An Overview: The Black Russian Terrier

The Black Russian Terrier is a majestic breed exuding power and presence and demanding respect. The breed was created by the Russian Red Star military kennel located in Moscow. The Russian Army began working on developing a multi-purpose military dog in the 1930s that would be part of their national security force. Attempting to create the breed was quite a challenge due to the slaughter of much of the purebred dog stock because of the Russian Revolution, World Wars, and economic disasters. The Red Star Kennel breeding program came to life after World War II when quality Giant Schnauzer and Rottweiler stock were brought back to Russia.

The Red Star Kennel worked on selective interbreeding using Giant Schnauzer, Rottweiler, Airedale Terrier, and Newfoundland breeds. In all, a total of 17 breeds and crosses were used to create the Black Russian Terrier. It was important to have a large breed that was not only reliable but highly trainable to many different situations. The dog would also have to be able to endure the harsh Russian winters. They were initially used by the military police at border crossings, prisons, and military installations.

By 1956, the Black Russian Terrier was breeding true, and the Red Star Kennel released dogs to private breeders. The first Breed Standard was created by the Red Army in 1958 and was revised several times before 1981. In 1981, the Russian Ministry of Agriculture recognized the breed, and it was internationally accepted by the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) in 1984.

Black Russian Terriers first came to the United States in the 1980s. In 2001, the Black Russian Terrier was admitted to the Miscellaneous Class of the AKC and was accepted into the AKC Working Group on July 1, 2004. The Black Russian Terrier Club of America (www.brtca.org) is the AKC parent club.

Despite its name of “terrier,” which was transferred to the name of the breed from the name of the Red Star Kennel project, the Black Russian Terrier is not a terrier and has neither the structure nor movement of a terrier. Structure and movement resembling the “terrier type” would be a fault under the Black Russian Terrier standard.

The Black Russian Terrier was bred to guard and to protect, and it must possess the substance, size, agility, and stability of temperament to perform this function. The desirable type for a Black Russian Terrier is a large dog with a balance between excellent substance and powerful movement without sacrificing one for the other. There are many adjectives that describe the character and temperament of the Black Russian Terrier. He is a calm, confident, courageous, and self-assured dog. He is alert and responsive, instinctively protective, determined, fearless, and deeply loyal to family. He is aloof towards strangers and therefore does not relish intrusion into his personal space. Stability and working abilities are passed genetically and should be mandatory requirements for breeding stock.

Created for close work with humans, the Black Russian Terrier does not possess hunting instincts. The dogs are dedicated to and become very attached to their owners and families, and thus it is not a breed that can be left outside or isolated in a kennel.

The Black Russian Terrier is a robust, large, and very powerful breed with males ranging in size from 28″-30″ and females slightly smaller. A large male will easily weigh 140 pounds. Because of its size, strength, and natural protective qualities, early and continuing obedience and socialization will result in a well-rounded, stable, and trustworthy companion. It is not a breed that should be purchased for children or left under a child’s supervision.

Black Russian Terriers easily respond to positive training and are quite multi-talented. They excel in obedience, rally, agility, carting, weight pulling, protection, and other working dog sports. Black Russian Terriers with correct temperament are being used in many different working fields as military/police dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, and companion dogs.

The only acceptable color for the Black Russian Terrier is black. A small percentage of gray hairs (even in puppies) are allowed, as long as the gray hairs are evenly spread and there are no solid patches. As the breed is still young and a few of the foundation breeds were not black, there can be throw-back colors (such as black and tan, sable, and fawn) from time to time (each parent must contribute a color gene). While these non-black-colored dogs are not acceptable in any registries, despite their color pattern they have the same unmistakable Black Russian Terrier qualities and are loved by many Black Russian Terrier fanciers.

Health is very important in the Black Russian Terrier. As with many large breeds, hip and elbow dysplasia remain a health problem for the breed. Hyperuricosuria (bladder stones from high levels of uric acid) has also seen an increase in the last few years. Conscientious breeders worldwide are health testing and reporting results in an effort to produce healthy litters.

The double coat of the Black Russian Terrier requires regular grooming. The natural untrimmed coat length varies from 1½” to 6″. While this is not a heavy shedding coat, weekly brushing and bathing and scissoring every four to six weeks are recommended to maintain a healthy, manageable coat. More frequent beard washing may be required.

Sadly, the number of Black Russian Terriers in rescue has increased substantially as the public has become more aware of this fascinating breed, often seen only in pictures or on television before acquiring. Many dogs have been imported or acquired from unknown breeders. The dogs suffer from poor breeding and have genetic or other health issues. New owners have no idea of the size, cost, maintenance, and training required for this breed. Their expectations of a black bear-type dog with a Labrador personality are short-lived, and they are not prepared to deal with the temperament and size of a very large untrained and unsocialized, heavy-coated working dog. As a result, the dogs are abandoned or turned into shelters, often as young adults.

Loved by people all over the world, the Black Russian Terrier is, indeed, a very fascinating breed. Emerging from the blending of many working breeds, the Black Russian Terrier has its own unique image – incredibly beautiful and powerful, intelligent and loyal, these dogs are amazing companions, providing love, joy, and protection to their owners.

It is the responsibility and obligation of the Black Russian Terrier breeders and owners to be careful stewards of this magnificent breed.

The post An Overview: The Black Russian Terrier appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

The Black Russian Terrier was imported to the US over 30 years ago. However, the BRT was exposed to an American dog fancy mostly in Conformation rings and is therefore known as a magnificent and impressive show dog.

BRIEF HISTORY

The Black Russian Terrier (BRT) is a relatively new breed, engineered for military use, designed to be hardier than the universally relied-upon German Shepherd Dog (GSD). The creation of the BRT involved the use of many reliable and time-proven Working breeds by top Soviet Union canine experts and genetic scientists in the Red Star State Kennel located near Moscow.

In 1984, the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognized the Black Russian Terrier breed. Ever since, the BRT has kept winning hearts of dog lovers worldwide as a devoted and reliable companion, as a show and performance dog, and as a successful competitor in various canine sports and disciplines.

The BRT was fully recognized in the US in 2004, and in Canada in 2020.

CHARACTERISTICS & TRAINING

The Black Russian Terrier is a serious, large, very strong, and intelligent breed. It requires a consistent, loving leader who will enforce house rules and provide training and exposure to various stimuli from an early age into adulthood. Early obedience training and socialization are imperative. The period from adoption to six months is crucial for shaping the dog’s emotional development. Gentle exposure to different elements of the environment—such as smells, objects, sounds, surfaces, and various people, including children—is vital to raising a balanced and stable adult BRT.

Most BRTs will regularly test rules and boundaries. They prefer to understand why a task must be done rather than blindly complying. Their independence and decision-making ability require an owner who is firm, fair, and always in control.

Black Russian Terriers are easy to train due to their intelligence, but they do not respond well to repetitive and pattern training. BRTs can become bored with repetitive tasks, so training sessions should be short (around 10 minutes), incorporating new elements and varying the sequence of exercises. Precision should be demanded and praise given for a job well done.

When trained correctly, BRTs retain what they have learned for life, requiring only occasional reminders rather than constant drilling to execute commands accurately. However, their excellent memory can be both an advantage and a challenge for trainers, as BRTs will also remember handler’s mistakes and harsh corrections.

