Black Russian Terrier

The Black Russian Terrier was developed near Moscow around the 1930's at the Red Star Kennel, a kennel established by the Soviet government that aimed to produce a perfect military dog for the Russian Army. The World Wars and economic depression has essentially wiped out most pure breeds from Europe, so there was very little for the kennel to work with. The Black Russian Terrier was developed from over 17 breeds including the Giant Schnauzer, Airedale Terrier, Rottweiler, and Newfoundland. The breed was the ideal Russian military dog, with the strength to down and hold prisoners; the stamina, intelligence, and alertness to patrol borders; and the thick coat to protect against the frigid nights in the region.