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Yorkshire Terrier is 9 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Black Russian Terrier is 120 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Yorkshire Terrier

    Popularity of Yorkshire Terrier

    Popularity of Black Russian Terrier

    Popularity of Black Russian Terrier

    `
    Year Yorkshire Terrier Popularity Rank Black Russian Terrier Popularity Rank
    2013 6 118
    2014 6 127
    2015 7 116
    2016 9 119
    2017 9 116
    2018 10 118
    2019 12 114
    2020 13 126
    2021 13 127

    Health Problems of Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier 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 Black Russian Terrier is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Yorkshire Terrier.

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

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

    Yorkshire Terrier Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cornell DNA Bank
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- Prior to the onset of breeding, recommend evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 Years of Age.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Yorkshire Terriers 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.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Yorkshire Terriers and Black Russian Terriers

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Yorkshire Terrier Breed is Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.

    This is because the Yorkshire Terrier ranks 1 out of 40 dog breeds for Legg-Calve-Perthes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 321 Yorkshire Terriers, 9 of them had Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Yorkshire Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Yorkshire Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Legg-Calve-Perthes problems: Rank 1 out of 40 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 3 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 23 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 88 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 159 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Black Russian Terrier Breed is Hyperuricosuria problems.

    This is because the Black Russian Terrier ranks 2 out of 11 dog breeds for Hyperuricosuria problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 219 Black Russian Terriers, 3 of them had Hyperuricosuria problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Black Russian Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Black Russian Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Hyperuricosuria problems: Rank 2 out of 11 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 10 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 10 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 33 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 43 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 86 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 96 out of 145 Dog Breeds

  • The table below lists the common health problems in Yorkshire Terrier and in Black Russian Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Yorkshire Terrier and the Black Russian Terrier:

    `
    Disease Yorkshire Terrier Rank Black Russian Terrier Rank
    Legg-Calve-Perthes problems 1 out of 40 dog breeds Not Common
    Patella problems 3 out of 145 dog breeds 96 out of 145 dog breeds
    Dentition Database problems 23 out of 49 dog breeds 43 out of 49 dog breeds
    Eyes problems 88 out of 182 dog breeds 33 out of 182 dog breeds
    Hips problems 159 out of 198 dog breeds 10 out of 198 dog breeds
    Hyperuricosuria problems Not Common 2 out of 11 dog breeds
    Elbow problems Not Common 10 out of 144 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems Not Common 86 out of 115 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Yorkshire Terrier versus Black Russian Terrier

    Yorkshire Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Black Russian Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Yorkshire Terriers shed more than Black Russian Terriers?

    Yorkshire Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Black Russian Terriers shed moderately.

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

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

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

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

    Yorkshire Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

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

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

    Yorkshire Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

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

    Yorkshire Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Black Russian Terriers are very easy to train.

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

    Yorkshire Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Black Russian Terriers drool moderately.

    How Kid-friendly are Yorkshire Terriers and Black Russian Terriers?

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

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

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

    Yorkshire 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.

    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 Yorkshire Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Black Russian Terriers?

    Yorkshire Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Yorkshire Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Black Russian Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Yorkshire Terrier vs. Black Russian Terrier

    Yorkshire Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Black Russian Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Yorkshire Terriers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

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

    Yorkshire Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Black Russian Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Yorkshire Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Yorkshire Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Yorkshire Terrier compares to other breeds aside from the Black Russian Terrier. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier to other breeds:

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Chinook     Yorkshire Terrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Yorkshire Terrier versus Borzoi     Yorkshire Terrier versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Yorkshire Terrier versus Saluki     Yorkshire Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier     Yorkshire Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff     Yorkshire Terrier versus Pug     Yorkshire Terrier versus Maltipoo     Yorkshire Terrier versus Kooikerhondje     Yorkshire Terrier versus Redbone Coonhound     Yorkshire Terrier versus Bouvier des Flandres     Yorkshire Terrier versus Peek A Poo     Yorkshire Terrier versus Kishu Ken     Yorkshire Terrier versus Shiba Inu     Yorkshire Terrier versus Dalmatian     Yorkshire Terrier versus Lowchen     

    Conclusion: Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Black Russian Terrier better suits you and your family.