The Black Russian Terrier  

My mom has been contemplating getting a new breed since her Bouvier passed on in December and she's been toying with the idea of getting a Black Russian Terrier since she needs a dog with guard instincts and she likes how similar in appearance they are to Bouviers. They are however, a rare breed, and they won't actually gain recognition with the Canadian Kennel Club until July, so she'll have to wait until after then before she gets a show puppy.
I just thought I'd share some info on them with the rest of MyLot's dog lovers.
The Black Russian Terrier (or simply BRT) is a breed of dog developed originally as a guard dog and police dog. It is rare outside its native country and is just starting to be recognized elsewhere; for example, it is one of the AKC's most-recently recognized breeds, gaining full status in July of 2004.
The BRT was developed in the former USSR by the state for use as a military/working dogs. The breeding stock was largely imported from the occupied countries, especially East Germany. Breeds used in the development include the Airedale Terrier, Caucasian Ovcharka, Rottweiler, Newfoundland, Giant and Standard Schnauzers and the now extinct Moscow Water Dog. It was bred for working ability, rather than appearance, and early examples only resembled today's BRT in their build and coat type. It was bred solely by the state owned Red Star Kennel until 1957, when some puppies were sold to civilian breeders. These breeders began to breed for looks (as the original was rather plain) while retaining working ability. The breed was recognized by the FCI in 1984.
Black Russian Terriers are more than mid-size. This rare Russian breed is robust and strong with a good nervous system. Large, powerful, stable and alert.
Black Russian Terriers are brave and very observant. Suspicious of strangers, they have a strong protective instinct that will appear at the age of one and a half to two years. Growing puppies should be treated lovingly but firmly, to steer them in the right direction. Puppies are sensitive, playful, adaptive, and quick to learn. They are inquisitive and will get into everything. Even as an adult they are enthusiastic about children and love to play with them. Males love children but females are more disposed to play with them. This breed seeks intense contact with humans and animals. BRT's have a strong and balanced temperament. They avoid fighting with other dogs, although males cannot live with other big dominant dogs, but can easily live with none-dominant or small dogs, cats, horses, rabbits etc. They are easy to housebreak and do not need to be trained to accept the leash. BRT's enjoy their training sessions and love to please their master. This breed only barks when they feel it is necessary. Quick to act, they are always ready to protect their owner and house.
Black Russian Terriers are "late bloomers" and take a long time to fully mature. If the dog is trained firmly as a puppy, dominance is no problem. You should only share the bed, couch and table, with your puppy if you are willing to do that one year later as well. No matter how sweet and charming the puppy is, remember that within a year this will be a strong and powerful dog. Black Russian Terriers are easy to have in the house, with a little care. They should not live in a kennel outside because such dogs get too little attention and stimulation. Close contact with the family brings out the best qualities of this breed. If this kind of dog is kenneled outside, away from its family, it will not learn how to suitably protect things and may well someday protect its kennel against its owner!The Black Russian Terrier will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and no matter how big your yard is they will be sitting at your front door waiting to come in. They love to live very close to their owner. They will follow you from one room to the other. Kept in a garden they will follow you from window to window and wait for you at the door. They need very close human contact. This breed does not do well living in a kennel; they must have close human contact to be happy.
Black Russian Terriers are always ready for a long walk. They love to romp, play and to be entertained. Most of them love snow and water. They will roll in the snow and splash in the water.