ZolaRozaBlack Russian Terriers
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Interviews We Have Done
ShowSight February 2020
THE BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIER INTERVIEW
With Kaye and Layne Shipley
1. Where do you live? What do you do “outside” of dogs?
Our family currently resides in Georgia.
Kaye: Outside of dogs, I am involved in our local community as an appointee to a governing board. I’m a retired corporate government relations executive. It’s difficult to believe, but I’ve served almost eight years now. As a former state board member for the League of Women Voters of Georgia, I remain active in matters related to civic engagement.
Layne: After taking some time away from academia, I’m currently working on the final revisions of my Master’s thesis. I enjoy cooking, traveling, and antiquing.
2. In popularity, The Black Russian Terrier is currently ranked #118 out of 192 AKC-recognized breeds. Do you hope this will change or are you comfortable with his placement? Do these numbers help or hurt the breed?
Black Russians are a relatively new breed having been accepted into the working group in 2004. It is remarkable, but not surprising, that our breed’s current position ranking is 118. In my view, the BRT has increased in popularity at an appropriate pace. Black Russians are wonderful dogs but not the right fit for every family. As purpose-bred guardians, BRTs are extremely intelligent and require extensive training and socialization through- out their lifetimes. They also require a good deal of grooming.
3. Does the average person on the street recognize him for what he is?
Unfortunately, the average person does not recognize the Black Russian Terrier. We are often asked if they are Bouviers, Giant Schnauzers, Poodles or a Poodle mix. As guardians of the breed, we try to educate everyone about these incredible dogs. We have great breed ambassadors at ZolaRoza. Because BRTs look like big, friendly bears, most people are surprised to learn that they were specifically developed to aggressively guard their human soldier partners, military installations and prisons.
4. Although he’s a tremendously hard-working dog with great power and stamina, he’s highly valued as a companion. What qualities in the field also come in handy around the house?
Originally developed by the Russian Army’s Red Star Kennel to partner with soldiers, the Black Russian Terrier is extraordinarily devoted to the family pack—human and other animals. Their loyalty, intelligence, protective instincts, and aloofness with strangers makes them excellent companions at home, around town and when traveling.
5. An energetic dog—of any size—requires a special household to be a perfect fit. What about the breed makes him an ideal companion? Drawbacks?
Although very large, most Black Russians do not require a great deal of vigorous exercise but can certainly adapt to it. They do thrive when they have a job. Their versatility and intelligence makes them an excellent choice for almost anything. Our BRTs are rather quiet companions inside our home. They are excellent travel companions. Within our own pack we have very distinctive personalities with varying degrees of protectiveness. Overall, we appreciate the BRT’s ability to assess a potential threat and act appropriately. This ability to discern friend from foe makes them an invaluable companion. Our BRTs are family members first and live inside our home. We take time to introduce our dogs to any new visitors because they are bred to guard. The protective nature of the BRT is not ideal for everyone. Training and socialization are required. At our home it can get crowded at the front door, but we never worry about intruders.
6. Are there any misconceptions about the breed you’d like to dispel?
We participate in a variety of local kennel club activities with the general public. That means we are always around many breeds of dogs and diverse groups of people. Black Russians, like many working dogs, are sometimes perceived as overly aggressive, unpredictable and difficult to control. Our Black Russians will guard subtly by placing themselves in front of us and standing quietly. If another dog or person enters our space and exhibits aggressive or inappropriate behavior, our BRTs will quickly establish a boundary. We always expect it; however that quick action can take people and other dogs by surprise. Black Russians are a confident and fearless breed. These traits make training and socialization, a requirement for ownership.
7. What special challenges do BRT breeders face in our current economic and social climate?
At ZolaRoza Black Russians our goals are to contribute to the breed through well researched, thoughtfully planned litters. Our greatest concern is finding exceptional homes for puppies that we raise. We take the responsibility of being a breed guardian very seriously. Health testing, excellent nutrition, grooming and training requirements for BRTs can be costly.
