I was initially drawn to the Black Russian Terrier (BRT) some years after losing my Mastiff to old age. There was much about the Mastiff breed that I loved, however, in the years after her absence, I realized I didn't miss her hair on everything, that doggy smell, especially when wet, and the staining she left on light carpeting in her favorite sleeping locations around the house. I didn't miss the drool either. I was also wanting a little more stamina for outdoor activities plus a little more trainability in my next dog. I focused on the working group again, the breeds that most closely fit my lifestyle. Only a few working group breeds have hair rather than fur. Hair coats shed very lightly and differently than fur coats. Hair has little to no odor, especially when wet, and doesn't leave residue on favorite sleeping spots. Of the few breeds meeting this requirement, the BRT met basically all the criteria I was looking for. Other than underestimating the work that goes into a hair coat, the BRT far exceeded my expectations. Even with the heavy grooming needs, I still can't see myself ever having a fur-coated dog again. The BRT is the perfect companion for me — game for and able to participate in any outdoor activity, willing and wants to train and learn new things, adapts to my work schedule, deters people and other dogs that may want to do harm and has protected me from dangerous situations. 

 

I found myself embraced by the BRT community and have fantastic breed and breeding mentors. I am a member of the national breed club, the Black Russian Terrier Club of America (BRTCA) and the Black Russian Club of Canada (BRTCC). I am a member and former board member of my local, AKC all-breed club where I remain active in training, helping new members and volunteering at club sponsored events. 

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I compete regularly in American Kennel Club (AKC) events that include conformation and performance sports such as obedience and agility. Zlata and I are also training in scent work and tracking with goals to title in those sports. While Zlata and I work as a team when training and competing in performance events, and I have handled from time to time in conformation, I used a professional handler for most of Zlata’s conformation career. Her handler began her professional career in BRTs where she achieved a win at the BRT Nationals. She has repeated this in other breeds as well and has been another great mentor for me in BRTs and in showing. I primarily do my own show grooming and was mentored originally by Zlata’s breeders then later by Zlata’s handler.  I have also used a professional BRT show groomer who has contributed to my mentorship in the breed.

 

I’m located very close to a university veterinary hospital, which is a great resource, but it also means several of their professional staff are also my friends and training partners. They provide me additional advice and mentorship in health -related topics.

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While I have had dogs my whole life as pets, my previous competition and breeding background comes from the horse world. 

 

My profession is educator and university faculty member. Professionally, I don’t consider myself an expert, although that is an aspect of my job. I approach my professional work with inquiry, as a learner — constantly seeking more knowledge. I approach my position in the dog fancy and in the breed the same way. 

 

I have compiled the content for this website with that approach. I provide sources and links to support the information, which is a product of my profession I suppose. I believe it is important to read sources and make decisions for oneself.

 

My hope is you find something useful or helpful. I welcome suggestions and feedback on the information contained here. I anticipate a level of fluidity to this information as new research, best practices, etc., become available. 

 

Warmly,

Christine