An Overview: THE BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIER
T he Black Russian Terrier is a majestic breed exuding pow- er and presence and demanding respect. The breed was cre- ated by the Russian Red Star military kennel located in Moscow. The Russian Army began working on developing a multi-purpose military dog in the 1930s that would be part of their national security force. Attempting to create the breed was quite a challenge due to the slaughter of much of the purebred dog stock because of the Russian Revolution, World Wars and economic disasters. The Red Star Kennel breeding program came to life after World War II when quality Giant Schnauzer and Rottweiler stock were brought back to Russia. Th e Red Star Kennel worked on selec- tive interbreeding using Giant Schnauzer, Rottweiler, Airedale Terrier and New- foundland breeds. In all, a total of 17 breeds and crosses were used to create the Black Russian Terrier. It was important to have a large breed that was not only reliable but highly trainable to many dif- ferent situations. Th e dog would also have to be able to endure the harsh Russian
By Marilyn Powell
winters. Th ey were initially used by the military police at border crossings, pris- ons and military installations. By 1956, the Black Russian Terrier was breeding true, and the Red Star Ken- nel released dogs to private breeders. Th e first breed standard was created by the Red Army in 1958, and was revised several times before 1981. In 1981, the Russian
Ministry of Agriculture recognized the breed and it was internationally accepted by the FCI (Federation Cynologique Inter- nationale) in 1984. Black Russian Terriers first came to the United States in the 1980s. In 2001, the Black Russian Terrier was admitted to the Miscellaneous Class of the AKC and was accepted into the AKC Working Group
“In 1981, the Russian Ministry of Agriculture recognized the breed and it was INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED BY THE FCI (FEDERATION CYNOLOGIQUE INTERNATIONALE) IN 1984.”
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