THE VERSATILE BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIER: A WORKING DOG WITH UNMATCHED POTENTIAL

The Black Russian Terrier is a versatile Working dog, which means that it is able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions, activities, or lifestyles and is an all-around, multitalented, multipurpose canine companion and partner.

Being a Working breed, the Black Russian Terrier has an intense desire to please its owner and thrives when given a purpose or job to do. With their versatility and dedication, BRTs make exceptional companions for those who can meet their physical and mental needs. With proper training and socialization, they can become loyal and well-rounded members of any family.

Black Russian Terriers excel in various disciplines, including Obedience, Rally Obedience, Protection/Guarding, Draft or Carting, Scent Detection, Tracking, Barn Hunt, Dock Diving, Agility, and Tricks. When carefully and professionally selected as puppies, BRTs can also be trained to become exceptional Mobility Assistance and Medical Alert Dogs. Additionally, some BRTs enjoy and perform well in Therapy Work.

Below is an overview of how Black Russian Terriers perform in various sports, based on our experience with our own BRTs and those from the Midnight Solo Perm. Reg. Kennel. This insight highlights the breed’s capabilities and the specific activities where they truly shine.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS IN COMPETITIVE OBEDIENCE

Obedience training is a must for any breed, but especially for guardian breeds like a Black Russian Terrier.

The Black Russian Terrier needs established rules for every situation, whether at home, on walks, during car rides, or when visitors arrive. BRTs function best when they know what is expected of them, making them more confident and well-adjusted. For a BRT, obedience should not be just a set of commands, it must become a part of daily life as a lifestyle.

Obedience training is a foundation for all other canine performance activities and for raising a well-behaved BRT that the owner can take anywhere and be proud of it.

Competitive Obedience is one of the most difficult disciplines, a precise performance sport where only one command is given for each exercise and points are deducted for any deviation from the exact position required by the sport’s rules.

Every BRT and their owner should be able to achieve a Novice level of competitive Obedience. However, not many teams are capable of reaching a high level of Obedience title. It will depend on several factors: soundness of BRT temperament; level of engagement and exposure the puppy received during the critical time in the whelping box and the first months in a new home; experience and/or willingness to learn of the owner-handler; commitment; a good training school; etc.

Despite the sport’s strictness, several Black Russian Terrier kennels have successfully competed in Obedience, achieving prestigious Obedience Champion of Excellence titles and multiple High in Trial placements in all-breed trials.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS IN RALLY OBEDIENCE (RO)

Rally Obedience (RO) is a sport originally designed for novice dog owners, making it an excellent entry point into competitive dog sports. It builds a strong partnership between a Black Russian Terrier and its owner, fostering confidence, training skills, and teamwork. In addition to being an enjoyable activity, Rally Obedience allows both dog and handler to earn performance titles.

This sport is both fun and engaging for dogs and handlers alike. At each competition, a different course with a set number of signs or stations is laid out for the team to navigate. Handlers are given ten minutes to walk the course and plan how they will execute each station with their dog. Unlike Competitive Obedience, Rally Obedience allows the handler to talk to their BRT, using various signals and verbal commands to encourage and guide the dog throughout the competition.

BRTs thrive in Rally Obedience, enjoying the interactive nature of the sport, and many have achieved great success in this venue.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS IN PROTECTION/GUARDING

The Black Russian Terrier was originally bred to guard and protect, a trait that remains in the breed’s DNA. However, with many generations of show breeding, this instinct has softened. Despite this, most well-bred BRTs will naturally guard and protect everyone and everything they consider to be part of “their pack and their property.”

Owners must exercise great caution when selecting a trainer for personal protection or protection sports. It’s crucial to find a trainer who understands the unique characteristics of the BRT, including their slow maturation, both physically and mentally, and their tendency to age quickly. Unlike traditional protection sports breeds, Black Russian Terriers are heavier and have a different build, making them more susceptible to injury from standard training exercises.

Elements of protection training such as jumping over hurdles and walls, or engaging in defense training at an early age, can be harmful to a BRT, both physically and mentally. A knowledgeable trainer will tailor the training to accommodate the BRT’s specific needs, ensuring the dog’s well-being while honing their natural protective instincts.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIER IN DRAFT OR CARTING

Draft Work has its roots in the practical use of dogs pulling small carts, to assist with farm work. In modern times, dog carting has evolved into both a leisure activity and a competitive sport. Draft is one of our favorite activities with Black Russian Terriers as it allows us to build and reinforce trust while navigating challenging terrains together off-lead.

As a guard breed, Black Russian Terriers have an inherent instinct to be alert and are ready to protect at a moment’s notice. A BRT hitched to an empty or loaded cart is not able to monitor the situation behind him and is not capable and/or allowed to protect himself or the owner for safety reasons as well as the physical restriction of a cart behind. Only confident and stable Black Russian Terriers will trust their owner enough to be hitched to a cart, follow the owner’s instructions, and maneuver through various obstacles. This includes making sharp 90- and 180-degree turns, backing up, and negotiating uneven terrain.

We begin introducing our BRTs to Draft Work at around 18 months of age. By this age, our BRTs are well-trained in Obedience, have established work ethics, a strong bond, and trust with us.

Confident, obedience-trained BRTs excel as Draft dogs, thoroughly enjoying both competitive and leisure Draft activities. Whether they’re giving rides to children, participating in holiday parades, or helping out on country properties by hauling wood and moving stones, BRTs find fulfillment in Draft Work.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS IN SCENT DETECTION

Scent detection is an exciting civilian sport that mimics the work of police “drug detection” dogs. In this sport, dogs are trained to search for, locate, and indicate to their owner where a designated scent is hidden.

Dogs search various areas, including containers, rooms, exterior spaces, vehicles, and even buried scents. Once the dog successfully identifies the scent, the owner calls the find to the judge. If the dog has correctly located and indicated the scent, the
team qualifies.

Different clubs use various essential oils as target scents, and there are multiple levels of competition in Scent Detection. This sport is not only fun for both BRTs and their owners, it also showcases the breed’s natural abilities. BRTs excel in Scent Detection, often finding scents as quickly as breeds specifically bred for this type of work.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS IN TRACKING

Tracking is a low-impact activity that suits the energy level and physicality of a BRT. If you have ever walked a dog, you know that every dog has a natural instinct to track scents. Tracking utilizes this instinct, encouraging BRTs and their owners to spend time outdoors while engaging in recreational search work.

Tracking teaches a Black Russian Terrier to focus on and follow its owner’s scent trail, locating objects that the owner leaves behind and receiving rewards for successful finds. As the team progresses, they can move on to tracking the scent trails of other humans.

BRTs excel in both AKC/CKC air scenting and the deep nose, step-by-step tracking required in IGP, formerly Schutzhund, competitions.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS IN WEIGHT PULLING

While historically associated with freighting and carting dog breeds, today’s Weight Pull competitions are open to any dog, regardless of breed, size, or gender, with the pulling weight calculated in accordance with the weight of each competing dog.

Before starting a BRT in this sport, owners must ensure that the dog is fully grown, mature enough to handle weight, accustomed to appropriate weight-pulling or freight harnesses, in excellent physical condition, and has a strong bond with the owner along with a desire to work together.

Training typically begins by teaching BRTs to pull a tire on grass or packed snow, conditioning them before they even start with the empty weight-pulling cart.

