I was at Grimsthorpe fun day today and was at a stall that was, I think, Search dogs
I looked at a dog and thought it was a FAT Schnauzer!!! (which didnt make sense as it was deffinatly a working dog from the stand)
And got told it was a, well I thought this was what they said, a Russian short haired pointer. But just looked it up nd I wasnt listening properly!!!! It was a Russian(yes I got that right!!!) Black Terrier!!!! (I wasnt looking properly as it is deffintly that dog LOL)
Now I can honestly say, I have NEVER heard of them LOL and I do try and look up dogs that I hear about LOL
Lea

See them a lot at shows. I think they're easier to confuse with bouviers.

i second that, very similar to the bouvier (to the untrained eye!)

powerful looking dogs though!

My friend has Bouviers and is a great fan of the Russian Blacks, but I understand they are not for the faint hearted and best left to very experienced owners.

Love Russian Blacks, but yep do't think I could own one

I know a couple of Russian Blacks...nice dogs but not the breed for me.

Two used to come to our training club a few years back, litter brother and sister.  Unfortunately owner wasn't really suitable but they had such wonderful temperaments and were a lovely pair.

I know a couple of people who have these beatiful dogs,and really considered one when looking for our latest pup.
In the end my heart still belongs with Briards though. Hence my new boy.

I have seen these lovely dogs...
At Crufts the police had a pair of them as police dogs!

I was speaking to a Bouvier owner yesterday and he was saying that the Black Russian Terrier was bred for the Russian military. I have seen a few at shows and boy they do look good. Not sure i could take one on as i've heard they need a very strong hand.
This guy went on to say that they were crossed with a Rotti, Airdale(sp) and Giant Schnauzer back in the day.
I have to say they do look very good when going round the ring when i have seen them. He said that they can be quite aggressive?? Though saying that the ones i've seen have been very well behaved.

One of the local police dog handlers who does our KCGC tests has a Russian Black which he uses for work. He has brought him in to show us, and he's a lovely dog but very big and powerful, and apprantley they aren't too friendly with strangers either.

I think they also have some Newfi blood in them somewhere, as well as Schnauzer.

Lovely dogs though, just too much for me to handle I think

Claire