8. At what age do you start to see definite signs of show-worthiness (or lack thereof)?
Having been around horses most of our lives, we see movement as an indicator of correct structure. Observing free movement in the whelping box and puppy play area is key. Good movement, in our experience, is evident between eight to ten weeks. As new breeders, we were fortunate to select a pairing that gave us incredible conformation through a large, consistent litter. To date, seven out of the nine puppies from our first litter have finished their AKC championship or grand championship. We are extremely proud that all of them bear the ZolaRoza prefix.
9. What is the most important thing about the breed for a new judge to keep in mind?
The head should be large with parallel planes. Full dentition and a scissors bite are required. The Black Russian should have a prominent pro sternum, the top line should be strong and slightly sloping toward the tail. Black Russians are a working breed designed to perform in deep snow under harsh conditions. A correct coat should be evident in the show ring—slightly wavy, double coat with harsh outer layer. BRTs should possess great reach and drive with an energy conserving, fluid movement. Overall balance is the most important general consideration.
10. What’s the best way to attract newcomers to your breed and to the sport?
We always invite people to attend local dog shows and events to meet our BRTs. We feel that AKC offers something for everyone. We’ve tried barn hunt and dock diving with our BRTs and had such fun. Attending a local conformation show is the best way to become familiar with the sport and meet breeders who have their dogs competing in conformation. At ZolaRoza, we encourage our puppy families to join our breed club, compete in local events and matches, and become ambassadors for the BRT. It’s important for people to understand that the sport is open to all levels of experience. Showing is a family friendly sport. Our first home bred grand champion Freyja has been owner handled for the most part. Although new to the sport, Layne and Freyja finished 2019 as #4 NOHS in our breed. They were awarded opposite in the NOHS breed finals in Orlando this year.
11. What is your ultimate goal for the breed?
As a preservation breeder, our overarching goal at ZolaRoza is to raise healthy Black Russian Terriers that will become reliable, versatile, cherished members of the family. We were fortunate to produce an amazing litter through a first ever breeding for both sire and dam. When we selected top winning GCHS CH That’s What’s In A Name “Varias” as the sire of our foundation dam’s CH Karma’s Reincarnated Rosa Shanina, CGC “Sipsey” first litter, we had no idea what we would get. All of those pups are pointed. Seven of the nine have attained their AKC championships or Grand Championships, one is a therapy dog, several were puppies of achievement, and some are excelling at performance and obedience. Frankly, it was humbling when our foundation dam CH Kar- ma’s Reincarnated Roza Shanina, CGC “Sipsey” was selected by Mr. Harry Tast of Finland as 2019 BRTCA Best Brood Bitch for producing “homogeneity of type.” She has excellent hip scores, as do her dam and grand dam. Sipsey received a BRTCA 2019 Register of Merit award as a result of this first pairing. That is, she produced healthy puppies that also achieved their AKC champion- ships. ZolaRoza won first and second place in bred by sweepstakes for bitches ages two to four years old. Layne and Freyja finished as one of the top four bred by entries. Her littermate, Jolene, received a 2019 BRTCA National Specialty Show Award of Merit. Also in 2019, the BRTCA launched the inaugural Top Twenty event. Out of the elite group of Top Twenty Black Russian Terriers recognized at this event, three are first degree relatives to ZolaRoza dogs: Sipsey’s sire and dam, Zilya and Zoe, and Varias—the sire of our first ZolaRoza litter. This was a banner year for us as breeders who are new to the fancy! We hope that our ZolaRoza pups continue the legacy of good health and conformation success. After all, they have generations of top winning Black Russian Terriers in their pedigree. Ultimately it will be wonderful to see gorgeous Black Russian Terriers routinely winning Best in Show. Ideally, we’d like a few of those wins to come from ZolaRoza!
