History

The Russian Black Terrier, also known as the Black Russian Terrier or Russkiy Tchiorny Terrier  (defined by the Russian Kynological Federation/RKF)

It is a fairly new breed bred in the 1940's by the Russian Red Star Army.They used a program developed by Soviet breeder specialists to breed a dog for their own needs.

They used the male Giant Schnauzer-Roy (born 1947) to Airedales, Rottweillers and Moscow Divers among other breeds. It is noted the Russians in the beginning chose the Male Roy for his agility and sharp guarding instinct, the Airedale because of their happy disposition, perseverance and staying power, and the Rottweiller for their massive make, shape and courage. Character and temperament being top of the list. The Newfoundland was also introduced to give an all round weather coat combined with restraint and steadiness.

Several years later, Russian DOSAAF Breeders (a paramilitary organisation) took on the task of standardising the look of the breed without neglecting the breeds good qualities. The ideal being a universal working dog, massive, high-spirited and alert, being amenable and protective without aggression, reliable, able to withstand the extreme climatic circumstances in the country and always willing to work.

The first standard for the breed was published in 'The Instruction for training and using military dogs' in 1958. Descendants were given to the non-military clubs of Moscow, Leningrad-(St Petersburg), Rybinsk, Yaroslav, later to become the centres of developing the breed. Gradually the Black Terrier appeared in the Baltics, the Ukraine, Siberia and then in Czechoslovakia, Hungary and many more countries world wide.

In 1981 on the 13th May the Black Terrier was declared a breed. The first standard was confirmed by Ministry of Agriculture Russia. In 1983 the breed was accepted and confirmed by FCI at the International in Mexico (Standard N327). This breed was named the Russian Black Terrier. In 1996 The Russian Federation Working Dog-breeders & Russian Cynological Federation (RKF) adopted a second Standard for the breed more in line to the modern day Russian Black Terrier. And it was also in 1996 that the breed was first introduced into the UK. In 1998 The Kennel Club included the Russian Black Terrier to the Import Register.In 2005 the UK Kennel Club removed the breed from the Import Register.
Today's Russian is more a companion than a guard. An even tempered dog that is lively and alert, brave and self confident, he is wary of strangers and has natural guarding instincts. He is good in the home, seeking the love and interaction of the family unit and good with children, being caring about them. He should never be kept in a kennel. He is not a dog for the novice owner, nor for the person who only wants a large dog at the end of a lead. He is not for the lazy person who thinks the breed will never need grooming or bathing. This breed also seeks lots of quality time with his owners. Always ask yourself, why do I want to own this particular breed. It is with affection people have named this breed the 'Black Pearl of Russia'.

Many people may not realise, when purchasing a long coated breed, that weekly sessions of combing and brushing your animal is essential for his/her well being. As well as regular combing and brushing, the coat of the Russian Black Terrier needs to be scissored approximately every eight to ten weeks, depending upon the hair growth. Their coat does shed a few hairs, but not to such a degree as some breeds.

Trim for showing:The ears (from fold to tip), skull, cheeks, throat to sternum, underside of tail, buttocks & rear of stifle are all closely trimmed.


Whilst a puppy and still growing they do not want too much exercise and playing in the garden would be enough until the bones have fully developed. They should not be allowed to become overweight as this puts a strain on the joints.