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What word are we looking for? To impose? On Large scale? Princely? How about just plain “big.” This wild guard dog from the Siberian Steps can tip the scales at 140 pounds and stand up to 30 high at the shoulder. They are very tall when considered to be huge, brick-shaped heads. The tousled, all-black coat is warm enough to allow the Black Russian Terrier to patrol some of the coldest habitable places on Earth. The old expression “she walks well for a big man” applies to this nimble-footed giant.
The Red Star Kennel was established in the 1930s by the Soviet government, in a secret location near Moscow. There, a team of scientists and breeders created superdogs for the Russian Army. The project was full of steep challenges. The indiscriminate slaughter of purebred dogs during the Russian Revolution was followed by a world war, economic disaster, and another world war. These upheavals destroyed Russia’s best stock, keeping it laborious for centuries. It was impossible to import quality dogs into Russia – war and economic depression devastated kennels everywhere in Europe. Essentially, the Red Star team was starting from scratch.
Some 17 breeds — Giant Schnazers, Airdale Terriers, and Rottweiler among them — were included in the genetic puzzle along with the dash nature of Newfoundland. The program was canceled after World War II, when there was a quality breeding stock amid the worsening of the war brought from Russia.
The result was a Black Russian terrier: a relentless barbed dog, who could patrol the endless borders of Russia, with enough coats to hold a prisoner in Stalin’s infamous prison camps, the Siberian Night Shift Could work in (The name of the English breed, by the way, is a misnomer. The Black Russian Terrier is not 15 to 30 percent terrier in its makeup.)
Across the border, dogs were successfully deployed in remote prisons and military installations. By the mid-1950s, when the number of dogs needed to close Stalin-era gulagals had diminished, the military began selling additional lighters to hobby breeders and exhibitors. Retired officers who brought their K-9 partners home for civilian life in the late ’50s acquainted the Russian people with this permanently stable patron, whom they call the Black Pearl of Russia, or Blackie’s nickname for Shorty Will give.
Today, BRTs tend to guard suburban lawns more than political prisoners. In 1981 the BRT was officially declared a breed by the Soviet Ministry of Agriculture, and was admitted to the AKC Stud Book in 2004.
The Black Russian Terrier is a strong, large, balanced, agile and powerful dog.
He has large bone and well developed muscles, and a great strength and endurance. Black Russian terriers should have a stable and reliable disposition possessing self-assurance and courage.
The gestation period in lasts for 60-64 days
The primary period of the reproductive cycle of the female is called Proestrus and goes on for around 9 days. During this time the females begin to draw in males. The subsequent part is the Estrus when the bitch is receptive to the male. It goes on for around 3 to 11 days. The third part is the Diestrus. Usually, it happens around day 14. In this period the bitch’s discharge changes for distinctive red and reaching its end. The vulva gets back to average, and she will no longer allow mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time span between heat periods ordinarily keeps going around a half year. The litter size ranges between 6 to 8 puppies at a time.
Black Russian Terrier’s tulled double coat — a thick, soft undercoat covered with a thick, protective outer coat that requires regular maintenance to prevent mats once or twice a week with full brushing. The owner needs to learn to move scissors around the face, especially his beard and mustache, to make him look his best, or to rely on a professional groomer to do the job. A trim with shears every few months can be done by a groomer, but many owners learn how to do it. As with all breeds, BRT nails should be trimmed regularly.
A boss who is not capable or willing to train a powerful, willful animal should not find a Black Russian Terrier. Socialization needs to start over the lifetime of the dog and continue throughout the dog’s lifetime to prevent aggressive behavior. Obedience training also needs to begin as soon as possible and should continue well into adulthood. BRT are dominating and they will strike a chord with anyone. Training should be firm and consistent, but always reward-based, never punishment-based. BRT
Black Russian terriers require at least 30 or 40 minutes of exercise every day. He is keen to participate in brisk races, long races, bike rides, swims and hips with his boss. In the backyard, he and his master can play with the ball or flying disc. A BRT who does not exercise enough will become unhappy and destructive, and one who does not spend enough time with their human family may develop an aggressive tendency. Many BRTs excel in canine sports such as obedience, agility, rally and Schutzhund (safety) competitions.
Black Russian terriers should perform well on high quality dog food, whether manufactured commercially or prepared with the supervision and approval of your veterinarian. Any diet should be appropriate for the age of the dog (puppy, adult or senior). Some dogs are at risk of being overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. Know which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. If you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet, check with your vet. Clean, fresh water must be available at all times.
The Black Russian Terrier is usually a healthy breed, and a responsible breeder will screen the breeding stock for health conditions such as allergies, urinary tract stones, hip and elbow dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy, which can cause vision loss and blindness . As with all breeds, the ears of a black Russian terrier should be examined regularly, and the teeth should be brushed regularly.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: