Information on AKC Black Russian Terrier Puppies
Black Russian Terrier Breed Standard
General Appearance
The Black Russian Terrier (BRT) is a robust, large and powerful dog. The dog has
large bone and well developed muscles. The breed was developed in Russia and used
as guard dogs for protection. They must be balanced, have a good temperament and
be reliable. The dogs have great courage and strength. They are capable of endurance.
Dogs must have a large frame and heavy bone. Bitches are definitely to appear
feminine but never lacking in substance.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Size: Dogs at maturity are between 27 inches and 30 inches. Bitches
at maturity are to be between 26 and 29 inches. A deviation from the ideal height
is to be faulted. Any dog or bitch under 26 inches is a disqualification. Proportion:
The Black Russian Terrier is slightly longer than tall. The most desired proportions
are 9½ to 10. The length is measured from breastbone to rear edge of the
pelvis.
Head
The head must be in proportion to the body. It should give the appearance
of power and strength. Eyes: The eyes should be of medium size and
dark. Eye rims are to be black without sagging or prominent haw. The eye is to
be oval shaped. Light eyes are a serious fault. Ears: The ears are set
high and are rather small and triangular in shape. The front edge of the ear should
lay close to the cheek. The length of the ear should reach the outside corner
of the eye. Ears set low on the skull are to be faulted. Cropped ears are not
acceptable. The head should be powerfully built with a moderately broad and blocky
skull. Viewed from the side it should appear balanced. The head is made
of two parallel planes. The back skull to muzzle is measured from the corner of
the eye. Occiput should be well developed. The muzzle should be slightly
shorter than the back skull. The length of the muzzle to the back skull is approximately
a ratio of 4 to 5. The forehead must be flat with a marked but not pronounced
stop. The head of the male is distinctly masculine, and that of the bitch, distinctly
feminine. Nose: The nose must be large and black. Disqualification:
Nose other than black. Lips: are full, tight and black. There are
to be no flews. The gums have dark pigmentation. Black mark on the tongue is allowed.
Teeth: The teeth are large and white. There should be full dentition. The
incisors form a straight line at the base. The bite should be scissors. Any missing
teeth are a serious fault. Undershot or Overshot bites are a disqualification.
Neck, Topline, and Body
Neck: The neck should be thick, muscular and powerful. Length is not to
be excessive. There should be no pendulous or excessive dewlap. The length of
the neck and the length of the head should be approximately the same. An excessively
thick neck is considered a fault. Body: The whole structure of the body
should give the impression of strength. The chest is deep and wide. The
shape should be oval and reach to the elbows or a little below. The withers are
high, pronounced and well developed. The topline is level and straight. The loin
is short. The abdomen is well tucked up and firm. Withers are higher than and
sloping into the level back. Croup is wide, muscular, moderately long slightly
sloping toward the high tail set. Tail is set high, thick and docked with
3 to 5 vertebrae left. An undocked tail is not to be penalized.
Forequarters
Shoulders should be large and muscular, well developed with blades broad and sloping.
The shoulders should be well laid back. The angle between the shoulder blades
and the upper arm is at a 100 to 110 degree. Shoulders are well muscled. The forelegs
are straight and well boned. The elbows must turn neither in nor out while standing
or moving. The forelegs are straight and muscular. Pasterns are short and almost
vertical. Length of the front leg to the elbow should be about 53 to 54 percent
of the dog's height. Feet are large, compact, and rounded in shape. The
pads of the feet are thick and firm. Nails are short and dark. Rear dewclaws could
be removed.
Hindquarters
Viewed from the rear the legs are straight and parallel, set slightly wider than
the forelegs. The hindquarters are well boned and muscular with good angulation.
The stifle is long and sloping. The thighs are muscular. The hocks are well let
down, long and vertical when standing.
Coat
Tousled, double coat. The texture of the outer coat is coarse. The undercoat is
thick and soft. Length of coat should vary from 1½ to 4 inches and cover
the entire body. It is a pronounced tousled coat rather than wiry or curly.
Presentation
Presentation of the breed in the show ring, the dogs outline is clearly defined.
The dogs will be trimmed but should not appear to be sculpted. Ears: hair should
be trimmed inside and outside the ear. The ears will lay flat to the side of the
head. Forehead: Just behind the eyebrows the hair is to be shaved or cut very
short so as to make what appears to be a platform. The rest of the forehead is
trimmed so that the shorter hairs will blend with the longer hairs of the muzzle.
This forms a "cap" which should help define length of backskull. Looking from
the top of the head it should give the appearance of a "brick". The fringe from
the eyebrows is brushed forward and blends with the beard and muzzle. This blending
of hair should look from the side like a "triangle". Neck: The front of the neck
from the throat to the point of shoulder should be shaved or scissored short.
The hair on the back of the neck should appear to have a mane down to the withers.
Topline: is trimmed from the withers to the tail so that when viewed from the
side it appears level. The hair from the back should then blend down the sides
of the dog. It is stressed that there should be no distinct lines or scissors
marks.
Color
The only acceptable colors for the Black Russian Terrier is black or black with
a few gray hairs. Any other color is to be considered a disqualification.
Gait
A Black Russian Terrier should move freely with a smooth easy springy motion.
The motion should be well-balanced and fluid. As the Black Russian Terrier moves
faster the feet will converge toward a centerline. The topline should remain level.
Temperament
The character and temperament of the Black Russian Terrier is of utmost importance.
The Black Russian Terrier is a calm, confident, and courageous dog with a self-assurance
which sometimes is rather aloof toward strangers. They are highly intelligent,
extremely reliable. They were bred to guard and protect. The behavior in the show
ring should be controlled, willing, adaptable, and trained to submit to examination.
Disqualifications
Any dog or bitch under 26 inches
Nose other than black
Undershot or overshot bite
Any color other than black.
Approved: June 11, 2001
Effective: September 1, 2001
