Thread: Black Russian Terriers

This page has heaps of photos of BRT's working. Click on photos to enlarge

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I am interested as well after Tony mcCallum sparked my interest some time ago.Interested in seeing some work.I am not a hairy dog man but that may change for the right dog.I like the fact they look a little unassuming and most people wouldnt know what one was.l

Hey guys,

I have seen only one working quality dog named Boris, owned by Rod Maruff in Victoria, and he is a great dog full stop. I would be interested to see his progeny if bred to a highly stable and prey driven bitch with a good grip.

As a prof. trainer I've been exposed to more than 15 BRT's a day for extended periods, and I know the breed quite well, and have helped in raising and training many.

They are like any rare breed in that there is a lot of pot luck involved in selection for working ability.

If you are going to by a working BRT DO NOT look at anything that has moved for even one generation away from work. I would want full working pedigrees going back a ways on either side of my pup, which is even more important with BRT's.

The vast majority of show BRT's in Australia severely lack temperament in a working context, and also tend towards being quite nervy, especially in some of the younger dogs. They are certainly very different dogs to what most decoys/handlers are used to, but are typically highly trainable in the obedience context. Also, if you do get half decent nerves and some useful aggression then I would be suggest that 99% of the time you will see grip issues...something you would have to get past in your own mind before owning one.

I would also suggest keeping hair out of pups eyes....I have a strong suspicion that this can lead towards some uncertainty in a dog that has any predisposition towards this trait. As with any pup it is imperative to socialise and habitualise early and correctly. Proper maintenance of the dog's coat through diligent grooming does seem to play a huge role in these dogs lacking physical sensitivity, which is a highly desirable outcome regardless of the application you are choosing a pup for.

The breed has massive question marks over hips and elbows (as of course do many other breeds also), and sadly the Russian xray scores would have to be questioned to some degree...take it all into consideration. I would suggest that, as with any large breed, hip x-rayed parents would be a must.

There are some very reputable working BRT kennels o.s, but I have not seen or worked any of these dogs first hand. I have seen a handful of imported dogs that, whilst nice dogs, really don't 'light any fires' temperament wise. Bring on the good working imported stuff, can't wait to see and work it!

These dogs make great pets by the way, especially for those that like a big dog, something different, and lots of affection from their companion dog. They are routinely phenomenal with kids also. If you want to own one though I be prepared for a lot of grooming and a dog that will constantly have its head stuck in the water bowl...they love water in any form. These dogs also have a very distinctive style of movement, and when you add that to their big personalities they are a constant source of amusement when watching them play together.

These dogs do seem to handle the heat quite well if clipped and groomed appropriately, which I have always found a little surprising to be honest. I am aware of a serious pair that are clipped very short and used to guard an ex-pat compound in violence torn PNG, and their owner informs me that the trouble makers over there are far from keen to stick a hand or head over the fence. I tend to believe this account.

As working dogs though? I would love to be proven wrong, but despite much promise in Australia they just ain't much chop as yet...and at $3000 per pup with a fairly short guarantee of health from most breeders they are a big gamble.

If you want to find some great links go to homesteadkennels.com.au. Rod and Margaret, Homesteads owners, are Australia's leading breeder of 'Blackies', and have made many visits o.s. to shows and breeders. Rod will not sell a dog to a working home as he does not want to risk his breed becoming banned in this over regulated canine culture we endure in Australia, and argues his commitment to this philosophy quite elegantly and unwaiveringly.

Give Rod a buzz if you want to know anything about lines or individual dogs...if he doesn't know it, then nobody in the country does. Plus, if you want to talk 'Blackies' and pick his brain I am sure he would make time for you, he is very good like that.

Have a top week, and I hope that this post sheds some light on the breed for you.

Brad