The Black Russian Terrier
This information is, in part, based on an article by
Dr. Eugene
Tsignlnitsky, MD.
National Club:
Black Russian Terriers Association
Golden Gate, CA
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Valley/5304/index.htmlBreed Description
Black Russian Terriers (BRT) are new to the United States and are recognized by the States Kennel Association. BRTs were initially bred in Russia and are one of the youngest working breeds in the world. After World War II, the Russian military began breeding a purebred working dog for police and army service--a dog that would be a "super-man stopper," loyal, hardy, and suitable for varied climatic conditions.The breeding began by crossing a Giant Schnauzer with an Airedale Terrier. The litters of this cross were then crossed and bred in-line. The second breeding was between Giant Schnauzer and a Rottweiler. Again the litters of this cross were crossed and bred in-line. Finally the results of the first breeding were crossed with the results of the second breeding, and the "Blackie" was the result (only after the breed was established and known outside of Russia did the name Black Russian Terrier come into use).
Blackies were very successful as guards, herders, and even sled dogs. The downside of the breed was it was slow to mature (about two years), it needed a certain amount of regular grooming, and unlike the majority of working herding dogs, it needed human contact. About the time the military were realizing this side of the breed, the Blackie appeared in the All Russian Dog Championship Show in 1957. As a result of this showing, private breeders became very interested in the dog. The fact that Stalin had died, and many of the gulags and prisons associated with his reign were shut down, allowed the military to sell litters to private owners.
Over the years, the breed has adapted to being a city apartment dweller. The private (civilian) breeders also began to concentrate on developing the dog more for intelligence, trainability, temperament, discipline, and loyalty. Although no longer bred to be a "super-man stopper," the Black Russian Terrier is still capable of taking on an intruder.
Some characteristics: The BRT is not known to have an especially dominant nature and they are good for a responsible, novice owner. They are not known to be dog fighters and usually are not the first to make the challenge. They are good heelers and are said to be often seen in Moscow walking next to their owner's leg off-lead. They are somewhat aloof with strangers and unless socialized early, will not tolerate handling by anyone outside the family. The BRT is considered brave, self-confident, and reliable, they are not shy. The breed is also popular with farmers as guard dogs--they are watchful, will not attack outside of its property and are kind to farm animals. Black, fast and silent, the BRT will hit an intruder at fast speed and pin the interloper until the arrival of the owner.
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