Black Russian Terrier

General Information - Black Russian Terrier

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History

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 organisation) took on the task of standardising the look of the breed without neglecting the good qualities. In May 1984, the breed was recognised by the FCI with Standard #327, the "Black Russian Terrier". They are weatherproof, rescue, working, and family dogs.

Temperament

Black Russian Terriers are courageous, suspicious of strangers, persistent, brave, and self-confident. They are an 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 is 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.

Upkeep

This dog enjoys the outdoors, especially in cold weather. It needs daily exercise, either a good hike or a walk on leash. Although it can physically live outdoors in temperate to cold climates, it is so in tune with its human family that it cannot be relegated to life alone in the yard. Inside, it needs plenty of room to stretch out. Its coat needs brushing one or two times weekly. It very rarely sheds, but needs clipping regularly.

Black Russian Terrier

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions and exaggerations, as well as being mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

Breed Standard - Black Russian Terrier

Brief Historical Summary: [Developed by the former Russian Red Army to guard military installations etc. They required a dog able to work independently and to withstand various climatic conditions. The basic breeds used were the Airedale, Giant Schnauzer and the Rottweiler. The Giant Schnauzer for its intelligence and quick reactions; the Airedale for its leadership, temperament and stamina; the Rottweiler for its firm stature and fearlessness. The Giant Schnauzer contributed the most to its appearance. Mrs A. Mitchell A.N.K.C. Breed Standards Coordinator] ­
Faults: Light frame, poorly developed muscle tone.­
Serious Faults: Fearful, extremely excitable, extremely passive.­
Faults: Short neck, blocky neck, showing a dewlap or held low.
Faults: Hare feet. Feet pointing in or out.­ Major Faults - Splayed or very turned out feet.­
Faults: Tail set low, incorrectly docked.­

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.­­

• Any deviation from the scissor bite­
• Parti-coloured coat­
• White markings on feet­
• Red patches­
• Grey coat­
• Absence of an incisor or a canine tooth­
• Absence of any PM3 or PM4­
• Absence of any molar.­

Note: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
FCI No 327
Copyright Dogs New Zealand
19 Dec 2013

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.