12. What is your favorite dog show memory?
Like all dog people, it’s hard to select just one. At Devon in October, Layne was ecstatic when they made the final cut of six from a very large, stellar working group of top ranked breed and all breed working dogs. For me, it has to be Layne and Freyja’s Owner Handled Group First from renowned judge Mrs. Dorothy Collier and each of our wins at the 2019 BRTCA specialty.
13. Is there anything else you’ d like to share about the breed?
We’d like to share about the breed that not all BRTs have the same temperament. Some lines are “sharper” than others because of the work they were bred to do. Always ask the owner of a Black Russian Terrier before approaching the dog. That’s just a good practice for any dog of any size. We have come a long way in making health improvements in our breed. Some of the health challenges in the BRT are genetic. Breeders now test for the genetic diseases that we know about. We have made great strides in BRTs with producing better hips and elbows in our large breed. We urge anyone considering a BRT as part of their family to do research on BRT health. Select your breeder and be prepared to wait for a puppy. Your chosen breeder should become your breed mentor.
With Kaye and Layne Shipley
1. Where do you live? What do you do “outside” of dogs?
Our family currently resides in Georgia.
Kaye: Outside of dogs, I am involved in our local community as an appointee to a governing board. I’m a retired corporate government relations executive. It’s difficult to believe, but I’ve served almost eight years now. As a former state board member for the League of Women Voters of Georgia, I remain active in matters related to civic engagement.
Layne: After taking some time away from academia, I’m currently working on the final revisions of my Master’s thesis. I enjoy cooking, traveling, and antiquing.
2. In popularity, The Black Russian Terrier is currently ranked #118 out of 192 AKC-recognized breeds. Do you hope this will change or are you comfortable with his placement? Do these numbers help or hurt the breed?
Black Russians are a relatively new breed having been accepted into the working group in 2004. It is remarkable, but not surprising, that our breed’s current position ranking is 118. In my view, the BRT has increased in popularity at an appropriate pace. Black Russians are wonderful dogs but not the right fit for every family. As purpose-bred guardians, BRTs are extremely intelligent and require extensive training and socialization through- out their lifetimes. They also require a good deal of grooming.
3. Does the average person on the street recognize him for what he is?
Unfortunately, the average person does not recognize the Black Russian Terrier. We are often asked if they are Bouviers, Giant Schnauzers, Poodles or a Poodle mix. As guardians of the breed, we try to educate everyone about these incredible dogs. We have great breed ambassadors at ZolaRoza. Because BRTs look like big, friendly bears, most people are surprised to learn that they were specifically developed to aggressively guard their human soldier partners, military installations and prisons.
4. Although he’s a tremendously hard-working dog with great power and stamina, he’s highly valued as a companion. What qualities in the field also come in handy around the house?
Originally developed by the Russian Army’s Red Star Kennel to partner with soldiers, the Black Russian Terrier is extraordinarily devoted to the family pack—human and other animals. Their loyalty, intelligence, protective instincts, and aloofness with strangers makes them excellent companions at home, around town and when traveling.
5. An energetic dog—of any size—requires a special household to be a perfect fit. What about the breed makes him an ideal companion? Drawbacks?
Although very large, most Black Russians do not require a great deal of vigorous exercise but can certainly adapt to it. They do thrive when they have a job. Their versatility and intelligence makes them an excellent choice for almost anything. Our BRTs are rather quiet companions inside our home. They are excellent travel companions. Within our own pack we have very distinctive personalities with varying degrees of protectiveness. Overall, we appreciate the BRT’s ability to assess a potential threat and act appropriately. This ability to discern friend from foe makes them an invaluable companion. Our BRTs are family members first and live inside our home. We take time to introduce our dogs to any new visitors because they are bred to guard. The protective nature of the BRT is not ideal for everyone. Training and socialization are required. At our home it can get crowded at the front door, but we never worry about intruders.
