Black Russian Terrier: Protective, Strong, Intelligent, Unflinchingly Loyal

This Russian "import" to the United States and other areas of the world is a brave, courageous, and loving addition to the family – as long as you undertake proper training immediately, while the Black Russian Terrier is still a puppy. Untrained Black Russian Terriers can be difficult to handle indeed, especially because they don't fully develop their personalities until they are one and a half to two years old; at that time, they have a propensity to become very suspicious of strangers, and very protective of their families.

Therefore, it's imperative that you are prepared for this when you get a puppy. Properly trained, puppies can be taught to obey their owners without fail, although owners can unwittingly become lax. Because these suspicions about strangers and protective instincts don't fully develop until dogs are older, owners may erroneously think that they have a relaxed, alert but gentle dog during its puppy years. Unfortunately, the breed’s protective instincts become apparent at a rather advanced age, at which time owners may not know quite what to do with their suddenly unruly pet. At that point, it may be too late to do anything about it!

History

In the 1930s, the Soviet Union's Central School of Cynologists (also known as the Russian military’s "Red Star Kennel" which studies matters related to canines) undertook experiments to produce a new breed for both the Army and the USSR. After the Second World War, additional working dogs were needed to guard POW camps and prisons since the existing number of service dogs available was insufficient. Because of that, Russia began to bring dogs into the country from other occupied countries. The first attempt at what was to become the Black Russian Terrier breed was a cross between the Giant Schnauzer (male) and an Airedale Terrier (female). The first litter was born in 1951.

On the second attempt, the Giant Schnauzer was crossed with the Rottweiler , and on the third attempt, the Giant Schnauzer was crossed with the now extinct Moscow Water Dog. The hybrids from these were crossed between themselves, to ultimately produce the Black Russian Terrier. In 1954, the dogs were shown in Moscow at the All Union Exhibition of Economy Achievements. Subsequently, an All Union Exhibition of Service and Hunting Dogs, held in 1957, showcased 43 dogs and attracted the attention of professional breeders. The standard for the Black Russian Terrier was finally approved in 1979 by the Red Star Kennel, the Army, Navy and Fleet Volunteer Support Organization. The Black Terrier became a formalized breed in 1985. Ultimately, its presence increased throughout Europe and the United States, with the Black Russian Terrier finally recognized by the American Kennel Club in the Working Group, in 2004.

Appearance

This robust, strong animal is a large dog that weighs between 80 and 143 pounds, standing between 25 and 29 inches at the shoulder. The Black Russian Terrier is a very powerful dog with a square head and thick, strong neck. Its usually black coat is a double layer with coarse outer hair and a soft undercoat, sometimes with a smattering of gray hairs throughout..

Temperament

Properly trained, you'll find no better dog in terms of character than the Black Russian Terrier. Properly trained puppies turn into exceedingly alert, confident, calm, self-assured, and very courageous dogs that will do anything to protect their families. Always on watch, they are loving and extremely loyal, very intelligent dogs that thrive on having an important purpose. They were bred to be working dogs, and you'll see that this characteristic holds true in your pet, too. Your pet's specific "job," as he or she sees it, is to guard and protect his or her family.

However, there can be some difficulties with the Black Russian Terrier's temperament in part because this is a dog that comes to maturity slowly. It takes between one and a half to two years for the dog to fully develop its personality, specifically as it relates to the Black Russian Terrier's natural inborn suspicion of strangers. This can be a problem because although you may undertake stern training with your puppy as is usual with many dogs, you might also then think that your dog is fully trained once he or she reaches adulthood at about a year old. Because of that, you may think you can relax a little bit. You won't be able to do that if you've got a Black Russian Terrier.

With this dog, you have to, in effect, behave as though you've got a puppy who needs constant but gentle discipline and firm guidance in a sort of "learning curve" phase until he or she is about two years old. If you don't do this, you could have problems. The Black Russian Terrier naturally begins to become suspicious of people he or she doesn't know as he or she advances through puppyhood and into adulthood. This unique personality trait completes its development at about the age of two years old. At that time, the dog's personality will be fully formed. If you've already got your pet properly trained to listen to you exclusively and have kept at it throughout the time this natural suspicion of strangers has developed, you'll be fine because your dog will listen to you within any situation. If you "let up," though, your dog could become suspicious of all strangers and unwilling to listen to you regardless of what you say or do, so that he or she becomes difficult to manage.

Finally, this is a dog that needs you to be the alpha "dog" without question. Although you should be very affectionate and loving to your dog which will encourage him to liberally return the affection, you should never let your dog take charge of you.You must always remain the "boss," or the Black Russian Terrier's assertive personality could take over, making your pet the one in charge.

Health

Black Russian Terriers are astonishingly hearty dogs with few health problems. As with most large dogs, they're prone to hip dysplasia, but they can easily live to the age of 14 years – which is quite uncommon for such a large dog.

Proper Environment

These dogs love to be in the out-of-doors, and they love to romp and play in both snow and water. They also need a long daily walk. Properly socialized, they love to entertain and be entertained. Perhaps surprisingly, though, they don't need a lot of room to run and play "at home." As long as you give them long daily walks and regular sessions when they can romp and play in places like dog parks, they'll even do well in a small apartment’s environment. These extremely attached, loyal, and loving dogs want to stay close to you at all times This means that even in an apartment setting, your pet will want to stick close to your side, moving with you from room to room, and won't feel confined at all.

Grooming

The Black Russian Terrier has a wiry, tight overcoat with a soft undercoat Your pet should be regularly trimmed two to three times a year, with brushing at least once a week. Shedding is minimal, especially if the dog is regularly brushed. Bathing should usually not be necessary.

References

AKC MEET THE BREEDS®: Black Russian Terrier.

http://www.akc.org/breeds/black_russian_terrier/

Retrieved February 16, 2012.

Black Russian Terrier (Chornyi) (Terrier Noir Russe) (Russian Bear Schnauzer) (Black Terrier) (Tchiorny Terrier).

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/blackrussianterrier.htm

Retrieved February 16, 2012.

Black Russian Terrier.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Russian_Terrier

Retrieved February 16, 2012.

Pinnacle Black Russian Terriers: BRT History. "Russian Pearl."

http://sentinelkennels.com/Black-Russian-Terrier-BRT-History.html

Retrieved February 16, 2012.