The Black Russian Terrier was initially bred by the Former Russian Red Army.

They used the army controlled Kennel called "Red Star". The breeders for the Black Russian Terrier combined the Giant Schnauzer, Rottweiler, Airedales and the Russian Water Dog ~ and all together used a total of about 20 breeds to develop the final product ~ the Black Russian Terrier considered one of the finest dogs. Only the best dogs were bred. Soon they had a dog stable in character and temperament, but not in type. At that time, only character and temperament counted.

The goal was a massive, robust, high-spirited all-round dog, always willing to work and able to withstand the enormous, climatic differences in the country.

The Russian Red Army needed a dog that could withstand different weather conditions as well as be able to work independently. They wanted a dog that could be used for their very specific tasks such as to guard military installations, border troops, prison camps, penal colonies, and police forces. What they created was a dog/breed that is suspicious and dominant by nature. It is also what makes them very protective of their owners and makes them excellent guard, watchdogs.

Temperament

In the Forties, the army-controlled kennel "Red Star" began to breed a dog for its own needs. They used a program developed by Soviet breeder-specialists and created a new breed especially suited for their special duties.

The goal was a massive, robust, high-spirited all-round dog, always willing to work and able to withstand the enormous, climatic differences in the country.

The breeders were the Giant Schnauzers, Rottweilers and Airedale breeds, and the Russian Water Dog. More breeds were included; in all approximately twenty breeds were involved in the creation of the Black Russian Terrier. Only the best dogs were bred. Soon they had a dog stable in character and temperament, but not in type.

At that time, only character and temperament counted. Several years later, Russian "DOSAAF" Breeders (DOSAAF is a paramilitary organization) bought dogs from the Red Star kennel. They started to standardize the look of the breed without neglecting the good qualities. In May 1984 the breed was recognized by the FCI with Standard #327 "Black Russian Terrier." The Black Russian Terrier is to the Red Army what the Malinois is to the French Army.

The Black Russian Terrier has all the ability of the German Shepherd Dog.
Temperament

The Black Russian Terrier has all the ability of the German Shepherd Dog.

The Black Russian Terrier does not typically have troubles getting along with other animals. However, they are a dominant dog and therefore should not live in a household with another large dominant dog. Despite this fact it is found that they will try to avoid fighting with other dogs. It is suggested that they live more comfortably with smaller dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, and other non-dominant animals. They will always prefer animals that are considered part of their own household.

Grooming

The Black Russian Terrier does have some important grooming needs due to its long and thick coat. The best way to keep the coat in good condition is to brush and comb it regularly.

The Black Russian Terrier coat sheds very little when brushed regularly. However, in addition to the regular brushing done at home, it is recommended that they receive professional grooming about every six weeks.

Exercise
Black Russian Terriers love to go for long walks. They love to be entertained and to romp and play. The great thing about the Black Russian Terrier is also that they love the water and the snow. They will be very content running and rolling around in the snow during winter months and splashing in the water during the spring and summer months. This makes them excellent pets for people who live in locations where there is climate change. They are a large dog and therefore exercise is important. Further to this, because they are often very inactive indoor dogs it is important for them to obtain their exercise in another manner. It is also important for the Black Russian Terrier to receive exercise because they are prone to joint problems. Exercise may alleviate some of the joint stiffness. Due to their high level of intelligence and how they excel in obedience combined with their need for consistent training, combining exercise and training is an excellent way for Black Russian Terriers to obtain their necessary level of activity.

Training

The Black Russian Terrier needs to have training from the time it is a puppy due to its suspicious and dominant nature. Initially it is very important to have them socialized around people and other animals. They should be frequently introduced to people out in public of every sex, size, and ethnicity. This will help to decrease their suspiciousness and aloofness of strangers in public. The same principle applies to other animals. However, they can remain dominant in nature around larger dominant dogs.

The Black Russian Terrier is a highly intelligent and focused dog and will train easily to house breaking and to be well mannered on a leash. They are excellent around children and love human contact, so there are typically no problems training them to be around children or to behave in the house. They are usually very inactive indoor dogs.

They are most responsive to firm but positive reinforcement training. Due to their highly intelligent nature, they excel in obedience type training. Positive reinforcement training can consist of clicker training or food reinforcement training. It is important to establish proper dominance between dog and owner early on because of their large size.

The Black Russian Terrier is just too large a dog to not have proper and consistent training. Because they are highly intelligent they make excellent obedience dogs.