6. Are there any misconceptions about the breed you’d like to dispel?
We participate in a variety of local kennel club activities with the general public. That means we are always around many breeds of dogs and diverse groups of people. Black Russians, like many working dogs, are sometimes perceived as overly aggressive, unpredictable and difficult to control. Our Black Russians will guard subtly by placing themselves in front of us and standing quietly. If another dog or person enters our space and exhibits aggressive or inappropriate behavior, our BRTs will quickly establish a boundary. We always expect it; however that quick action can take people and other dogs by surprise. Black Russians are a confident and fearless breed. These traits make training and socialization, a requirement for ownership.
7. What special challenges do BRT breeders face in our current economic and social climate?
At ZolaRoza Black Russians our goals are to contribute to the breed through well researched, thoughtfully planned litters. Our greatest concern is finding exceptional homes for puppies that we raise. We take the responsibility of being a breed guardian very seriously. Health testing, excellent nutrition, grooming and training requirements for BRTs can be costly.
8. At what age do you start to see definite signs of show-worthiness (or lack thereof)?
Having been around horses most of our lives, we see movement as an indicator of correct structure. Observing free movement in the whelping box and puppy play area is key. Good movement, in our experience, is evident between eight to ten weeks. As new breeders, we were fortunate to select a pairing that gave us incredible conformation through a large, consistent litter. To date, seven out of the nine puppies from our first litter have finished their AKC championship or grand championship. We are extremely proud that all of them bear the ZolaRoza prefix.
9. What is the most important thing about the breed for a new judge to keep in mind?
The head should be large with parallel planes. Full dentition and a scissors bite are required. The Black Russian should have a prominent pro sternum, the top line should be strong and slightly sloping toward the tail. Black Russians are a working breed designed to perform in deep snow under harsh conditions. A correct coat should be evident in the show ring—slightly wavy, double coat with harsh outer layer. BRTs should possess great reach and drive with an energy conserving, fluid movement. Overall balance is the most important general consideration.
10. What’s the best way to attract newcomers to your breed and to the sport?
We always invite people to attend local dog shows and events to meet our BRTs. We feel that AKC offers something for everyone. We’ve tried barn hunt and dock diving with our BRTs and had such fun. Attending a local conformation show is the best way to become familiar with the sport and meet breeders who have their dogs competing in conformation. At ZolaRoza, we encourage our puppy families to join our breed club, compete in local events and matches, and become ambassadors for the BRT. It’s important for people to understand that the sport is open to all levels of experience. Showing is a family friendly sport. Our first home bred grand champion Freyja has been owner handled for the most part. Although new to the sport, Layne and Freyja finished 2019 as #4 NOHS in our breed. They were awarded opposite in the NOHS breed finals in Orlando this year.
11. What is your ultimate goal for the breed?
As a preservation breeder, our overarching goal at ZolaRoza is to raise healthy Black Russian Terriers that will become reliable, versatile, cherished members of the family. We were fortunate to produce an amazing litter through a first ever breeding for both sire and dam. When we selected top winning GCHS CH That’s What’s In A Name “Varias” as the sire of our foundation dam’s CH Karma’s Reincarnated Rosa Shanina, CGC “Sipsey” first litter, we had no idea what we would get. All of those pups are pointed. Seven of the nine have attained their AKC championships or Grand Championships, one is a therapy dog, several were puppies of achievement, and some are excelling at performance and obedience. Frankly, it was humbling when our foundation dam CH Kar- ma’s Reincarnated Roza Shanina, CGC “Sipsey” was selected by Mr. Harry Tast of Finland as 2019 BRTCA Best Brood Bitch for producing “homogeneity of type.” She has excellent hip scores, as do her dam and grand dam. Sipsey received a BRTCA 2019 Register of Merit award as a result of this first pairing. That is, she produced healthy puppies that also achieved their AKC champion- ships. ZolaRoza won first and second place in bred by sweepstakes for bitches ages two to four years old. Layne and Freyja finished as one of the top four bred by entries. Her littermate, Jolene, received a 2019 BRTCA National Specialty Show Award of Merit. Also in 2019, the BRTCA launched the inaugural Top Twenty event. Out of the elite group of Top Twenty Black Russian Terriers recognized at this event, three are first degree relatives to ZolaRoza dogs: Sipsey’s sire and dam, Zilya and Zoe, and Varias—the sire of our first ZolaRoza litter. This was a banner year for us as breeders who are new to the fancy! We hope that our ZolaRoza pups continue the legacy of good health and conformation success. After all, they have generations of top winning Black Russian Terriers in their pedigree. Ultimately it will be wonderful to see gorgeous Black Russian Terriers routinely winning Best in Show. Ideally, we’d like a few of those wins to come from ZolaRoza!
