Characteristics:

BRTs have a wonderful, well-balanced, strong character. They may be aloof to strangers but are courageous, self-confident, lively and reliable. The BRT is not known to have an especially dominant nature, but they can be wilful or stubborn and are very intelligent.

They are slow to mature both physically and behaviourally – the girls being slightly quicker than the boys in both areas. They are generally dog tolerant but may defend themselves if threatened. They also have a long memory and will remember prior incidents with certain dogs (and certain people).

As they were created as a guard and protection dog they are highly trainable and thrive with a variety of stimulation. In Europe they are being used for both herding and sledding as well as protection work.

BRTs thrive in a housing situation when they are part of the family but not as well when kennelled or removed from human contact for long periods of time.

I will NOTsell a pup to a first time dog owner or inexperienced working dog person.

CAUTION: This is not a breed for everyone. Despite the fact that the BRT looks like a big cuddly teddy bear and is a wonderful family companion, the breed is first and foremost a serious guardian dog, not just a show dog, bred to protect his home and family. There have been instances in show rings overseas of novice owners and handlers not being able to control their dogs when the dog perceived a threat from the judge or another dog. A correctly trained and socialised BRT is no problem. If you are not prepared to take on 12 plus years of responsible ownership, socialization, training and weekly grooming this is not the breed for you.

Overall conformation:

The BRT is a large, robust and powerful dog with large bone and well-developed musculature. He/she should be proportionate with an overall balanced structure which is slightly longer than tall at the withers. He/she should have high, pronounced and well developed withers with a slightly sloping, wide and muscular topline. The rump is large and muscular with a barely visible line slope towards the tail, which is high set on the croup. Bitches are not generally as substantial in size and musculature but this may depend on lineage and environment.

Bite: Scissor bite with a full, complete set (42 teeth) of strong white teeth, fitting closely one to the other. Incisors set on one line.

Gait: Ground-covering movement with good reach in the forequarters and good driving power in the hindquarters. When trotting, the legs must move in a straight line, with the front legs converging slightly towards a median line. The back and loin should have an elastic, springy movement with good driving power from behind. A shortened or ewe neck will result in a shortened, choppy movement in front. It is not in the standard but one should see full footpads in the hind feet as the dog moves away.

Feet: Feet should be thick with well arched pads and rounded in shape.

Colour: Black with a few white or grey hairs. There should be dark pigmentation in the eyes, nose, and gums.

Height: Dogs - 66-72 cm at the withers and bitches 64-70 cm at the withers.

Eyes: Small, dark brown to black, oval shaped and slightly slanted.

Coat: The outer hairs are rough and thick, with a softer undercoat. On the muzzle, the coat should form a rough, brushy moustache on the upper lip and a beard on the lower lip. Above the eyes, the eyebrows are rough and bristled. (Be aware in the warmer parts of Australia coats tend to stay softer and with a less dense undercoat).

Training:

Because the BRT was created as a guard and protection dog, care should be taken to train it responsibly. The BRT was created to work in partnership with its owner. The BRT is a thinking dog. It responds to logic more than force. Therefore, positive reward-based training is more productive than harsh corrections.

At a minimum, the BRT needs a puppy kindergarten for socialization and basic obedience training which should continue for its lifetime. Socialization in all types of daily activity is necessary for the BRT. An owner should take the BRT puppy at least three new places every week for the first six months of its life and expose it to every type of person and situation the adult BRT will ever experience in its lifetime. This should include people in uniform and people of all ages and nationalities.

Activities:

BRTs have competed in a wide range of activities from obedience and agility to protection work and tracking and are well suited to all. They enjoy working and being active and activities such as agility, rally obedience and tracking are highly recommended.

NOTE: If intending to agility train your BRT you should wait until they are approximately 12 months old so as not to cause any damage to growth plates and joints from increased impact. It may also be worth consulting a vet with your BRT before commencing this particular activity.

