Our Black Russian Terrier
Blackberry Mayra Leona TT
"Mira"
S: Tschapka Aaron
SS: Ger. CH Caraul Tara's Sarja BH
SD: Frisby Vom Kellergeist
D: Blackberry Pocahontas
DS: Rus. CH Brenda's Company Gigant
DD: CH Blackberry Extravaganza
After losing our beloved BRT Tasha in 2018 after 14 wonderful years, we were lucky enough to bring Mira home in the fall of 2018. Though Mira is now an older adult, it is only recently that she has started to slow down a bit. For many years, she thought she was still a young pup! Though she is a good farm guard and does not care much for strangers, she is a sweet and loving member of our family. She is a show-quality female with beautiful conformation and movement - and a natural tail! Mira did not care much for showing and would rather spend her time with us on the farm, close to her people.
Mira on the farm
The Black Russian Terrier
The Black Russian Terrier, often called the "Black Pearl of Russia," is a relatively young breed developed in the Soviet Union after World War II. The goal was to create a large, strong, courageous, and highly trainable working dog with the stability and resilience needed for demanding service work and harsh climates. The state-run Red Star Kennel led the development of the breed.
More than one hundred dogs from numerous breeds contributed to the foundation of the Black Russian Terrier. The most influential breeds included the Giant Schnauzer, Airedale Terrier, Rottweiler, and Newfoundland. In the early generations, working ability was the highest priority. The desired dog needed to be powerful, confident, reliable, and devoted to its handler.
By the late 1950s, Black Russian Terrier puppies from the Red Star Kennel were becoming available to civilian breeders. These breeders helped refine the breed's appearance while preserving its serious working character. The breed continued to develop over the following decades, and the Black Russian Terrier was eventually recognized internationally and later welcomed into the American Kennel Club.
Today's Black Russian Terrier is a very large, strong dog with heavy bone, ample muscle, and a striking black coat. Although impressive in appearance, the breed is much more than just beautiful. Black Russian Terriers are true working dogs: intelligent, stable, loyal, protective, and deeply bonded to their families. They are natural guardians, but they should also be thoughtful and controlled rather than reactive or indiscriminate.
This is not a breed for everyone. Black Russian Terriers need good breeding, early socialization, consistent training, regular grooming, and owners who understand large working dogs. In the right home, however, they are extraordinary companions - devoted, watchful, affectionate with their family, and happiest when they have a job to do and people to love.
Like many large breeds, health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia can occur. Responsible breeders screen their dogs for important health concerns, including hips, elbows, eyes, thyroid, and cardiac issues. Good breeders know that health, temperament, sound structure, and proper breed type all matter.
For more information about the breed, including the AKC breed standard, please see the links page.
