submitted by the American Black Russian Terrier Club
When examining the Black Russian Terrier (BRT) you will be approaching
a stable, yet aloof, and reserved breed. While examining the bite, or
having the exhibitor show it, you are looking for full dentition. A scissors
bite is preferred, a level bite is acceptable.Give the dog adequate space from other dogs while examining or gaiting. Be calm and this breed will accept the examination. A highly excitable or excessively shy dog not willing to be examined is not acceptable.
Pay particular attention to the shoulder layback and the corresponding neck angle. A narrow, high set head, on a long thin neck with flat ribs, narrow in body and lacking in substance and forechest is considered out of the proper phenotype for the BRT's.
This "dry" interbreed type will tend to be "cobby"
and have a high set tail. A "coarse" dog will have a thickened
neck, coarse head, weak topline and appear too heavy for endurance work.
The coarse breed type tends to have molloser characteristics, such as
entropy, excessive dewlap, looseness of skin around the head and neck,
and usually dropped lower incisors to appear to have a level bite. Barrel
chested dogs will not have either the proper reach or endurance.Free stacking is encouraged to allow the judge to observe the natural stance of the dog.
A proper BRT is massive yet balanced. Slightly longer than tall, the side movement covers a lot of ground with little wasted effort. Reach and drive is both impressive and balanced, with a converging gait. The chest is deep, with spring to the ribs, but not to appear barrel chested. The proportions of the back, loin and croup is 2:1:1, therefore there should be a slightly elongated croup. The tail set should be between 12 o'clock and 01:30. 01:30 with the classic "tic-toc" is a very self-assured animal and is highly prized in this breed.
Thoroughly check the substance of the breed, too long a coat to make the dog appear to have substance is not to be tolerated, as it would affect the working abilities of the dog. The Black Russian Terrier has a wavy, tousled, profuse double coat, with somewhat harsh hairs covering the decorative undercoat. A tight curly coat is considered a serious fault. Black, or black with gray or off-white hairs throughout, are the only acceptable colors.
