Page 207 - Showsight February 2013

By Susan Sholar
j udges have the most visible
ability to influence the devel-
opmental direction of a breed,
especially a new breed, as a
result of their ring selections.
It is, therefore, of utmost
importance that judges have a solid under-
standing of the standard of the breed and
be able to apply the standard to the speci-
mens presented in selecting the best repre-
sentatives and future producers.
The standard for the Black Russian
was substantially revised in 2009. More
than two years later it was still apparent
that many judges either neglected to read,
understand or apply the revised standard
in their rings. In response to many com-
plaints from exhibitors, a letter on behalf
of the parent club was published in the
2011 Fall Issue of the Judges Newsletter
reminding judges of the revised standard
and re-addressing a few of the key changes
in the standard.
Although I have not heard of any oth-
er judges since attempting to call for a
wicket in the BRT ring (there is no lon-
ger a DQ for size), there still appears to be
misapplication of the standard in judging
this breed. After the July 2011 letter was
published, some comments were made by
judges that the parent club wanted “small
dogs to be put up.” This type of response
just further emphasizes the lack of under-
standing of the Black Russian Terrier stan-
dard and particularly of the size and sub-
stance required.
Size and substance are major elements
to be considered together in evaluating the
Black Russian Terrier. Size and substance
are key components in the silhouette that
identifies a Black Russian Terrier.
The standard states:
Size, Proportion, Substance
Size: The height for males at maturity
(over 18 months of age) is between 27" and
30" with the desired height being between
27" and 29". The height for females
at maturity (over 18 months of age) is
between 26" and 29" with the desired
height being between 26" and 28". Any
height deviation is a serious fault. Height
consideration should not outweigh that
of type, proportion, movement and other
functional attributes. General balance is
more important than absolute size.
Judging the Black Russian Terrier
“Size and
SuBSTance
aRe maJoR
elemenTS To
Be conSideRed
TogeTheR
in evaluating the Black
Russian Terrier.
ShowSight Magazine, February 2013 • 203