Page 227 - ShowSight - February 2020

mop or a broom and they will immediately step in the pile you have swept up to “help”.
What about our breed makes them an ideal companion? Draw- backs? They are not that energetic—they are called a Terrier in their name most are not Terrier like. They are calm and extremely loyal and want to be with you. They can be standoffish to strangers but to their people they are always present. They are house dogs so they want to be present with you.
Any misconceptions about our breed? They do shed. They have hair so its not the little spiky hairs that you get all over your clothes or in your eyes like other breeds—but you will find tufts of hair or “tumbleweeds” often.
What special challenges do BRT breeders face? Finding appro- priate families is always a challenge no matter the breed.
At what age do we start to see definite signs of show-worthiness? six to eight weeks for conformation. Six to eight months for atti- tude—some dogs are gorgeous but have no desire to show.
What is the most important thing about our breed for a new judge to keep in mind? Structure and movement as well as tempera- ment should be put above hair and grooming. Judges are supposed to judge for breed worthiness and yes hair is a part of it—structure and movement are essential.
What’s the best way to attract newcomers to our breed and to the sport? Honestly—word of mouth. A lot of people become inter- ested in the breed by watching it on TV (Westminster, the National Dog Show, Royal Canin etc)—but they have never actually seen or met one. They really need to see one in person. Most people are astonished at their size in real life. Once they see one “full grown” then you can steer them to the working aspects to pursue or regard- ing showing. All the dogs I have bred that have been winning in the show ring were sold as pets first—I want my pups to have forever homes and I think family/pet homes is the best thing for my pups first and foremost.
What is our ultimate goal for the breed? To continue to improve and maintain calm, sound, stable temperaments as well as sound structure and movement.
Our favorite dog show memories? Margarita: There have been so many accomplishments and breed firsts my puppy people have attained and gotten with their dogs—but mine is for my founda- tion breeding stock—in 2008 winning BOB and BOS with Leeza and Raddy. Leeza was the very first BRT shown at Westminster with a tail and Raddy was an IPO-1—so both firsts for the breed. I thought my heart would stop when the judge pointed at first one and then the other.
Helene: Westminster in 2008 my bitch with a tail took BOB and my male took BOS.
Is there anything else we’d like to share about our breed? They are a fantastic breed—and a wonderful friend and companion for the lucky few of us who get to be owned by one.
LYLA MORRELL
I live in Roberts, Montana. Living in a country setting where I can exercise and spend time with the dogs socializing and hav- ing one on one time loving them and teaching them to become a well-rounded dog suitable to special needs and families wanting a companion. Having raised and been around dogs from an early age has given me a serious passion for keeping the dogs best inter- est first. Researching and educating myself for health and learning from others what I can do to keep BRT’s health and soundness solid is something I take very seriously.
Am comfortable with the BRT being #118 in AKC recognized breeds? Yes, but my main concern for this breed is that people will take the time to health test and not reproduce health related issues that will harm the dogs quality of life. Most people do not recognize
the BRT for what they are, education and sharing with the public will improve the awareness.
The BRT is very loyal and wants to be with their owner and or family. They are very aware of their surroundings and intelligent. Socialization is a must with this breed. They can adapt well and need to know consistency. Would say they are not a first time dog owner breed since they are very smart and need to know when asked to do something they are expected to do it.
Temperament is very important with this breed and how you raise and train your BRT remains critical. Starting from day one consistent and loving exposure will make a wonderful pet, compan- ion. Time must be spent with this breed.
When one approaches this breed let them check you out, running up and putting your face in their space probably not a good idea.
Hoping Judges will take the time to know the AKC standards of this breed and see what this breed was bred to do.My ultimate goal for this breed is to provide a healthy ,well rounded quality working dog to suitable homes where they will be cared for and loved with respect and responsibility.
My favorite dog show memory was taking my BRT to a show and winning the top award at the show and having all four judges say “Enjoy the ride, the sky’s the limit with her” was very excit- ing and to take her offspring to shows two years later and have the same judges say “wow, consistency in your breeding program is to be recommended.”
BRT’s are not for everyone but for the person willing to spend the time and love with this breed the rewards are amazing.
DONNA PATTERSON
I live in Wiggins, Mississippi with my husband Dale and our six Black Russians. I work full time as an Operations Manager for Big Level Trucking and enjoy gardening in what I have outside of working and grooming my dogs.
Do I hope the breed’s popularity will change or am I comfort- able with the placement? I am very comfortable with this place- ment. The Black Russian is a tough guardian dog that requires a lot of socialization to make a good social dog. A lot of people think they might want a guard dog but have no idea what it really means. A large increase in popularity would make more work in rescue when these cute puppies get to be 15 months old and the owner has no idea how to gain the control they should have had all along.
Does the average person on the street recognize the breed? Used to be almost never, but now occasionally you get a person who knows. The majority still ask if it’s a Bouvier or a Goldendoodle (If you can imagine that).
What qualities in the field also come in handy around the house?
I feel quite secure in my home, with six of them I have no fear that anyone will come in uninvited.
What about the breed makes them an ideal companion? In the home they are relatively calm, laid back dogs. They are not “plea- sure barkers”, if they bark it is for a reason. They are very devoted to the family, they all will follow to wherever I am in the house—it makes for quite a parade! My area is rural, with almost no foot traf- fic, so the dogs can walk in the field, unleashed and they don’t run off. Unlike sporting dogs or hounds, they don’t take off chasing a scent and prefer to stay fairly close to their people.
I won’t say that they are non-shedding, but they are low shed- ding. Undercoat collects in tumbleweeds, but it is rarely in clothing or on furniture.
They fit into your life whatever your life happens to be. They will run with you, and work with you all day, but if you prefer to be a couch potato they do that just as well. I have one that is higher energy, likes to play ball, and will insist that you play too. But other
Black Russian Terrier Q & A
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