Created by the Russian Army after the Second World War to catch fugitives, the Russian Black Terrier needed to be able to cope with the, at times, extremely cold Russian climate. The main breeds used in his development were the Giant Schnauzer, Airedale Terrier and Rottweiler. He was recognised by the FCI in 1984 and first achieved popularity outside Russia in Italy.

When the breed was recognised in the UK in 1998, a lively debate took place about his name and into which group he should be placed. Eventually, following the precedent of the West Highland White Terrier (for which place of origin preceded colour), he became the Russian Black Terrier. Though called a terrier he is, in view of his ancestry and work, placed in the Working Group.

From a distance, his Giant Schnauzer ancestry appears to dominate, though he is actually larger than his ancestor (and much larger than other terriers). His waterproof coat with its dense undercoat protects him against his native country’s severe winters. Certainly, he is a dog to stop wrongdoers in their tracks, but, according to his adherents, he is not aggressive and should have a friendly nature.