Unlike many breeds the Russian Black terrier has been meticulously documented from day one. Produced by the Red Star Army Kennels for the Russian army, the breed was an experiment into genetics and inheritance. With a desire to produce one breed of dog that would perform all of the jobs required of the various breeds used by the army. The Ultimate working dog.
General G. Medvedev
With this in mind General G. Medvedev set about the task. After a few initial attempts it was discovered that “Roy” a Giant Schnauzer when mated to various bitches (Airedale, Rottweiler, Newfoundland and Southern Russian Shepherds) produced consistent results of black dogs with furnishings on the heads and limbs. And so by breeding type to type from the produce of the various combinations they set the outline, type and temperament that was to become the Russian Black terrier we know and love today.
The first exhibition of Russian Black Terriers was in 1955 at the All Russian Exhibition in Moscow. I wonder if the General had any idea of the impact that his “experiment” would have on a world-wide scale.
The first breed standard was produced in 1958 in a book called “Recommendations on training and usage of Military dogs” however it was not until 1987 that the breed was acknowledged by the F.C.I. In 1993 the Federation of working dogs of Russia compiled the second variation of the breed standard that corresponds more to the breed we know today...
With popularity growing at an astounding rate the Russian Black terrier is silently capturing the hearts of fanciers all over the world. Fully recognised by the FCI, accepted onto the Imported register in the UK in 2000, fully recognised in 2004 in the USA the “Blackie” is also being shown with a great interest in Australia.
In the UK the Blackies are always a hit whether it be at a show, a club event, a training night or a walk through the town, there is always someone who is seeing the breed for the first time.
Without a crystal ball to hand, who can say what is in store for this remarkable breed? I hope that the breed passes from strength to strength. With honesty and dedication this breed will blossom and hopefully continue live up to the Generals dream of being the Ultimate dog…