Freight equipment, such as a harness and cart, is specifically designed to distribute weight correctly, minimizing the risk of injury. During training or competition, spotters are always present to ensure the dog’s safety and to help the owner monitor the maximum weight the BRT will pull.

Black Russian Terriers excel in this sport and genuinely enjoy it. While several breed clubs offer weight-pulling competitions, the UKC (United Kennel Club) offers one of the safest venues with well-defined rules and a strong emphasis on safety through the United Weight Pull (UWP) program.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS IN BARN HUNT

Barn Hunt is an engaging sport where dogs are tasked with finding hidden PVC tubes containing live rats. Rest assured, the rats are completely safe—dogs are not allowed to touch the tubes; they simply need to indicate where the tube with the rat is located within the straw. The owner or handler then calls the find to qualify. The tube with a rat is immediately removed to safety. In addition to locating the tube, the dog must climb small bales of hay and navigate through a tunnel within the allotted time.

While Black Russian Terriers are not terriers by nature, they enjoy this sport, especially those dogs that are already involved in other scent-based activities such as Tracking, Nose Work, or Utility-level competitive Obedience.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS IN DOCK DIVING

Most BRTs love water, but not all enjoy diving. When participating in Dock Diving, it is imperative that the dock surface is non-slip to ensure safety. BRTs typically wear life jackets for added security and must learn to swim confidently before attempting any jumps.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS IN AGILITY

While many BRTs enjoy Agility, it’s not the most suitable sport for them. Their size, weight, and slower speed can make it challenging for them to compete successfully in this discipline. However, as an enriching activity, Agility can be beneficial, provided it is done safely and with the dog’s physical limitations in mind.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS AS SERVICE DOGS (SD)

Black Russian Terriers could make excellent Mobility Assistance and Medical Alert Dogs due to their genetic make up to serve and protect the owner.

BRTs are highly intuitive to the needs of their owner, quickly detecting and reacting to any physical, emotional, or chemical changes. This natural sensitivity, combined with their loyalty, makes them well-suited for tasks that involve supporting and safeguarding their handlers.

Training a BRT for mobility tasks or medical alerts is not particularly difficult, but it requires careful consideration and commitment. The process begins with selecting a suitable puppy prospect, a task best handled by a qualified breeder or trainer with experience in Working breeds. It’s important for prospective owners to have realistic expectations as it takes a minimum of two years to train a reliable, ready-to-work Service Dog. This training period should include not only task-specific skills but also extensive public access and basic obedience training.

Owners must also understand that a Service Dog is not a tool or a medical device to be used only when needed. A Service Dog is a living, breathing animal with social and physical needs that must be met daily. The partnership between a BRT and its owner is built on mutual trust and respect, and maintaining this bond is crucial to the success of the dog’s role as a service animal.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS AS THERAPY DOGS

Some Black Russian Terriers enjoy Therapy Work that involves interacting with people in need, such as helping the elderly in healthcare facilities, assisting children in learning to read, or comforting anxious passengers in airports.

However, it’s important to note that this is more the exception than the rule. BRTs are naturally devoted to their owners, and most are aloof or indifferent toward strangers. For a BRT to thrive in Therapy Work, they must be specifically selected and trained for this purpose from an early age. Therapy Work-geared socialization and training are crucial to ensure the dog is comfortable and effective in this line of work.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS IN TRICKS

Trick Dog is a wonderful sport, cherished by both BRTs and their owners. This activity is particularly well-suited to the breed’s intelligence, offering a vast array of safe tricks to choose from, teaching BRTs to use their front paws and mouth in creative and controlled ways. Trick training can serve as a fulfilling “job” for family pets, meeting a dog’s innate need for purpose. It’s also a fantastic way for children to bond with their four-legged family members, teaching them a range of tricks—from “high five” to playing basketball and hoops.

For performance-driven BRTs, Trick Dog offers a refreshing break from formal training routines like Obedience and Draft Work. Tricks can be used as a drive-boosting warm-up before entering the ring or as a reward afterward. Regardless of the context, Trick training is a fun and engaging activity that perfectly suits the intelligent nature of BRTs.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS IN DOG PARKOUR: A MUST-DO SPORT FOR BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS

Parkour teaches a dog to do various behaviors on, under, and around obstacles, often involving balancing, jumping, and crawling.
It uniquely develops a BRT’s rear-end awareness, a skill that dogs typically lack unless explicitly taught.

Parkour is an essential activity for Black Russian Terriers, offering both physical and mental challenges that are perfectly suited to their alert and intelligent nature. While there are several international organizations where your dog can earn Parkour titles through video submissions—one of the largest being International Dog Parkour—the true value of this sport lies beyond the titles.

Dog Parkour transforms your everyday walk into an exciting, interactive learning experience. More importantly, it strengthens the bond between you and your dog, building a strong, trust-based relationship where your BRT knows it can rely on you in
any situation.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS IN FAST CAT/SPRINTER

Fast CAT, or Sprinter, isn’t a sport in the traditional sense—it doesn’t require any formal training. Essentially, it’s a simple timed recall. It is a fun and engaging outdoor activity for both the dog and the owner.

As an added bonus, titles can be earned after completing a certain number of runs, making it a rewarding experience for you and your BRT.

In conclusion, we hope that sharing our experience with BRTs in so many canine performance events will motivate you to take a closer look at a Black Russian Terrier as your next competition breed and encourage BRT owners to train and compete.

The post The Black Russian Terrier (BRT) – Is Much More Than a Show Dog appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Inception & Purpose

In 1949, the Red Star State Kennel near Moscow, part of the Central State School of Military Service Dog Breeding and Training, received a government directive to create a domestic breed of military guard dogs capable of serving in all climatic conditions across the USSR. Prior to this, the Red Army primarily utilized European breeds—medium-sized dogs that were not adequately coated for the extreme weather variations of regions like the hot desert sands of Kyrgyzstan or the deep snow and very cold winters of Siberia. The new mandate called for a large, strong dog with great endurance, the ability to adapt to harsh climates, and suitability for guarding, patrolling, and protecting. The envisioned Russian “universal military dog” needed to be versatile, healthy, ferocious, yet trainable, resilient, and highly fertile. This strategic breeding effort led to the creation of the Black Russian Terrier (BRT).

Heritage & Ancestry

To understand the Black Russian Terrier, one must delve into its rich heritage. The breed was developed by fusing desirable characteristics from several ancestor breeds, each contributing unique traits to form the formidable BRT. While it is commonly acknowledged that the Giant Schnauzer, Rottweiler, Newfoundland, and Airedale Terrier were the primary breeds involved, in reality, over twenty breeds played a role in creating the BRT. This extensive genetic pool ensured the development of a robust and versatile dog.

