This is a fascinating exploration of the genesis of a new breed born of necessity from the ashes of the Second World War. Donald B. Anderson looks in some detail at the formative years and the [verifiable] breeds employed in creating this monstrous "Black Terrier". In 2004, Anderson discovered the fabled existence of a new breed, the massive, aggressive Black [Russian] Terrier. Having been a breeder of Giant Schnauzers, he was immediately captivated by a statement proclaiming this canine to be based on the Giant Schnauzer. With little information readily available, Anderson (launching himself onto the investigative trail) decided to undertake the search for more knowledge on the evolution and development of this Stalin-era, post-WWII-Russia, military dog. Data strongly suggests that this beast was created as the result of a post World War II edict of Premier Josef Stalin's demand for a national military and gulag guard dog. With the Stalin years fraught with secrecy and ruled by applying unbridled psychological fear on the public, discovering sources of information, and forging a spirit of mutual trust, was not to be an easy task. What Anderson discovered was an undertaking of monumental proportions, a project that could only be accomplished through the availability of unlimited government financial resources, and political commitment. A strategy was launched by a large team of Russia's foremost geneticists and cynologists to undertake massive multi-breed experimental combinations of dogs with the aim of melding a collection of the best traits into a "super" military canine. In outlining this "historical" exploration, Anderson has ferreted out evidence previously not readily available outside Russia, and has made every effort to gather, evaluate and produce an account that can be substantiated as being reasonably accurate. Anderson's stratagem was not only to describe the emerging "Black Terrier", but to include historical data on the origins of the breeds that went into its makeup, thus providing readers with a Paint by Number portrait of the big picture. Anderson portrays the evolution from the original concept of a dog of war to that of a family companion. His purpose for this eight-year odyssey was not only with writing an historical presentation for the English-speaking canine fancy, but an invitation to journey with him along a road of adventure. His chronology of the Black Russian Terrier became so massive and complex that it could only be rationally presented in a series of volumes.

From the darkness of WWII there appeared a light rising on the horizon from which would emerge a magnificent new canine.From the middle of the twentieth century until the beginnings of the 1980s, in Volume 5 of The Creation of the Black Russian Terrier: Moscow Families, we follow the pathways of this exciting Breed's development until it achieves the prestigious status of world-wide recognition.COMING! Vol. 6: Leningrad Dozens of pedigrees & pictures!

This is a fascinating exploration of the genesis of a new breed born of necessity from the ashes of the Second World War. Donald B. Anderson looks in some detail at the formative years and the [verifiable] breeds employed in creating the Black Russian Terrier. In 2004, Anderson discovered the fabled existence of a new breed, the massive, aggressive Black [Russian] Terrier. Having been a breeder of Giant Schnauzers, he was immediately captivated by a statement proclaiming this canine to be based on the Giant Schnauzer. With little information readily available, Anderson (launching himself onto the investigative trail) decided to undertake the search for more knowledge on the evolution and development of this Stalin-era, post-WWII-Russia, military dog. Data strongly suggests that this beast was created as the result of a post World War II edict of Premier Josef Stalin's demand for a national military and gulag guard dog. With the Stalin years fraught with secrecy and ruled by applying unbridled psychological fear on the public, discovering sources of information, and forging a spirit of mutual trust, was not to be an easy task. What Anderson discovered was an undertaking of monumental proportions, a project that could only be accomplished through the availability of unlimited government financial resources, and political commitment. A strategy was launched by a large team of Russia's foremost geneticists and cynologists to undertake massive multi-breed experimental combinations of dogs with the aim of melding a collection of the best traits into a "super" military canine. In outlining this "historical" exploration, Anderson has ferreted out evidence previously not readily available outside Russia, and has made every effort to gather, evaluate and produce an account that can be substantiated as being reasonably accurate. Anderson's stratagem was not only to describe the emerging "Black Terrier", but to include historical data on the origins of the breeds that went into its makeup, thus providing readers with a Paint by Number portrait of the big picture. Anderson portrays the evolution from the original concept of a dog of war to that of a family companion. His purpose for this eight-year odyssey was not only with writing an historical presentation for the English-speaking canine fancy, but an invitation to journey with him along a road of adventure. His chronology of the Black Russian Terrier became so massive and complex that it could only be rationally presented in a series of volumes.

Who would have known that the diminutive Airedale Terrier would have contributed such powerful mortar to the building blocks of a "war" dog as massive as the Black Russian Terrier? One certainly recognizes the Airedale as a most loveable and affectionate family member: playful, happy, one of the kids, a clown on four legs. But the excitement comes in recognizing that the Airedale Terrier is also a consummate warrior who served with unquestionable loyalty and bravery on the battlefields. The author was surprised at the extent to which the Russian cynologists and geneticists had trusted a breed of less than 60 pounds to provide - genetically - the spirit and drive-under-fire toward the creation of the Black Russian Terrier.

This Comprehensive Owner's Guide to the Black Russian Terrier serves as a complete introduction to this outstanding all-around working dog and guardian breed! The Black Russian Terrier, created in Russia in the 1950s as the ultimate protection breed, is recognizable for its solid black coat color and solid muscular construction. This up-and-coming rare breed has captured the dog world by storm, as thousands of owners are discovering the breed's unique blend of resourcefulness, strength, loyalty and trainability. The opening chapter discusses the creation of the Black Russian Terrier, or the Russkiy Tchiorny Terrier as his comrades at home call him, in the aftermath of World War II from the Giant Schnauzer, Rottweiler, Airedale Terrier, and other breeds. The book continues with chapters on characteristics and the breed standard encapsulating all of the virtues of the "Black Pearl of Russia," offering sound advice about which owners are best suited to the breed. New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are brimming with detail and illustrated with handsome adults and puppies. In all, there are over 135 photographs in this compact, useful, and reliable volume. The author's advice on obedience training will help readers better mold and train their dogs into the most socialized, well-mannered good canine citizens. The extensive chapter on healthcare provides accurate information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, parasites, infectious diseases, and more. The final chapter on solving behavior problems;from aggression and chewing to separation anxiety and barking;will be of use to owners of puppies and adults as well. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as vaccines, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and more. Fully indexed.

The importance of the Rottweiler in the Creation of the Black Russian Terrier can be readily identified in the "black terrier" format from the beginning to the final product. Rottweiler muscle bulk and heavy bone mass balanced perfectly with the fluidity of movement coming through the athleticism, speed and spring in gait associated with the Giant Schnauzer and Airedale Terrier. Russian geneticists and cynologists chose the Rottweiler as a major contributor for its intelligence, extreme hardness and adaptability coupled with a strong willingness to work. The calm temperament of the self-confident Rottweiler is well established in the modern Black Russian Terrier with its watch, wait and see attitude in protection of home and family, contributing to a role well-suited to companionship.