12. What is your favorite dog show memory?
Like all dog people, it’s hard to select just one. At Devon in October, Layne was ecstatic when they made the final cut of six from a very large, stellar working group of top ranked breed and all breed working dogs. For me, it has to be Layne and Freyja’s Owner Handled Group First from renowned judge Mrs. Dorothy Collier and each of our wins at the 2019 BRTCA specialty.
13. Is there anything else you’ d like to share about the breed?
We’d like to share about the breed that not all BRTs have the same temperament. Some lines are “sharper” than others because of the work they were bred to do. Always ask the owner of a Black Russian Terrier before approaching the dog. That’s just a good practice for any dog of any size. We have come a long way in making health improvements in our breed. Some of the health challenges in the BRT are genetic. Breeders now test for the genetic diseases that we know about. We have made great strides in BRTs with producing better hips and elbows in our large breed. We urge anyone considering a BRT as part of their family to do research on BRT health. Select your breeder and be prepared to wait for a puppy. Your chosen breeder should become your breed mentor.
Working Dog Digest Forum 2019
1. When were you first attracted to Black Russian Terriers, and what attracted you?
Our search for an indoor working breed began when we moved into our current home. We’ve always been a dog family. After researching AKC working breeds, we knew the BRT would be a good fit for us. Their unique history, intelligence as a working guard breed, temperament, size and low shedding coat appealed to us. We attended AKC shows with the goal of meeting a BRT. We’ve had horses so good, sound movement is something we know and recognize. The first BRT that caught my eye at a show with her incredible movement was GCHB Valkyrie’s Funny Girl call name Zoe. She is owned by Dr. Victoria Vest. I met Zoe as a special when she was with professional handler Rhanda Glenn. Rhanda called Vicki to tell her that she and Zoe were being “stalked” by a Zoe admirer asking a lot of questions. Rhanda introduced me to Vicki and the rest is history. We were very touched by Vicki’s willingness to mentor us in the breed and introduce us to others in the breed. Vicki and I have become good friends and still laugh about how we met.
2. What Kennel Name did you choose, and how did you choose it ?
ZolaRoza Black Russian Terriers, pays homage to our foundation dam’s pedigree and our very first BRT. It took us a long time to come up with a name that was both meaningful to us and uniquely recognizable. The two “z’s” represent our foundation dam’s breeding: Zoe (GCHG Valkyrie’s Funny Girl) and Zilya (RBIS MBISS GCHP Zilya’s Chicago Blues Fusion at Runes). The first half of our name “Zola” means “great bearer” in French - a nod to the Setextra line brought in by Julie Parker and Dana Kellerman who bred Zoe. The second half is also a tribute to our first BRT, the incredible Rozie (CH That’s Rozalia Liliya Vita) who came to us from her breeder Dave Scheiris.