Breeding Groups & Early Development

Within Red Star Kennel, four cross-bred groups of dogs were established as the foundation for the “Black Terrier” breed group:

1. First Cross-Bred Group: Resulted from breeding a Giant Schnauzer named Roy with three Airedale Terrier bitches (all full siblings). The offspring were larger and more ferocious than their mothers, but smaller than the Giant Schnauzer, featuring a coarse and relatively long coat, typically black or a combination of tan and black.
2. Second Cross-Bred Group: Produced by mating Roy with Rottweiler bitches. These dogs were large and broad with strong bones, a broad skull, and a coarse, but not particularly long, black coat. Some retained the
   Rottweiler’s coloration.
3. Third Cross-Bred Group: Offspring of Roy and the now extinct Moscow Water Dog (a mix of Newfoundland, Caucasian Shepherd, and Eastern European Shepherd). These dogs were massive, with thick, long, coarse coats and often featured a white spot on the chest.
4. Fourth Cross-Bred Group: Sired by Rottweilers with mothers descended from various breeds, including Roy’s offspring, Moscow Water Dog, Moscow Dog (a mix of Great Dane and Eastern European Shepherd), Russian Hound, and Airedale Terrier. These dogs were large with good bone structure, strong musculature, broad skulls, sometimes narrower than desired muzzles, and mostly correct limbs, though they often had a sloping croup.

Challenges in Early Breeding

The first-generation “Black Terriers” exhibited extreme diversity, making it impossible to standardize them as a single breed at that time. Additionally, there were several “blind spots” in the breed’s early history, including the use of non-purebred specimens and inferior quality material. For example, Giant Schnauzer Roy had a straight or level bite, and another Giant Schnauzer, Lasso F. Drachtenslucht, was a cryptorchid (a condition where one or both testicles fail to descend). These oversights were necessary compromises due to post-war Europe’s limited canine population.

Formation of Theblack Russian Terrier Breed

By the fourth generation, the majority of the produced dogs could be classified as Black Russian Terriers. These dogs were large, covered with a coarse, somewhat shaggy black coat, and featured developed furnishing hair forming whiskers and beards on the head. They had ears that hung on cartilage, dark eyes, powerful jaws adorned with large teeth, strong limbs, and sturdy bodies. The dogs were ferocious, had a strong, stable nervous system, excellent hearing and sense of smell, and were highly trainable.

About a Tail

According to the original design and Standard of the Black Russian Terrier (BRT), the breed’s tail was traditionally docked. This practice was based on two key, but often undocumented, reasons.

First, docking was considered a safety measure. The BRT was bred to guard military installations, prisons, and labor camps, where it was crucial for the dog to be protected from potential attacks. An intact tail could easily be grabbed and broken by an assailant, making it a vulnerability in high-risk situations.

The second reason relates to the uniformity of the breed. The BRT’s ancestor breeds had tails that varied widely in shape and size, leading to inconsistencies in the appearance of the BRT’s tail. Rather than selectively breeding for a specific tail type, which could be a lengthy and complex process, docking provided a straightforward solution to achieve a consistent look across the breed.

Recognition & Standardization

In 1955, the breed group “Black Terriers” was exhibited at the State Agricultural Exhibition, where the Red Star State Kennel was awarded the Gold Medal for its groundbreaking work. The following year, in 1956, the Red Star State Kennel published the very first Standard for the breed group in the exhibition catalog, solidifying the Black Russian Terrier’s place in canine history.

Since the 1950s, the Red Star State Kennel established an efficient fostering and breeding collaboration program with various civilian canine training clubs. BRT puppies were placed only in the expert hands of the most experienced breeders and trainers, helping to manage the growing population and advance the breeding program more rapidly.

By the end of the 1970s, over 800 litters of Black Russian Terriers had been bred, with more than four thousand puppies conforming to the Breed Standard. In 1981, the Black Russian Terrier was officially recognized as a breed by the USSR Ministry of Agriculture. This recognition was followed by the breed’s acceptance into the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1984.

The export of Black Russian Terriers abroad and their participation in international dog shows began in the 1980s. The breed’s presence on the global stage continued to grow, and in 2001, the Black Russian Terrier was admitted to the Miscellaneous Class of the American Kennel Club (AKC). The breed was then accepted into the AKC Working Group on July 1, 2004. The Black Russian Terrier was fully recognized in Canada in 2020, although it had been successfully shown as a Miscellaneous breed since 2004.

These milestones in recognition and standardization reflect the breed’s journey from a purpose-bred military dog to a respected and celebrated breed worldwide.

Conclusion

The Black Russian Terrier stands as a testament to meticulous breeding and dedication, resulting in a versatile and formidable Working dog. Originally bred to meet the demanding needs of the Soviet Union’s military, the BRT has evolved into a beloved companion and versatile performer in various disciplines. Understanding its rich heritage and the challenges overcome during its development provides a deeper appreciation for the breed’s unique characteristics and enduring legacy.

FCI BRT Standard:
https://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/327g02-en.pdf

AKC BRT Standard:
https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BlackRussianTerrier.pdf

CKC BRT Standard:
https://www.ckc.ca/en/Files/Breed-Standards/Breed-Standards/Group-3-Working-Dogs

About the Authors

Irena Polonsky

OCT, M.F.A., B.Sc., B.Ed.

TT Chief Evaluator

Certified Canine Raw Feeding Specialist

Certified Canine Herbalist

BRTCC Secretary

ii_polonsky@yahoo.ca

Jean Brown

M. Sc. CKC Draft Judge

CGN Evaluator,

TT Chief Evaluator

Certified Dog Trainer

AKC Breeder of Merit

MidnightSolo Perm. Kennel Owner

BRTCC Board Member

BRTCA Member in Good Standing

www.MidnightSolo.com

jean@midnightsolo.com

The post The Origins and Development of the Black Russian Terrier appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. What is your “process” for selecting show puppies? Performance puppies?
3. In your opinion, is your breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?
4. As a Preservation Breeder, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? How’s the judging these days? What do you think about the number of shows?
5. In your opinion, is social media good for the sport? Is it harmful?
6. What are the biggest challenges facing the dog show community as a whole today and how can these be addressed?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport over the past decade?

Kaye Shipley & Layne Shipley Townsend

1. Our names are Kaye Shipley and Layne Shipley Townsend. We are a mother and daughter duo who are passionate about dogs. Currently, we both reside in Georgia, although that may change soon! We have been breeding Black Russian Terriers (BRT) for approximately ten years now and have always had dogs in our homes as members of our family.

Our kennel name is ZolaRoza. That name is a nod to the late Dana Kellerman and Julie Parker, who brought some of the finest French Black Russian Terrier lines to the United States, and a heartfelt nod to the first Black Russian who stole Kaye’s heart, Rozie. Dana and Julie bred the first litter of Excellent to Excellent hips, and the dogs they bred were consistently recognized in the Conformation ring for spectacularly correct movement. The pedigrees behind our ZolaRoza BRTs are some of the best in the world.

Our most recent litter was a total outcross and co-bred with us by Betty Lou Shipley, our Mother and Nana. Sadly, we said goodbye to her at the age of 97 in June of 2023. She fell in love with our breed and enjoyed the show life for the five years she lived and traveled with us.

We do have thoughtfully planned breedings for fall of 2024 and sometime in 2025. Prior to any breeding, we conduct extensive pedigree research for health and type. ZolaRoza Black Russians are selectively bred to reflect our goals as preservation breeders.

As AKC Breeders of Merit, our ZolaRoza BRTs are recipients of multiple AKC awards AND breed club awards, including Best Brood Bitch, Awards of Merit, several Top Dam awards, and numerous BRTCA breeder awards for producing healthy Black Russian Terrier AKC Champions and Grand Champions. We have finished many dogs from the Bred-By Exhibitor Classes over specials.

