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Black Russian Terrier History
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The Black Russian Terrier was developed in the 1950s at the Red Star Kennel under the direction of Colonel G. Medvedev, to meet a need for a large, versatile watchdog that could survive the harsh Russian climate. Though seventeen breeds contributed, the largest influences in the creation of this breed were the Airedale Terrier, Giant Schnauzer, and Rottweiler. Its original standard was published in 1958, in “Regulations and Requirements for Training and Usage of Military Dogs.” At that time, there was a great deal of consistency in behavior, but little in appearance. The Black Russian Terrier began to spread outside the Russian military in 1957, and fanciers of the breed gradually began to standardize the appearance of the breed, while maintaining its good character.
The Black Russian Terrier spread to the Baltic states, Eastern Europe, and, the United States. The dog was first recognized as a distinct breed in its native land in 1981 when the Soviet Ministry of Agriculture accepted the standard. The American Kennel Club admitted the Black Russian Terrier to the Miscellaneous Class in 2001 and granted full recognition as a member of the Working Group on July 1, 2004. The Black Russian Terrier is in the Working Group rather than the Terrier Group because its anatomic structure (and great size) bears little resemblance to that of a typical terrier. As it has become more popular as a show dog, some breeders have focused on technical requirements at the expense of character and temperament.
