Page 232 - ShowSight - February 2020

The Black Russian Terrier
OVERVIEW
Judges have the most visible abil- ity to influence the developmen- tal direction of a breed, espe- cially a new breed, as a result of
their ring selections. It is, therefore, of utmost importance that judges have a solid understanding of the standard of the breed and be able to apply the standard to the specimens presented in selecting the best representatives and future producers.
The standard for the Black Russian was substantially revised in 2009, col- laborating with representatives of the Russian Kennel Club in an effort to produce a standard as closely as pos- sible to that used by the Russian Kennel Club, who was also going through its own standard revision. With so many Black Russian Terriers being imported to the United States, it was very impor- tant that the breed worldwide be as consistent as possible.
Size and substance are major ele- ments 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.
BY SUSAN SHOLAR
230 • ShowSight Magazine, February 2020