Layne took her bitch, Freyja, to Westminster in 2022 where Freyja was awarded Select Bitch by well-known AKC Judge Teresa Hundt. Layne and Freyja have been invitees to the NOHS Finals for many years. Recently they received an Award of Excellence from Mr. Edd Bivin at the AKC National Championship. Together as a breeder/owner-handled team, Layne and Freyja have attained the NOHS Silver level and are currently ranked No. 11 Overall and No. 3 Black Russian Terrier Bitch in the NOHS Lifetime Rankings, according to AKC.

2. Like most Working dog breeders, we observe pack dynamics and individual personalities in a litter as they grow. At 49 days of age, we conduct the Volhard Aptitude Test with the help of some very experienced friends from our all-breed Conyers Kennel Club and other experienced dog fancy community members here in Georgia. We always have several experienced dog breeders evaluate our litters for conformation.

At ZolaRoza, we look for a confident, conformationally correct puppy who is curious and loves to please. Kaye is particular about a correct topline (when free-stacked and at play), tail-set, parallel head planes, and correct bite. Layne is a stickler for a correct front assembly, rear drive, shoulder layback, bold attitude, and correct coat. We both hone in on a coordinated, balanced-moving pup!

At ZolaRoza, our puppies are whelped and raised inside our home until they are ready to join their owners or families at about 12 weeks of age. Black Russian Terriers are not kennel dogs! They require a lot of constant training, grooming, and work, so they aren’t the right breed for everyone. Additionally, we do not feel our breed is an appropriate Service Dog because they were selectively bred as an extremely independent thinking, protective, working guard and military dog.

3. In our view, we are seeing some inconsistency in type awarded in the Conformation ring. This is likely attributed to our relatively rare, young breed and a limited gene pool. We strongly feel, as guardians of the breed, that we should not try to reproduce trends in the show ring but stay true to the Breed Standard with our judges’ education seminars, and continuously encourage our national breed club to stand firmly behind the original Standard and purpose of the Black Russian Terrier, with health as a top priority.

In our view, some lines are losing robust bone and substance, correct front assemblies, rear drive, balanced and effortless movement, and correct coats. These Black Russian Terriers should not be awarded in the Conformation ring because of the inability to perform the work they were originally bred to do.

Fortunately, overall health seems to be an important focus for Black Russian Terrier breeders today, as well as reliable and predictable working temperaments. This coincides with an increased popularity in a variety of AKC performance sports among newer Black Russian Terrier owners, which is wonderful! We love to see the same enthusiasm for Conformation competition, as this is the AKC venue where breeding stock are evaluated, showcased, and rewarded.

4. Sadly, we have lost a great number of exceptional Working dog judges over the last several years. There are fewer judges who had the opportunity to experience direct “hands on” examination of the robust, heavier-boned, and serious Black Russian Terriers of nearly twenty years ago.

The type we prefer in our ZolaRoza breeding program is a robust, heavy-boned, minimally sculpted, serious and aloof dog with correct, energy-conserving movement. Our AKC Breed Standard has clearly defined the desired height for dogs and bitches. However, overall balance in movement should be considered rather than absolute size.

We are in the Southeast and occasionally travel to other regions for Conformation shows. We are never in need of finding a show! It’s not difficult to pull a major together, as the Southeast has a very large Black Russian Terrier community. For example, our very first BRTCA Eastern Regional Specialty in Perry, Georgia, drew an entry of over forty exhibitors in Conformation alone!

5. Social media is a double-edged sword in our sport. It’s a great tool to connect, inform, collaborate, educate, and share information within the fancy. However, it can also be used to plagiarize, misrepresent, and cause displays of unsportsmanlike conduct—usually with minimal or no consequence. This is unfortunate and off-putting to those who are interested in or new to the fancy.

6. New exhibitor involvement, a family atmosphere, and good old-fashioned fun seem to be some of the challenges we increasingly see the loss of in our dog show community.

One way we have personally overcome these challenges in our sport is to broaden our mentor base and community of friends in dogs—beyond the Black Russian Terrier community and outside the United States. We have some wonderful, dedicated, and honest mentors in the international community whom we turn to for advice. We have found that our “dog show family” should not be limited to friends in our breed. Great knowledge and constant learning occur with many people who have a lifetime of experience in other breeds. That’s not to say we don’t love our Black Russian Terrier family—you know who you are!

At ZolaRoza, we always make time to answer questions and speak to people interested in the sport of purebred dogs or our beloved Black Russian Terriers. Our personal goals at ZolaRoza are to assure that everyone feels welcomed, interested, educated, and included in the sport of purebred AKC dogs!

7. We are thrilled to see more Owner-Handlers and Breeder/Owner-Handlers exhibit their own dogs. Also, initiatives put forth by professionals in the sport to ensure the safety of all at dog events has been overdue and is welcomed. Several times, when Layne was a novice Owner-Handler, there were instances in which she was made uncomfortable, but we did not know the appropriate protocols for redress.

We were fortunate to have our all-breed club members and people we now call dear friends support and guide us over the years.

The post ZolaRoza Black Russian Terriers | Kaye Shipley & Layne Shipley Townsend appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. What is your “process” for selecting show puppies? Performance puppies?
3. In your opinion, is your breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?
4. As a Preservation Breeder, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? How’s the judging these days? What do you think about the number of shows?
5. In your opinion, is social media good for the sport? Is it harmful?
6. What are the biggest challenges facing the dog show community as a whole today and how can these be addressed?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport over the past decade?

Christine Robinson, Ph.D.

1. My husband, Stewart, and I live in sunny Southern California. We have been involved in breeding dogs for nearly 40 years, having bred from four different AKC Groups. We have been showing Black Russian Terriers for 15 years. Our AKC registered kennel name is Black Beard. The name “Black Beard” is an homage to our first BRT, “Thatch,” who was named after Black Beard, the English pirate. We are Bronze Level Breeders of Merit for Black Russian Terriers.

2. That selection process starts from birth. Based on experience, I can often see which puppies will make the short list for show prospects when they are born. Personality traits and characteristics develop over the next several weeks. We begin stacking puppies at around three weeks. Their temperaments and natural tendencies develop as early as five weeks. As the puppies develop physically and coordination improves, I introduce unique opportunities to help them explore their environment by including objects and games they might find in performance sports, including scent articles, tunnels, orange cones, a platform, swing, and balance discs. Between our observations, results of puppy aptitude evaluations, structural evaluations by our breeder-veterinarian, and at least one other breeder and a judge, we select which puppies would be suitable for each family whether that is show, performance, or personal companion home.

3. I have concerns about the future of the breed in the United States. Preserving or even increasing genetic diversity in the breed is important. By ensuring genetic diversity, breeders can promote healthier, more resilient, and well-rounded dog populations. A diverse gene pool reduces the risk of inherited diseases and genetic disorders. When dogs are bred from a limited gene pool, there is a higher chance of passing on deleterious genes or harmful traits that can lead to health issues. Being cut off from Russia, our breed’s country of origin, could be the most serious blow to the breed’s future. Conflict in the region, coupled with political sanctions, has cut us off from an important and large population of dogs in both Russia and the Ukraine. This is a rare breed, and our US population relies on imports for diversity. Only a handful of breeders use genetic tools like the ongoing breed-specific genetic diversity study by the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis.

