There are always consequences to “forever.” When too many Russian dog breeds were slaughtered during the Russian revolt, and many more killed during World Wars I and II, it was all but certain that the extinction of purebred Russian dogs was coming. The day came when the Soviets wanted a working military dog, but there weren’t any.
We’re uncertain of the validity of a claim that in 1924, the Russian Military Council mandated that every department in the military have dogs and trainers as part of their security forces to prevent the demise of Russian native breeds, but what isn’t in
Sadly, this BRT failed to meet the standard. Melting is a serious DQ
question is that the Soviets had to look elsewhere to get dogs, and they started with Germany to kick start their intent to create a Russian military dog. The Central Military School of Working Dogs’ (also known as the “Red Star” Kennel) most impressive import was, “Roy,” a Giant Schnauzer born in 1947. Roy was bred with other breeds (possibly as many as twenty), which included the Rottweiler, Airedale, Terrier, and Moscow Water Dog. Early efforts resulted in a few issues, namely undescended testicles, bite issues, and coats that were too short for what the the Red Army wanted. Only the best dogs were interbred, and around 1957, the “Black Terrier”(as it was called then) stopped being a state-controlled, military bred dog; second and third-generation dogs were sold to private breeders who began to develop their own lines.
In 1979, a breed standard was approved by the Red Star Kennel. By then, 800 litters of what we now call Black Russian Terriers had been produced, and of the subsequent puppies, 4,000 conformed to the new standard. In 1981, the Soviet Ministry of Agriculture accepted the breed standard with FCI recognition coming four years later.
*The post title comes from Paul Simon’s song, “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.”
Thumbnail image of Black Russian Terrier in cold cast bronze by Krzysztof Liszka of ARTDOGshop. Additional pieces may be purchased here.
The one thing that bothers me about this magnificent dog is calling it a Terrier. As an Airedale lover it annoys me to be told by the uninformed that Airedales are no longer the largest, the King, of Terriers. In spite of the name, Black Russians are not Terriers in purpose or character. Black Russian fanciers agree.
We agree as well, Linda, though we suppose it’s better than the alternative, “Stalin’s Dogs,” a name we’ve read is the breed’s informal, unofficial name. We’re trying to find a definitive source explaining why “terrier” was attached to the breed’s name. When we find out, you will, too.
I am sorry I will agree to disagree. Having owned small terriers and worked with BRTS, they are too terriers.
They have smart sharp focused drive of a true terrier. They have had the wild side of a terrier mildly tempered by the Newfoundland dog.
So Yes Black Russian Terriers are terriers.
Though we were raised with Cairns, Joy, we’ve never lived with BRTs and are happy to have your input. We’d love to hear from other BRT owners!