Protecting the Black Russian Terrier

The Black Russian Terrier is indeed a breed that requires protection, now more than ever. It has been proposed that “the BRT's of color not be bred or shown so as to not compromise the integrity of our Beloved Breed”. The breeds integrity is most certainly at risk; especially if we decide to dismiss an entire population based solely on coloring.

While it is true that the scientists who originally created the BRT favored the black variations for their best incident of aggression for the task; it is also true that once fanciers/breeders began manipulating the breed, the task changed therefore negating the work of the scientists. There is absolutely no significant variance in type, temperament, and health between the off colors and black varieties. When given the chance, the off colors will prove themselves correct in all of the BRT standards. If anything, what is being produced are exemplary specimens within the off color varieties, especially in their coats, structure and work ethic. The off color BRT’s have not been given the opportunity to excel like their black counterparts. Given the opportunity, off colored BRTs will prove equally fitting, if not more so, as breed worthy, versatile specimens that fit well within the breed standard, color withstanding.

By neglecting an entire healthy and well tempered population based on color, we are doing nothing but diminishing the gene pool. The BRT was only recognized by the AKC in 2004, by omitting healthy specimens of appropropriate breed type, regardless of color, so early in the breed's existence will do nothing but potentially hurt it.

Written by Katelyn Smith

in collaboration with Leslie Wooldridge