Description: This is a rare breed that comes from Russia; it is strong and robust, very stable and alert. This is a powerful and large dog. It has a long, well shaped head, with a broad skull, and long muzzle that is square in appearance. The nose is black in colour. The lips are rounded and black; and the jaws are large. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The eyes are dark of medium-size, and set wide apart. The ears are pendular and triangular in shape. The ear length should not exceed the corner of the eyelids. The ears are set high. The neck should be thick, well muscled and powerful. The overall look of the body should be square. Their legs should be straight; elbows can be either in or out facing. The legs should have two to four inches, of coarse hair. Their feet have black pads, are large, and are covered in hair. This dog has a well coordinated gait. The tail is docked, in countries that allowed this practise; it is not desirable to have cropped in ears. The coat should be black, white or brown markings are disqualifying in the show ring. However, grey hairs within the coats are accepted. The coat's texture is coarse, but this depends on whether hand stripping has been done. The beard and muzzle should never be touched.

History: These dogs’ roots go back to the Soviet breeding programme specialists, who created this new breed Black Russian Terrier for their special duties. They were bred to be up to withstanding climatic differences in the vast country. The breeds used to create this dog were, the Giant Schnauzers, Rottweiler’s, Airedale and the Russian water dog. In total, over 20 breeds, we used to create the Black Russian Terrier, we see today. The breed is stable in character and temperament. In May 1984, the breed was recognized with standards. On June 1, 2004 the Black Russian Terrier was admitted as a full member of the working group.

Temperament: This dog is a brave and obedient servant, suspicious of strangers; they have a strong protective instinct. Puppies need to be treated firmly but lovingly. They are quick to learn, playful and can adapt to all situations. They are highly inquisitive and get into everything. They love children, and playing with them. This dog needs constant contact with the humans of their family. They have a well balanced temperament, and even avoid fighting with other dogs. The male dog cannot live with other male dogs that are bigger. This dog loves to train and will greatly enjoy training sessions. With a great love to please, this breed only barks when they feel it is absolutely necessary. They are always ready to protect the owner or the home. This delightful puppy does grow into a big and powerful dog, so firm rules are needed, that are kept in place calmly but fairly. Due to the fact, this dog comes from a working breed of dogs. Daily mental and physical exercise is important. This dog has lots of energy that needs to be released daily. This dog, like all dogs, needs to understand you are the leader.

Health issues: This breed is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. The ears need care, as they have been known to get otitis.

Grooming: This breed's coat is weatherproof. The Black Russian Terrier has lovely eyebrows and a really pretty beard. The upper neck and withers hint at a mane. When the coat is soft stripping can happen. This breed needs to be brushed weekly. Care needs to be taken with the ear hair and hair under the paws. If regularly brushed the Black Russian Terrier sheds little.

Living conditions: This breed is okay in an apartment if given correct exercise. They love to be near their owners, and follow you from room to room. This breed needs close human contact, and is happy as a full member of the family. They require long daily walks.

If you can't find a local breeder in your area don't worry, many breeders are using the major airlines like American, Delta, Continental and Northwest airlines for shipping their puppies.

At this time the airlines will ship puppies to the following States: Alabama AL - Alaska AK - Arizona AZ - Arkansas AR - California CA - Colorado CO - Connecticut CT - Delaware DE - Florida FL - Georgia GA - Hawaii HI - Idaho ID - Illinois IL - Indiana IN - Iowa IA - Kansas KS - Kentucky KY - Louisiana LA - Maine ME - Maryland MD - Massachusetts MA - Michigan MI - Minnesota MN - Mississippi MS - Missouri MO - Montana MT - Nebraska NE - Nevada NV - New Hampshire NH - New Jersey NJ - New Mexico NM - New York NY - North Carolina NC - North Dakota ND - Ohio OH - Oklahoma OK - Oregon OR - Pennsylvania PA - Rhode Island RI - South Carolina SC - South Dakota SD - Tennessee TN - Texas TX - Utah UT - Vermont VT - Virginia VA - Washington WA - Washington, D.C. - West Virginia WV - Wisconsin WI - Wyoming WY - Hawaii HI.