Russian black terrier is a fairly new breed. It became popular with Russian as well as international dog-keepers.
In 1924 the Central School of Young Dog-breeders decided to establish a breeding centre in Krasnaya Zvezda, specialized in working and service dogs. It was here that the Russian Black Terrier was bred. During World War II the number of working dogs decreased significantly in the Soviet Union, while the need for them was growing. There was a great demand for strong, tough, large size, undemanding, calm dogs with a well-balanced nervous system and good sense-organs, who are able to withstand the various climatic circumstances (e.g. beyond the Arctic Circle). The following breeds were interbred in Krasnaya Zvezda Breeding Centre: East-European Shepherd Dog - Newfoundland, Saint Bernard`s - Caucasian Shepherd Dog, Dog - East-European Shepherd Dog, Newfoundland - Caucasian Shepherd Dog, Giant Schnauzer - Airedale Terrier, Giant Schnauzer - Rottweiler, with a special focus on Rottweiler, Giant Schnauzer and Airdale breeds. Rottweilers are strong, undemanding, wild and well-balanced dogs, with good sense organs. The breed mixes well and is able to transfer its massive, strong make.
The Giant Schnauzer is a proven working dog, and is used by the police in many countries for tracking and guarding tasks. It is very strong, wild, mobile, and has excellent sense organs.
The Airdale Terrier is a vigorous, undemanding and easily reproducing breed, with a balanced nervous system. As its drawback we can mention its relatively small size, and light build.
In the first step Roy, a Giant Schnauzer was used to mate with Airdale bitches.
The second step was also based on Roy, he mated with Rottweiler bitches. The third group of mixed breeds comes from the Schnauzer Roy, mentioned earlier, and some Moscow Diver bitches. Moscow Divers were bred in Krasnaya Zvezda by interbreeding Newfoundland males with East-European Shepherd Dog and Caucasian Shepherd Dog bitches, and by mating the offspring amongst one another.
The Russian Black Terrier developed in quite a complex and dramatic way. Several dogs were discarded through the breeders` selections.
Among the basic faults are those of the closing of the teeth, and white spots of any shape and size in the coat. The pincer-like bite and front biting are primarily caused by the two middle-incisor teeth moving forward, besides even or uneven incisor teeth. The upper teeth are mainly situated in a wide line, while the lower denture is narrow.
The faults of closing of the teeth appeared in the very early period of the breeding, through continuing to breed dogs with inadequate bites. Another reason for these faults may be mixing breeds of different build; interbreeding dogs of different head shape.
White spots are usually found on the chest, under the chin or on the toes. Dogs and Moscow Divers with white spots of various shape and size, who took part in he first phase of the breeding, are probably the reason.
Besides its attractive appearance, the Russian Black Terrier is easy to handle, and an intelligent dog. It is a Terrier in its name, but it refers more to its anatomical features than to its temper. It has a calm nature, and never barks needlessly. As it is a late-maturing breed, starting serious training before the age of 9 months is not recommended.
FCI has ranked the Russian Black Terrier from breed group III (Terriers) to group II (guarding and protecting dogs).