Black Russian Terrier

Temperament:
Black Russian Terriers are brave and very observant. Suspicious of strangers, they have a strong protective instinct that will appear at the age of one and a half to two years. Growing puppies should be treated lovingly but firmly, to steer them in the right direction. Puppies are sensitive, playful, adaptive, and quick to learn. They are inquisitive and will get into everything. Even as an adult they are enthusiastic about children and love to play with them. Males love children but females are more disposed to play with them. This breed seeks intense contact with humans and animals. BRT's have a strong and balanced temperament. They avoid fighting with other dogs, although males cannot live with other big dominant dogs, but can easily live with none-dominant or small dogs, cats, horses, rabbits etc. They are easy to housebreak and do not need to be trained to accept the leash. BRT's enjoy their training sessions and love to please their master. This breed only barks when they feel it is necessary. Quick to act, they are always ready to protect their owner and house. Black Russian Terriers are "late bloomers" and take a long time to fully mature. If the dog is trained firmly as a puppy, dominance is no problem. You should only share the bed, couch and table, with your puppy if you are willing to do that one year later as well. No matter how sweet and charming the puppy is, remember that within a year this will be a strong and powerful dog. Black Russian Terriers are easy to have in the house, with a little care. They should not live in a kennel outside because such dogs get too little attention and stimulation. Close contact with the family brings out the best qualities of this breed. If this kind of dog is kenneled outside, away from its family, it will not learn how to suitably protect things and may well someday protect its kennel against its owner!

Grooming:
The weatherproof coat consists of hard, wiry, tight, close-lying, wavy hair which is about 1.5" - 4" (4 -10 cm) long. The BRT sports eyebrows and a beard. The upper-neck portion and withers suggest a mane. The undercoat is tight and well developed. Regular trimming 2-3 times a year and professional grooming is absolutely necessary. Stripping is needed only if the coat is soft. Brush the BRT at least once a week. It is important to remove hairs from ear ducts and cut the hairs under the paws. The BRT sheds very little if it is regularly brushed. They do not moult.

Exercise:
Black Russian Terriers are always ready for a long daily walk. They love to romp, play and to be entertained. Most of them love snow and water. They will roll in the snow and splash in the water.

Living Condition:
The Black Russian Terrier will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and no matter how big your yard is they will be sitting at your front door waiting to come in. They love to live very close to their owner. They will follow you from one room to the other. Kept in a garden they will follow you from window to window and wait for you at the door. They need very close human contact. This breed does not do well living in a kennel; they must have close human contact to be happy.

Origin:
In the forties, the army-controlled kennel "Red Star" began to breed a dog for its own needs. They used a program developed by Soviet breeder-specialists and created a new breed especially suited for their special duties. The goal was a massive, robust, high-spirited all-round dog, always willing to work and able to withstand the enormous, climatic differences in the country. The breeders were the Giant Schnauzers, Rottweilers and Airedale breeds, and the Russian Water Dog. More breeds were included; in all approximately twenty breeds were involved in the creation of the Black Russian Terrier. Only the best dogs were bred. Soon they had a dog stable in character and temperament, but not in type. At that time, only character and temperament counted. Several years later, Russian "DOSAAF" Breeders (DOSAAF is a paramilitary organization) bought dogs from the Red Star kennel. They started to standardize the look of the breed without neglecting the good qualities. In May 1984 the breed was recognized by the FCI with Standard #327 "Black Russian Terrier." The Black Russian Terrier is to the Red Army what the Malinois is to the French Army. The Black Russian Terrier has all the ability of the German Shepherd Dog without the undue aggression. On July 1, 2004, the Black Russian Terrier was admitted to full membership in the AKC Working Group.