BRTs generally enjoy water – the more the better. They love to swim and a wading pool can be a great asset in the backyard. They also need a considerable source of fresh drinking water daily.

Diet:

Because of their size and quick rate of growth a high quality diet is a necessity for this breed. Tinned or processed meat is NOT recommended. Instead fresh beef/lamb/chicken either in pieces or mince with a good quality dry biscuit should be on the menu. Until approximately 8 – 12 months the dry food should be for a giant puppy (some brands make specific dry foods aimed at this size and age group) before switching to an adult, large/giant breed dry food. I personally recommend Royal Canin or Eagle Pack Holistic.

Pups from approximately 3 – 6 months need to be fed approximately twice daily. It is very important not to overfeed or underfeed this breed. Being overweight can cause serious skeletal problems during puppyhood or adulthood. Likewise, underfeeding or feeding a poor quality diet can result in poor skeletal formation and possible organ damage. Russaird pups come with a recommended diet sheet. It is also highly recommended that your dog have a regular supply of raw meaty bones for its teeth. This will be far less expensive than having to get teeth cleaned by a vet later down the track! Alternately, dried pigs ears, chicken feet or commercial products such as Dentabones will assist in this area. I do NOT suggest the product Greenies as advice out of the US indicates these may be potentially damaging.

DO NOT SUPPLEMENT YOUR DOGS’ OR PUPS’ FOOD WITH CALCIUM. If you are feeding a healthy, balanced diet this type of supplementation can do more harm than good. Fish oil tablets once or twice a day are suggested, however.

Grooming:

BRTs need to be brushed at least weekly and professionally groomed every six weeks. They can shed more than an Airedale but much less than a Golden Retriever or Labrador. Any time from approximately 18 months of age onward their coats start to change from being a soft puppy coat to a harsher adult coat. During this period some matting will occur as the puppy coat sheds into the harsher coat coming through. Increased grooming and professional advice will assist during this period.

A good quality shampoo and conditioner is highly recommended along with a good quality pin brush, metal comb and matt breaker or matt rake (ask the breeder for their recommendations for each of these).

Especially in the northern areas of Australia BRTs may experience sunburn to their coat giving it a reddish tinge. A good quality sunscreen added to a leave-in conditioner may assist if you are unable to limit the dog’s access to sunlight.

The BRT “clip” continues to undergo metamorphosis and remains open to interpretation and personal preference.  In some areas the coat is grown considerably longer than the following diagram. As a personal aside I do not shave as far down to the hock as is depicted in the photo in the link but taper off at the point equivalent to the stifle. In my opinion the BRT coat should not be as shaped or teased as the Kerry Blue Terrier or Poodle – the coat should be able to visibly ‘move’. The eyebrows and beard should be thick and substantial.  Attached is a link to the recommended grooming pattern….  http://odervyn.free.fr/brt_grooming.htm

Selecting a Breeder:

Do not buy from a breeder who:

• lacks knowledge about Black Russian Terriers;
• shows ignorance of, or denies, genetic defects in the breed;
• does not allow you to observe the puppies or parents, or does not allow you to see their kennels and/or living quarters;
• does not sell pups with a health guarantee;
• cannot provide you with litter documentation or a pedigree; or
• wants to sell you an unregistered puppy.

Do not buy a puppy that is not socialized or acts shy or fearful. Likewise, think twice about buying a pup where the parents are likewise very fearful or aggressive.

Do not buy a puppy less than 8 weeks old and NEVER buy a BRT from an unregistered breeder, from a puppy miller or pet store. Registered breeders have to abide by a Code of Ethics and should refrain from this type of sale.

If you have any doubts ask a breeder for references from people to whom they have previously sold pups or dogs and make contact with these people about their experiences with the breeder and/or the breed.  It's fine to ask lots of questions - good ethical breeders prefer it BUT be aware that we will ask questions as well so be prepared for the "third degree"....

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