Black Rusian Terrier

[MissLonzie]

Hi,
I am interested in buying a Black Russian Terrier but would like to a little more reseach on the breed. The only info I have really been able to find on the breed is the breed standard and a bit of basic info. Does anyone know of any good Black Russian site with info on genetic diseases...etc.?

Cheers
MissLonzie

[Carrie]

What attracted you to the breed in the first place? What is it or what is it like? I've never heard of it before. Are they rare? I wonder why there isn't more online about them. Hmm. Well, let us know what you find out. Good luck!

[MissLonzie]

I first saw a Black Russian Terrier about a year ago when I had my babies at a rare breeds dog show and it was the sort of dog that just made my jaw hit the ground.... I later found out that the dog's name was Borris and he was just magnificent, he had a huge big deep chest, was beautifully groomed and had so much character. He went on that day to win Best Exhibit in Show and I was so happy (even though as a result my dog's where beaten by him) he truely deserved it. I have done heaps of shows before and after that day but I have never seen one at another show. I think the closest breed that I could compare them to is a Giant Schnauzer but they are solider and a little taller. Obviously by what I said the first thing that attracted me to the breed was the look but with the small amount of info I have found on the breed they have the same type of temperament as my neos (which I love) and a are suitable and excel in tracking, agility, obedience... etc. which I something I have wanted to get into for a while but my neos are just not built for thing like agility and jumping. I will keep looking and let you know what I find. If you are interested in seeing one Carrie follow the link below.....it is one of the few sites I have found.

Rare Breeds Network - Black Russian Terrier

[Lil'Paws]

Thanks for the post MissLonzie . I too was wondering what they looked like..There beautiful..

[MissLonzie]

Not a problem Lil' Paws.... I am happy help, it's sad that a lot of breeds are only rare because others don't get the chance to find out about them.... i only came across the breed by chance. They are beautiful aren't they!!!

[Carrie]

Very interesting and cool looking. It's funny, they talk about what went into the development of them...Giant Schnauzer, Airedale, Rott, I forget if there was something else, but nowhere, not even in the description of the standard do they talk about temperament. I suspect they'd make a formidable guard dog. Quite good looking!
What are your neos like temperament wise. You say they sound similar. Are they a calm sort of dog or goofballs like Dobermans? If you like a protective dog that is quick as lightening, atheletic and agile, Dobes are good at agility, but their temperament when they're working is "ok...down to business. I'm all ears." (LOL) But when they're not, total clowns, lots of silly business. This dog makes me laugh more than any dog I've ever had. He's a riot. I also like a very intelligent dog and Dobermans are highly intelligent, way up there on the list of studies...#5 I think on one study/test I read.

[MissLonzie]

My Neos are friendly and loving with those who know them, but will just sit back and watch for a bit when around strangers just to get an idea of what the person is like. They are not at all vicious but are very protective of me and my property. My male especially is just a big boof head and tends to give people the impression that he is dopey and doesn't have much of idea of what is going on but nothing could be further from the truth (I recently pad to put a paddlock on my fridge bcause he worked out ohw to open it). I do like dobes but i prefer the look of them with cropped ears (which is illegal here). My boy Wilber also likes dobes, a friend of mine has a female named angel and since her and Wilber have become friends he shows no interest in my bitches (even when they are in season)..... he only has eyes for Angel (Wilber and I have had to have lengthly discussions about the fact that i do not wish to have cross bred pups and that a dobe neo mix would not be a nice look...... but he is yet to listen to me).

Cheers
ML

[Carrie]

LOL! Dobe/Neo....hmmmm, velly interestink!

Yeah...I think all the protective type dogs are a bit skeptical of strangers and will size 'em up for a while first before being friends. And that is just the way they have to be in order to be a protection dog.

Wow, your guy is smart. The little devil....getting into the fridge!

I also prefer the look of cropped ears. It's just such a Dobe thing. But I like them ok the other way too. I just like their spritely personalities.