3. Who has influenced you the most in this Breed and please tell us why?
Our mentors, within and outside the breed. We are fortunate to have a circle of knowledgeable dog friends. They coached us to six AKC champions of record from the puppy classes — from our very first litter of nine!! First and foremost, we are thankful to Dr. Victoria Vest. Vicki trusted us with a bitch from Zoe’s first litter when she bred to Zilya. She is a wonderful breed mentor and friend who introduced us 2019 to Dave Scheiris. Dave brought Rozie into our lives. He is adamantly devoted to BRT health. Dave bred Varias (GCHS That’s What’s In A Name) who sired our first litter. During the breeding and whelping, Donna Patterson who owns Zilya, went above and beyond to teach, explain, and prepare us for our first litter. William and Dianna Evans of Kennesaw have been in the breed since the beginning. They are good friends who adore BRTs and encouraged us every step of the way. We are also members of the Black Russian Terrier Club of America. Our fellow members of the all-breed AKC Conyers Kennel Club are wonderful mentors. Mike and Sue Shelton brought us into the club, Jan Moore coaches us in handling, Gaylord Cleveland is our working dog obedience expert, Chris Houchard cheers us on, and Audrey Lycan’s experience, professionalism, honesty, and great sense of humor keep us motivated. Kasey Connor Plessner is a professional all-breed handler who continues to mentor us in the breed as she has from the beginning. Her years of experience as a working and sporting dog breeder, all-breed handler, groomer, and BRT expert are rock solid. Kasey’s willingness to share her knowledge is something we are especially grateful for. Her husband John won the first BRT National Specialty with Maks, the great-grandsire of our first litter.
4. What would you like Judges to focus on when Judging Black Russians?
I would like for judges to focus on BRT movement at an appropriate working pace. Movement is the first indicator of correct conformation and substance. Judges should keep top of mind that the BRT was developed as a military working dog bred to perform in deep snow and under harsh conditions. BRTs possess an energy conserving, ground-covering stride with balanced reach and drive with head slightly forward in motion. This energy conserving working movement is an indicator of correct structure. The BRT must have full dentition and a scissors bite. The head planes are parallel, the top line is strong and only very slightly sloping, the fore chest is pronounced, the tail should be set properly with carriage at a 45 degree angle. If undocked, the tail should be sickle shaped.
5. What do you feel is the single most important characteristic of the Black Russian Terrier?
The single most important characteristic of the BRT is intelligence. We have had many family dogs over time. The emotional intelligence of the Black Russian is something that amazes us. This breed has the ability to discern between friend and foe. That ability is uncanny and very reassuring. The attuned nature of this breed creates an extraordinary bond between human and animal. Our young home bred puppy Freyja adopted my mother almost immediately. She rests by mom’s wheelchair, checks on her routinely throughout the day and night, and sleeps on the floor at her bedside when we travel. Obviously she senses that mom, at a young 93 years, is delicate and the dog is always careful around her. Freyja will chastise other dogs that are rowdy or come too close. This intelligent and caring behavior is something we have witnessed in the BRTs we have known, bred, and raised in our home. They are an extraordinary breed. We are grateful for the opportunity to be involved with, and contribute to, the Black Russian Terrier legacy.
6. Tell us, in your opinion, the difference between a good Black Russian Terrier and a great Black Russian Terrier?
Temperament and reliability differentiate the great BRTs. When people first meet our breed, they associate their big head, wavy coat and large size with a docile temperament. They are generally calm unless they sense a problem. The breed is confident, aloof and controllable. They are —after all—working dogs. As a guardian breed BRTs are constantly aware of their surroundings. Quick and surprisingly agile, they rapidly assess situations and respond appropriately to protect their humans and their pack if necessary. This entire assessment and response may go entirely unnoticed; therefore training and constant socialization are necessary.
7. Please tell us why you are so passionate about your Breed?
Of all the animals we have loved, the Black Russian Terrier is the most unique. BRTs choose their preferred humans; they are intuitively protective; they are easy to train using the proper methods; they are versatile working dogs; and they are the most loyal of companions. Our lives were forever changed when we met Zoe, were trusted with Rozie, and brought home our first puppy. When we witnessed Sipsey whelp nine beautiful puppies, we were amazed with her calm and nurturing temperament. Our hope is that ZolaRoza puppies will improve the breed and bring joy to the lives of their humans for years to come.
