The Black Russian Terrier

The Black Russian Terrier, also known as the Tchiorny Terrier (tchiorny is Russian for black), is a relatively new breed. In the forties, the army-controlled kennel "Red Star" began to breed a dog for their own needs, using a program developed by soviet breeder-specialists. The ideal dog was to be one who was a massive, robust, high-spirited all-round dog, always willing to work, and able to withstand the wide climatic differences in the country. The major ancestry began with Giant Schnauzers, Airedale Terriers, and Rottweilers. Other breeds were added as needed to achieve specific requirements, with character and temperament being at the top of the list. Several years later, Russian "DOSAAF" Breeders (DOSAAF is a paramilitary organization) took on the task of standardizing the look of the breed without neglecting the good qualities. In May 1984, the breed was recognized by the FCI with Standard #327 , the "Black Russian Terrier". They are weatherproof rescue, working, and family dogs.

Height: 27" (68.6cm) for dogs, 26" (66cm) for bitches

Weight: 88 - 120 lbs (39.3 - 39.3 kg) for dogs, 77 - 88 lbs (34.4 - 34.4 kg) for bitches

Coat Type: 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 is absolutely necessary. The colors are black or black with some gray hairs.

Temperament: Black Russian Terrier are courageous, suspicious of strangers, persistent, brave, self-confident. They are a universal working dog with a natural controllable sharpness and protective instinct without undue aggression. The pups are generally easy to train, but may be somewhat stubborn, so persistence and firmness are required. Their protective instincts will begin to show at around 18-24 months when they will want to protect everything: this is not a dog for a first-time dog owner; it is a dog for the experienced dog person. This dog must live with its family and not in a kennel; and once its instincts and energies are properly channeled, it will be a truly loyal family dog.

Health Problems: As in many large dogs, Hip Dysplasia is a problem. Hip X-raying is not a common practice in Russia.

Special Interest: The Black Russian Terrier is still a very small dog population. For this reason, it is critical for potential owners and especially breeders to only buy and use stock from officially recognized breeders or from breeders referred by a national organization. If you want one from Russia from a recognized breeder, expect to wait about 2 years.

Classifications:
AKC: Not recognized
CKC: Not recognized
KC: Not recognized
FCI: Group 2
ANKC: Not recognized