Black Russian Terrier

Developed by the Soviet army as a guard dog, the Black Russian Terrier is a terrier in name only: a 50 kg working dog that bonds tightly to one person and needs regular training to stay settled. Its low-shedding coat suits a tidy home but needs brushing several times a week plus professional trims, and the beard carries water across the floor after every drink. Expect 10 to 12 years, and ask about hip and elbow scores and the DNA test for hyperuricosuria.