4. I am impressed with the numerous ways that AKC has employed to increase participation in the sport. While attendance at shows took a hit after the pandemic, I see a strong comeback. One of the exciting trends is the number of new judges. We need more judges. They only get experience through assignments, and I am happy to help provide a great experience for new judges. While it is fun showing to some of the GOATs, they won’t be around forever. We need new, enthusiastic, and younger judges throughout AKC. We need more breeder-judges in all breeds. In California, we are fortunate to have a large number of shows. Adding Companion sports and events to shows has helped attendance. The addition of NOHS to shows has also helped increase participation.

5. Social media is good for the sport. Many people are introduced to the sport through social media posts. The dog community comes together to congratulate each other on accomplishments and wish happy birthday to their dogs and litters; they grieve together and they encourage each other. Social media has been wonderful for sharing information about shows. It helps new judges find assignments. It helps new exhibitors with grooming and training tips. And it provides virtual introductions to a plethora of resources in the sport. Participation in the sport has grown because of social media.

6. Presently, the dog show community is challenged by the new CDC import rule that takes effect on August 1, 2024. For Black Russian Terriers, the ban on Russian imports and this new import rule are both detrimental. Relaxing the CDC import ban in North America may help the breed as Canadian and American breeders have worked closely together for three decades. Regarding the ban on Russian imports, it may help if AKC would consider allowing litter registrations from Russian sires that were collected and stored before sanctions were introduced. Frozen semen is stored in many countries outside of Russia. Presently, we cannot use dogs with RKF pedigrees for breeding, regardless of how long ago the semen was collected and stored. I’m discussing this from the perspective of a Black Russian Terrier breeder, but both of these bans also affect many other breeds.

The other significant challenge in the dog show community as a whole is the large number of people retiring from the sport (exhibitors, judges, and breeders) and the small number of new people. We need more new people to find the fun and joy in dog sports. We need more breeders to become judges. We need to mentor and encourage new, responsible breeders.

7. I’m excited about the number of new programs and activities that AKC has introduced. AKC has a new Breeder Mentor program, they have expanded courses in the AKC Canine College, and they have introduced several new titles and activities for show dogs and companion animals. There is something for everyone who loves purebred, pedigreed dogs. AKC has done a lot to promote responsible dog ownership and demonstrates the unique joy that comes from having a canine companion.

The post Christine Robinson, Ph.D. | Black Beard Black Russian Terriers appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Interview with Kahla Johnson, Breeder Beautiful Black Russian Terriers of Iowa

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Kahla Johnson: I live in Centerville, Iowa. I have been in dogs for 14 years; breeding for 11 years.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Kahla Johnson: My kennel name is Beautiful Black Russian Terriers of Iowa. I currently keep three females and two males in my home. I co-own 12 more.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

Kahla Johnson: In 2019, I had three of my breeding in the Top 20: Beautiful Black BOND Jeter Bond; sister Beautiful Black Tropical Breeze BELIZE; and also a daughter of William Wallace, Beautiful Black Ellaganta.

Then, in 2021: BELIZE was in the Top 10 of NOHS in our breed throughout the US. She received a special invitation to the International Show in Orlando, Florida. Show results for 2022 have Beautiful Black ELI the Great and BELIZE in the Top 20 again.

ELI began his career in 2021 and earned Winners Dog and Best of Winners at our National Specialty, and he just keeps improving. David Harper is his professional handler and they are a great team. Thus far in 2023, ELI and David are the No. 1 Dog All-Breed. David and ELI have won multiple Reserve Bests in Show and dozens of Group Ones. We are so proud this boy.

My Foundation Male:

• GCH Queens Over’s Spectacular Bid RN, better known as “William Wallace,”
• CH Beautiful Black Bond-Jeter Bond (BOND),
• GCHS Beautiful Black ELI the Great CGC (ELI).

Foundation Females:

• GCH Beautiful Black That’s Bad N BOUJEE (BOUJEE),
• CH Beautiful Black Tropical Breeze (BELIZE),
• GCH Beautiful Black Kingsley Electra Queen Of Earth,
• CH Beautiful Black EMBER Queen Of Fire (EMBER).

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Kahla Johnson: William Wallace, aka GCH Queens Over’s Spectacular Bid RN, has sired many Grand Champion and Champion lines, and they just keep getting better. BOUJEE is a home-raised bitch, and from her first litter she has produced two Grand Champions and one Champion out of the three that have entered the Conformation ring.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Kahla Johnson: Our dogs live in our home. I have beds for each of them for their own sleeping quarters. Our theriogenologist, Dr. Voellmann, has said that William has the best of care in our home, as his semen remained in the billions up to age nine. Our lower level is dedicated to the best comfort and care that is available. My puppies are whelped in my family room where we have eyes on them consistently. They are raised with our family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

What is my “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies?

Kahla Johnson: I watch them from birth. We do exact measuring as well. If they are a show prospect, they are definitely a Performance dog as well.

Do I compete in Performance Events? In Parent Club Tests & Trials?

Kahla Johnson: Yes, we compete in Performance Events through AKC. Our parent club does not offer tests or trials for Performance.

Is “performance” part of my decision-making when it comes to breeding?

Kahla Johnson: Yes, most definitely!

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to my breed?

Kahla Johnson: Conformation, Rally, and Obedience conditioning is done in training. We do additional training in local classes and our own personal training at home.

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Health: Yes, as with all breeds, and to be specific, HU, which is urate stones in the kidney/bladder and urethra area. The stones have extremely sharp edges. There are three classifications for HU in our breed: 1. The best one is HU Clear; 2. HU Carrier; 3. HU Affected. We lost our beloved Anastasia and UGO and their son, Atlas, to HU affected. I made the decision to honor Anastasia after her death by being a trail blazer, sharing on social media and at our AKC dog shows the seven-foot banner of Anastasia’s photo along with our tri-fold brochure, to make a difference in the health of our breed. Ever since, my husband and I have made a pact that we would only have HU CLEAR and JLPP CLEAR stock and that is where we are today.

At Beautiful Black Russian Terriers of Iowa, you will find great Health-Conformation-Performance-Temperament because HEALTH MATTERS to us.

Nutrition: Our breed grows so fast, and it is very important to provide high-quality kibble and protein and supplements to support this big growth. There are two product lines that work great for us. DAC, as they have supplements for puppies, probiotics, female multivitamin, and Flex for joint/ligament/tendon support. The second line is Total Supplements Canine. Lisa Oberman’s product line supplies vitamins and minerals needed. These supplements need to be given for the lifetime of the dog so that they have a long and healthy life.

Do I think my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Kahla Johnson: Yes, I do. These preservation breeders are not making a financial profit on what they are raising, but the majority of them are raising some of the best health-tested prodigy because they care and choose to do the right thing.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Kahla Johnson: Our best candidates are families that have experience with a large breed, and understand how to be the head of the family and be “alpha.” I developed a list of 10 questions, and if our prospective families can answer “yes” to each one of them honestly, we know that they have what it takes to be a great owner of one of our Beautifiul Black Russian Terrier babies; families that are willing to bring this puppy into their home, and raise them as a true family member by taking them everywhere they go. We have BBRT families throughout the United States and we are going into other countries in 2023, as what we have is sought after.

