History of the Russian Black Terrier

The Russian Black Terrier was developed by the former Russian Red Army to guard military installations, border troops, prison camps, penal colonies and police forces etc. They required a dog to work independently and to withstand various climatic conditions; the breed was an experiment into genetics and inheritance with a desire to produce one breed of dog that would perform all of the jobs required of the various breeds used by the army.

With this in mind General G Medvec set about the task. After a few initial attempts it was discovered that ‘Roy’ a Giant Schnauzer when mated to various bitches (Airedale, Rottweiller, Newfoundland, and Southern Russian Shepherds) produced consistent results of black dogs with furnishings on head and limbs. These five breeds were not alone in fact there was some two hundred breeds used to produce an end result. And so from breeding type to type from the produce of various combinations they set the outline, type and temperament that were to become the Russian Black Terrier.

The breeding was conducted in several directions: firstly obtaining hybrids of Schnauzer and Airedale terrier. Secondly obtaining hybrids of Schnauzer and Rottweiller then crossbreeding of the first and second generation hybrids followed by raising the breed itself. The work involved a strict selection of dogs of a desired type.

The next step in the breeding process was to further improve the breed by establishing and perfecting the working qualities by a strict choice and selection of the best dogs for the breeding program.

The Breed

The first impression of the Russian Black Terrier is one of quality, immense size, strong build, and sturdiness with a well-balanced, relatively square outline. He is lively and alert, showing no signs of excessive excitability or apparent sluggishness. He can be wary of strangers and is highly entertaining in character, brave and self-confident with inherent guarding instincts.

Please click here to view the Kennel Club Breed Standard

Grooming Advice

The Russian Black Terrier is a coated breed, which must be groomed regularly for the well being of the dog.
It is also accepted worldwide as a breed, which is trimmed, i.e. sculptured, in its presentation for exhibition in the show ring. With this in mind it is essential that any fancier of the Russian Black Terrier understands both the usual presentation style and the essential breed characteristics and qualities, which lie underneath the coat.

We need to fully understand and appreciate the breed standard qualities as taken from the written word. We would also like to show to you the usual style in which the breed is presented to judges for their assessment and aim to enforce your understanding of the need to examine the males and bitches thoroughly with your hands-on examination to appreciate the animal ‘underneath.’

How to Groom

The dog must be brushed completely (all knots removed carefully) and bathed the day before trimming - this helps prevent cut lines from being noticeable. Always try to scissor the way the hair grows.

A grooming chart and a good photograph of a top specimen, enlarged and placed on the wall, will often assist the novice to aim for the correct lines of the dog.