The Dog with 17 Breeds in Its DNA

All told, seventeen different breeds went into making a large dog that could withstand bitter cold, hot deserts, and mountain altitude while being loyal, protective, easily groomed, and versatile.  Are we talking about a Super Dog? Just about. We’ve just described the Black Russian Terrier.

Ultimately, however, four breeds had the most impact on the BRT, or “Blackie:” The Giant Schnauzer (for its agility and sharp guarding instinct), the Rottweiler (for its build, shape, and courage), the Airedale (for its disposition, perseverance and staying power), and the Newfoundland (for its coat, restraint and steadiness).  The Red Star Kennel, which developed the bred, first crossed, “Roy,” a Giant Schnautzer, with Airedale terrier bitches. In the second stage, the Giant Schnauzer was crossed with a Rottweiller.  The next step breeders took was to cross the Giant Schnauzer with the Moscow water dog (Newfoundland X German shepherd X Eastern European shepherd). All these hybrids were then crossed among themselves with additional breeds added later on, but each making a mark in the final result.

Image found on Pinterest and happily credited upon receipt of information

2 thoughts on “The Dog with 17 Breeds in Its DNA”

  1. My dogs 17 different breeds, he’s a mutt I found abandoned. Top 5 are 18% Boxer 15% Toy Fox Terrier 13% Chihuahua 10% Rat Terrier 10% Chow Chow

    I thought he was a jack Russell mix but mixed with pitbull and Chihuahua. Only one i got right was Chihuahua lol

    • These all American breeds can fool us, Mackenzie. We found a dog running around and despite our best efforts at finding his people, no one claimed him. We had no choice but to take him to the local shelter, but when we learned that he would likely be put down within a day because he resembled a “Pit Bull Terrier,” we left with him and expanded our search. Turns out that he was rather far from home, but we did find his home which is how we learned he was an Australian Cattle Dog x Boxer mix. Pit Bull Terrier, my eye.

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