I like how you describe your guy looking dopey and makes people get the wrong impression, then whamo! LOL. He knows his stuff!

[MissLonzie]

Carrie,
Speaking of guarding/ protection breeds, i have a quick question for you. I have found that by females are even more protective that the male yet alot of owners (of other types of breeds) have said that their males are always the most protective. Which sex have you found to be more protective in the dobes?

Cheers
ML

[Ritz459]

Here is some info on the Black Russian Terrier(this is out of the January2004 DogFancy magizine):
Country of Origin: Russia
Life Span:10-12 years
Grooming:Brush weekly, clip at least monthly
Height/Weight-26 to 30in, 80 to 130 lbs
Trainability-High
Activity Level-Moderate
Known health problems-Hip and/or elbow displasia
Best Home-Appropriate for apartment,suburban,or rural living in a moderate to cool climate.
Good with children-Yes (that's my summury)
Good with other pets-Yes. Needs to be introduced to other dogs though.

"They aren't aggresive, preferring to knock down opponents rater than attack. They're not dog aggresive. They are not people aggresive. They are laid-back."

Owners relish the Blackies' need for companionship. "They are not happy in a yard alone."

Although lovable and eager as pups, BRTs do require obedience trianing. "Their guarding instinct usally kicks in between 14 and 18 months, and if they haven't been trianed, you won't have control of them."

This "calm,confident, and courageous" breed works well with an owner who wants companionship, is equally loyal, and has time to spend with it. "THis is a very elegant, personable, stable dog."

I hope that helped! Good luck in finding one!

[MissLonzie]

Thanks Ritz, that was a big help

Cheers
ML

[greekblue]

Hi all. I am new to this forum, but I wanted to respond to the BRT question. I am getting a Black Russian Terrier puppy near the end of August. The person who gave breef info about the BRT's temperament and health is correct. BRTs are extremely intelligent dogs -- somewhere I read they have a brain between humans and monkeys. Just very smart dogs. They are very rare, but they start getting more known and popular. It was really hard for me too to get a good website about BRTs, so I cannot really help much. I thought dogbreedinfo.com was a comprehensive, helpful web. I think the health issues of a dog have also a lot to do with the breeder. Do not buy any dog from a backyard breeder or from a petstore. The lady I adopted (I do not like the word bought) my puppy from is great. She is in NY, but she was willing to answer all my questions. I also met someone here in California who got a puppy from her two years ago, and he told me his dog is beautiful, healthy, and exceeded his expectations. I would recomment that you go to her website and email her all your questions about BRTs. I should have asked more questions too. She will be very happy to answer your questions -- even if you are not to buy a dog from her. Just tell her you are considering a BRT, but you have all these questions. Then, list your questions in the email.
The website is: http://brtarbat.info Her dog Arbat is a dog show champion. I am sure you can also find other people who breed BRTs (make sure they are responsible, reputable breeders) and email them your questions. If a breeder is responsible will be happy to answer any questions you might have before you decide to buy a puppy from them.
Sorry, that is all I can say.
I do not know where you live, but if you live in South California, I would be happy to have you meet my BRT.

[LilacDragon]

According to the Black Russian Terrier Club of New Jersey, there are quite a few issues besides bad hips and elbows. Considering the breeds said to have been used to establish the breed, I am not surprised.

You will find what seems to be a fairly comprehensive list here:

http://www.brtcnj.com/health.htm

[StephanieandTeddy]

I just saw one today!!! We have one in town that I see once in awhile...she is a very aloof dog...similar to a Rottie.
I think they are becoming better known as PP and Schutz. dogs.

Nice-looking dog, but I'd rather have a big, solid Bouvier!!!

[Cassiepeia]

Great info, I love BRTs too...but this thread is 3yrs old. Don't want to stop you sharing the wonderful information, please feel free to discuss the breed as much as you like here, but MissLonzie might not be around to read any advice directed at her specifically.

Cass.