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Kahla Johnson: How very important it is to do the full two-year Obedience training, earn their CGC title, and to do Trick Dog and Rally Novice training with your dog so that you have the best relationship possible. You will save the dog’s life if you train him properly, and he will save yours if you train him properly.

The Black Russian Terrier is one of the smartest, loyalist, loving breeds available. This breed will give its life to protect you. It doesn’t get any stronger of a bond than that; a dog is willing to protect you to the very end and will sacrifice himself so that you may live.

If I could share a comment or two with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them?

Kahla Johnson: To judge each dog and ONLY the dog, based on the FCI Breed Standard. (It is eight pages vs. the American Breed Standard, which is two pages.)

The Black Russian Terrier is a guard protection dog by instinct; do not come at this dog in a fast and forceful way with your whole body or you will put them on guard to do what is instinctive for them to do.

Do I have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Kahla Johnson: They must LOVE the breed and have great understanding of the health, pedigree, and Breed Standard, and adhere to it.

It is not a position of financial profitability. The reward is in creating some beautiful, smart dogs that are loved by their owners. This will be their “Legacy of Love” as a breeder. One should start small and stay small in quantity, as each dog is a large labor of love with teaching and training for their lifetime.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Working Dog?

Kahla Johnson: They are like a hard-working human. They want to do a good job, and the reward is to see their accomplishment when completed.

The post Kahla Johnson | Beautiful Black Russian Terriers of Iowa appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Interview with Patty Bartley Shonts, Breeder of NAISSUR Black Russian Terriers

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Patty Bartley Shonts: I currently live in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I have been in dogs for well over 50 years. My first job was working in a show kennel at 15 years old, and started to learn to groom and went to my first dog show.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Patty Bartley Shonts: I breed under the name NAISSUR (Russian spelled backwards). I currently have four Black Russian Terriers and five Toy Dogs. This can change if there is that one that has to stay.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

Patty Bartley Shonts: Noteworthy winners include “Flea,” GCH Filmon RBK Iz Galuckih Zemel and GCHG Windmill Run-Naissur Demeter, “Demi,” multiple Group-winning and placing, and multiple NOHS BIS. All shown by a Junior Handler, including being her Junior Showmanship dog. GCHB Naissur Trip To The Candy Store, “Trip,” winning Groups before two years old. He replaced Demi as a Junior ‘s dog, including winning Best Junior at the AKC National Championship.

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Patty Bartley Shonts: “Flea,” Filmon RBK Iz Galickih Zemel. Flea has produced more BIS winners than any in our breed. One of the most influential BRTs to date.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Patty Bartley Shonts: All of my dogs live in my home. Currently, four Black Russians sleep in my bedroom and a Toy Dog or two in my bed. Puppies are whelped in my spare bedroom. I sleep in the room with mom and puppies for the first couple of weeks. Then, they move out to our patio room where there are lots of toys and they learn to use a dog door to an outside area. I do have indoor/outdoor runs that open to a large yard, but don’t really use them as the dogs all come inside. We live on a cattle ranch, so they ride out to run the pasture while we check fence.

What is my “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies?

Patty Bartley Shonts: All puppies are temperament tested to determine the best match for family and function. I also start stacking and taking pictures and videos to really look at conformation and movement. We get a few people together to get different opinions and for setting them up.

Do I compete in Performance Events? In Parent Club Tests & Trials?

Patty Bartley Shonts: I always worked my Working Dogs and showed my Toy Dogs. I have titled two Doberman Pinschers and a German Shepherd Dog to a Schutzhund 3. That is Tracking, Obedience, and Protection; passing at one Trial 3 is the highest level. I saw a BRT and thought I wanted to know more about how they worked. I got one to work with and loved him; he never left my home. He was the first BRT to get a BH and BST on the SchH field in the US.

Is “performance” part of my decision-making when it comes to breeding?

Patty Bartley Shonts: Performance is only part of a decision when it comes to breeding. Without good conformation, a dog will not stay sound to do Performance. It starts with good form.

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to my breed?

Patty Bartley Shonts: I have a large play area. I let puppies determine their play with very basic training. I do not do any road work or hard training until they’re about 18 months old. This is a slow-growing breed, and the growth plates need to close before I push them. Stretching and using balance balls and exercises are great.

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Patty Bartley Shonts: Because we have a large breed and want them to grow slowly, not feeding too high a protein is essential. Our breed has a high rate of hip and elbow dysplasia. We start with testing, but the best genetics is only part. It also includes environment and nutrition.

Do I think my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Patty Bartley Shonts: I think we have a good amount of breeders who really care about our breed, but there are still too many out to just make money and don’t care about testing or temperament.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Patty Bartley Shonts: Overall, the breed can be very good with their family. However, you have to know what they are bred to do. They want to be where you are. They want to protect you. They are a strong Working Breed and one should know how to work with Working Breeds and be the leader.

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Patty Bartley Shonts: As big and strong as BRTs are, they are very sensitive to their owner’s feelings. They are extremely smart. If you show them, they “get it.” They do not do well with harsh correction. They feel it is very unfair. They are big huggers. They get in bed for a little time to hug, then they’re off to the floor for the night.

If I could share a comment or two with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them?

Patty Bartley Shonts: Bigger is not better. It’s about balance. They should have bone and substance, and still be light on their feet to move.

Do I have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Patty Bartley Shonts: I spend a lot of my time now mentoring. I enjoy helping with grooming. Find a mentor to help you. Our new people are our future.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Working Dog?

Patty Bartley Shonts: After doing such hard training in Protection, Obedience, and Tracking, the most fun was taking a class in Trick Dog with a puppy. That was a lot of fun.

The post Patty Bartley Shonts | NAISSUR Black Russian Terriers appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

The Black Russian Terrier is a very young breed, having been recognized as a separate breed in Russia in 1981 and three years later in 1984 accepted in FCI. In the United States, the Black Russian Terrier was accepted by AKC into the Miscellaneous Class in 2001, and fully accepted into the Working Group in 2004. But how did the Black Russian Terrier come to be?

Prior to World War II, the Russian army had over 40,000 working dogs with 168 separate units that participated in battles. After World War II, dogs suitable for service work had become essentially extinct, and the government ordered the creation of a new breed that would be able to serve as a multi-purpose military dog in different climatic regions.

In the mid 1940’s, the Central School of Military Breeding (A Red Star Kennel@) undertook this task, mass cross-breeding from the few serviceable breeds available post-war. It is believed that at least 17 breeds and cross-breeds were used in the Red Star Kennel breeding program which eventually produced the Black Russian Terrier recognized by the Russian Ministry of Agriculture as a breed in 1981.

Some of the breeds used were the Giant Schnauzer, Rottweiler, Airedale Terrier, South Russian and Central Asian Ovcharka, Newfoundland, Great Dane and Moscow Diver (now extinct) among others. The Red Star Kennel geneticists evaluated many aspects of what was being produced in determining which characteristics should be maintained and which should be discarded. As one can imagine, with such a varied genetic background of different breeds and cross-breeds, and without the use of genetic and other diagnostic tools we enjoy today, this was a huge undertaking evolving over many decades!

A Giant Schnauzer named “Roy” is credited as being the foundation sire of the Black Russian Terrier. Roy produced large black dogs with rough coat on the head and legs when crossed with certain females of different breeds. While there were certainly other colors that were produced during the formative years and which can also still appear from time to time in litters even now, there were other reasons why the Russian geneticists chose to further develop the black coated dogs.

