Black Russian Terrier

The Black Russian Terrier is a large and powerful dog. The dog has large bone and well developed muscles. The breed was developed in Russia and used as guard dogs for protection. They must be balanced, have a good temperament and be reliable. The dogs have great courage and strength, and are capable of great endurance.

During the 1930s a military kennel named the Red Star started work on a native breed that would be part of the national security force. The kennel worked on selective interbreeding using Rottweiler, Giant Schnauzer, Airedale and Newfoundland mixes. It was important to have a large breed not only reliable but trainable in many different situations. The dog would also have to be able to endure the harsh Russian winters.

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.

Males should be between 27-30 inches tall, females between 26-29 inches tall. They are slightly longer than tall. They are double-coated. The texture of the outer coat is coarse, and the undercoat is thick and soft. The length of the coat should vary from 1 and a half to 4 inches and cover the entire body, and the coat color should be solid black.

Black Russian Terriers excel at various activities.They are able to do pretty much everthing; protection, herding, skijorring, obedience, tracking, sled dog, agility and conformation dog.

Black Russian Terriers are prone to Hip Dysplasia.