Black Russian Terrier

It was in the early 1940s that the Russian army decided to use its Red Star Kennels to breed a dog designed for their tough climatic conditions as well as one that was both alert and obedient. Working within a breeding program that was developed by a Soviet breeder and specialists, they produced a dog that was massive, robust and intelligent, as well as a willing worker and a dog who could withstand harsh wintry conditions. It was a challenge to acquire purebred stock due to the slaughter of much of the purebred stock during the Russian revolution, the war, and economic decline. After the end of the second world war, their breeding program finally took off as the quality stock of the Giant Schnauzer and Rottweiler breeds were returned to Russia. They experimented with many breeds to produce the exact characteristics they required and bred from only the best dogs they managed to acquire, soon developing a dog that fit their needs. The army bred a dog that had all the ability of the German Shepherd without the unnecessary aggression. These dogs were used by the national security force and were ideal because of their size and the fact that they were highly trainable. Military police used them at border crossings, prisons and military installations. Years later after the Russian breeder’s association (DOSAAF) bought dogs from the Red Star Kennels, they started to standardize the characteristics and appearance of the breed while still maintaining its excellent qualities. It was in May 1984 that the breed was finally recognized as the Black Russian Terrier. On July 1st, 2004, the breed was admitted to full membership in the American Kennel Club Working Group.