BRIEF HISTORY OF BREED

Black Russian Terrier is a relatively young breed. From its origin the breeding is under organized circumstances, it can be followed from the first attempts until today. After Second World War number of working dogs diminished significantly in the Soviet Union and especially in the army there was a need for a dog which is strong, unassuming, calm, versatile and has a well-balanced nerve system. It was a significant aspect for the dog to tolerate extreme weather conditions which are common on that huge territory.
Major Medvegyev is considered to be the creator of the breed who was the commandant of the Central Dog Training School in that time and leaded the breeding of this working dog.
As a results of first attempts some interim breeds were created such as Moscow Waterdog (created from the Caucasian Shepherd Dog, Newfoundland dog and Eastern European Shepherd Dog), watchdog of Moscow (created from the Saint Bernard Dog, Caucasian Shepherd Dog and Eastern European Shepherd Dog), and Black Russian Terrier (created from the Giant Schnauzer, Airedale Terrier, Rottweiler and Water dog of Moscow).

Black Russian Terrier inherited its excellent watcher-defender attribute, vehemence and its rude black fur which resists extreme weather from Schnauzer. BRT inherited its bravery, its ability for self-sacrificing, good scent, its muscular; strong but athletic body from Airedale Terrier. The breed inherited big muscles from Rottweiler, force and its legendary loyalty.
The other breeds participated in the breeding such as Dog of Moscow and Russian hound did not contribute to the creation of the breed with any significant signs. The forefather of BRTs was a Giant Schnauzer from Czech Republic. He was Roy (Zorab-Ledi) who had puppies with similar attitudes from bitches originated from different breeds. These puppies were robust, strong, with big and long heads and they had dark (usually black) fur.

For further breeding Roy and his strongest puppies which had the best ability for work were selected since the purpose was to breed an excellent working dog for fulfilment of watcher-defender and police tasks.
It was showed first in 1955 by the Red Cross Breeding Association. 2 years later already 40 Black Russian Terriers participated in the Soviet Police Dog Exhibition, which raised the attention of the researchers and breeders. The first book on the breed about standard, usability and training of BRT was published in 1958.
The Russian Ministry of Agriculture published the first official standard of the breed in 1981 when some dogs have already been existed outside of the Soviet Union.
The FCI registered the breed in 1983 under the registration number 327 and that time they classifed the breed to Group III (Terriers). Nowadays BRT belongs to Group II (watcher-defender dogs).
Researchers and breeders created an extraordinary breed within such a short time which is often called as “Russian black pearl” or “Man in fur”.

source: Jackpot Kennel
special thanks for the translation to Moi Angel