The goal of the Red Star Army was to basically produce a multi-purpose military dog. This dog had to work closely with its handler, over different terrain and varying climates, whether on patrol, guarding, or drafting. Not only was correct size and structure required, temperament and trainability were equally important.

Why Black?

It is not unusual from time to time for puppies in a litter to have coats with “throw-back” colors and patterns which can include black and tan, black and silver, sable, gray, fawn and shades in between. Historically these pups were eliminated from any breeding program. Now, genetic color testing is available to determine what color gene a dog is carrying so that breeders can make intelligent choices with regard to maintaining the black in the Black Russian Terrier. Color testing is now one of the required tests for Black Russian Terriers to obtain a CHIC number.

Black dogs require dark pigmentation of the nose, eyes, gums and lips. As the breed stabilized and consistently reproduced itself, the black dogs from the “Roy” (Giant Schnauzer) line consistently exhibited the qualities that were being sought. Remembering that there was no such thing as DNA testing post-WWII, the geneticists noticed a correlation between black dogs with maximum pigmentation and a sound temperament in comparison to light pigmented, non-black dogs.

According to canine Russian expert Dr. Eugene Yerusalimsky (world known dog expert, international judge, author of Russian and FCI breed standards, author and international lecturer on canine biomechanics), in a letter written to the Black Russian Terrier Club of America in May 2016 in response to the emergent issue of the United Kennel Club registry considering a standard change to allow coat colors other than black, he states:

“For the black color, the standard requires maximum pigmentation of the coat, nose, eyelids, eyes, gums and lips. This is because the direct selection for maximum pigmentation is an indirect selection for both a strong nervous system and a stable temperament.”

The geneticists found there was a correlation between temperament and color in the Black Russian Terrier; and from the very first standard for the breed promulgated in 1956 to date, the only acceptable color for the Black Russian Terrier is BLACK.

Dr. Yerusalimsky also noted that:

“During the first few generations of Black Russian Terriers, the dogs quite often could have hyper excitability and unmotivated aggression. Being large, such dogs were socially very dangerous, and because of that they were consistently eliminated from the breeding program of the breed. As a result of this selection, the temperament of contemporary Black Russian Terriers began to meet all the modern requirements of social living.”

This is a very important statement. What were these dogs that possessed such “hyper-excitability,” “unmotivated aggression” and were “socially very dangerous” to the extent that they had to be “eliminated from the breeding program of the breed”? Two breeds mentioned by Dr. Yerusalimsky are the black and tan Rottweiler and the black and tan Airedale Terrier.

In discussing the specific black and tan markings reminiscent of the Rottweiler, he states:

“As one of the ancestors of the BRT, the Rottweiler also has to have maximum pigmentation, a strong nervous system and a stable temperament. However, because the original intention of the breed was to be essentially a butcher’s guard dog, the Rottweiler is more aggressive than the Giant Schnauzer, who is in [sic] usually more of a companion dog. Thus, the interbreed type of Black Russian Terriers, which is tilted towards the Giant Schnauzer, is more socially acceptable.”

G. A. Yatcenko, the President of the National Russian Black Terrier Club, and M. V. Gerasimova, then President of the International Black Russian Terrier Club, provided additional information regarding non-black coated dogs in May and June 2016. Prior to 2006, puppies not black in color received registration cards with the notation “not acceptable for breeding” and “the color is not accepted by the FCI.” In 2006 such breedings were discontinued “by verdict of the Breeding Commission of the RKF.”

This allowed breeders an opportunity to test breed over time and to analyze, via bloodlines, the possibility of planned breeding of black and tan dogs. Ms. Gerasimova stated that:

“We can note that black-and-tan dogs were a good type of dog
and very close to the standard BRT in build and coat. However, they were often overly aggressive. Saddle dogs were very close in build to the Airedale and had an explosive temperament, were overly reactive and difficult to manage, all which does not correspond with the BRT standard.”

As our many years of experience show, pigmentation is closely linked with the stability of the nervous system. This is why it is necessary to select for reinforcing the pigmentation of the eyes, gums and coat. Black dogs most closely align with our image of the desirable Black Russian Terrier—based on their type, their exterior, their temperament and their working abilities.

Dr. Yerusalimsky also addressed the undesirable color-temperament link inherited from the Airedale Terrier.

This hyper-excitability, in combination with the large size, presents a danger in keeping a BRT, and this is one of the exact reasons why the experimental breeding of Black Russian Terriers using black and tan dogs, which started in Russia about 10 years ago, was discontinued…by verdict of the Breeding Commission of the RKF.

It was quickly recognized within the early generations of the breeding program that certain color traits were linked with temperament; and it was necessary to eliminate those colors that were producing these large dogs which exhibited unmotivated aggression, hyper-excitability, and therefor deemed “socially very dangerous.” The black dogs, on the other hand, did not possess these undesirable traits and thus remained in the breeding program. As Ms. Gerasimova noted, these same undesirable traits were also noted in the test breedings done prior to 2006.

Every registry around the world recognizes that the only acceptable color for a Black Russian Terrier is BLACK except for a for-profit organization known as the United Kennel Club, a for-profit corporation (UKC), which, at the request of a few, changed its standard in 2016 to allow dogs other than black to be registered and to compete in conformation shows and to obtain a “Champion” title under its registry. This change to their registry standard was carried out despite strong objections from the Black Russian Terrier Club of America, the Russian Kynological Federation (RKF), and the International Black Russian Terrier Club.

There are a few breeders in the United States and other parts of the world who are purposefully breeding to produce Black Russian Terriers that are NOT black, most of which appear to be black and tan. Their reasons for doing so are self-serving. Yes, these coats may be quite beautiful, but as the saying goes, beauty is only skin (or coat) deep.

A pretty coat does not mean that it lies on a properly structured dog, or that the dog’s temperament will not be as the above experts observed and reported. It might not be the first generation that the temperament issue arises (as the genes from the black pigment override), but as future breedings occur, this will change as it did in the Russian experiment. Purposefully breeding to produce coat color other than black is a huge disservice to the breed and affects future generations as undesirable genes are introduced into a small gene pool.

Can a Black Russian Terrier that is a color other than black be registered through the American Kennel Club? Yes, if its parents were properly registered as it would still be a purebred dog. However, it would be disqualified if entered in an AKC or FCI show because any color other than black is a disqualification. Being registered does not equal quality. No reputable registry in the world will allow a Black Russian Terrier to exhibit; much less obtain a championship, which does not have a BLACK coat. No other color is acceptable. Any Black Russian Terrier being advertised as a UKC “champion” that is not black is akin to a mail order diploma.

It is a disservice to the future of the Black Russian Terrier to purposefully breed for any color other than black. It is a disservice and unethical to cross-breed with any other breed. Be wary of any “breeder” who markets such dogs as being “unique” and “special” and of “champion” quality.

Why Are Black Russian Terriers Black? – From the March 2018 issue of Showsight Magazine.

Are you looking for a Black Russian Terrier puppy?

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder? Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.

Want to help rescue and re-home a Black Russian Terrier dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

Black Russian Terrier Dog Breed Magazine

Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.

Read and learn more about the charming Black Russian Terrier dog breed with articles and information in our Black Russian Terrier Dog Breed Magazine.

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