Those paws!
In France, the Black Russian Terrier is known as the Terrier Noir Russe, and in Germany, it’s known as the Schwarze Russische Terrier. Those paws, however, have been nicknamed “the paws of doom” because owners can be caught off guard by the ‘whap’ of a giant paw looking for attention. Other owners are mystified by this moniker because their dogs aren’t horrible with the paws. Beard water spraying, however….
We found this image on Pinterest years ago, and since then, we think we’ve been told that this lovely lady named “Nova” was bred by Christine Brodinger, and belongs to C. and L. Henicher. If we have this wrong, our deepest apologies, and do let us know otherwise so we can correct the information.
I had an amazing Black Russian Terrier service dog. He was the best dog I have had in my life and, yes, the Paws of Doom could strike when he wanted attention off duty! I loved his little whap on my thigh when we were cuddling on the couch as it was his way of giving love and receiving it. Now, tablets and phones when he was about a year old and training were in dire circumstances if he decided I wasn’t paying him attention! I think this breed is amazing and intend my next service dog also be a Black Russian Terrker, too!
So nice to hear from you, Deb, and to see your own “Paws of Doom.” The “Black Pearl” is a really special breed, but there’s nothing like hearing from owners to confirm it.