Our search for an indoor working breed began when we moved into our current home. We’ve always been a dog family. After researching AKC working breeds, we knew the BRT would be a good fit for us. Their unique history, intelligence as a working guard breed, temperament, size and low shedding coat appealed to us. We attended AKC shows with the goal of meeting a BRT. We’ve had horses so good, sound movement is something we know and recognize. The first BRT that caught my eye at a show with her incredible movement was GCHB Valkyrie’s Funny Girl call name Zoe. She is owned by Dr. Victoria Vest. I met Zoe as a special when she was with professional handler Rhanda Glenn. Rhanda called Vicki to tell her that she and Zoe were being “stalked” by a Zoe admirer asking a lot of questions. Rhanda introduced me to Vicki and the rest is history. We were very touched by Vicki’s willingness to mentor us in the breed and introduce us to others in the breed. Vicki and I have become good friends and still laugh about how we met.
2. What Kennel Name did you choose, and how did you choose it ?
ZolaRoza Black Russian Terriers, pays homage to our foundation dam’s pedigree and our very first BRT. It took us a long time to come up with a name that was both meaningful to us and uniquely recognizable. The two “z’s” represent our foundation dam’s breeding: Zoe (GCHG Valkyrie’s Funny Girl) and Zilya (RBIS MBISS GCHP Zilya’s Chicago Blues Fusion at Runes). The first half of our name “Zola” means “great bearer” in French - a nod to the Setextra line brought in by Julie Parker and Dana Kellerman who bred Zoe. The second half is also a tribute to our first BRT, the incredible Rozie (CH That’s Rozalia Liliya Vita) who came to us from her breeder Dave Scheiris.
3. Who has influenced you the most in this Breed and please tell us why?
Our mentors, within and outside the breed. We are fortunate to have a circle of knowledgeable dog friends. They coached us to six AKC champions of record from the puppy classes — from our very first litter of nine!! First and foremost, we are thankful to Dr. Victoria Vest. Vicki trusted us with a bitch from Zoe’s first litter when she bred to Zilya. She is a wonderful breed mentor and friend who introduced us 2019 to Dave Scheiris. Dave brought Rozie into our lives. He is adamantly devoted to BRT health. Dave bred Varias (GCHS That’s What’s In A Name) who sired our first litter. During the breeding and whelping, Donna Patterson who owns Zilya, went above and beyond to teach, explain, and prepare us for our first litter. William and Dianna Evans of Kennesaw have been in the breed since the beginning. They are good friends who adore BRTs and encouraged us every step of the way. We are also members of the Black Russian Terrier Club of America. Our fellow members of the all-breed AKC Conyers Kennel Club are wonderful mentors. Mike and Sue Shelton brought us into the club, Jan Moore coaches us in handling, Gaylord Cleveland is our working dog obedience expert, Chris Houchard cheers us on, and Audrey Lycan’s experience, professionalism, honesty, and great sense of humor keep us motivated. Kasey Connor Plessner is a professional all-breed handler who continues to mentor us in the breed as she has from the beginning. Her years of experience as a working and sporting dog breeder, all-breed handler, groomer, and BRT expert are rock solid. Kasey’s willingness to share her knowledge is something we are especially grateful for. Her husband John won the first BRT National Specialty with Maks, the great-grandsire of our first litter.
4. What would you like Judges to focus on when Judging Black Russians?
I would like for judges to focus on BRT movement at an appropriate working pace. Movement is the first indicator of correct conformation and substance. Judges should keep top of mind that the BRT was developed as a military working dog bred to perform in deep snow and under harsh conditions. BRTs possess an energy conserving, ground-covering stride with balanced reach and drive with head slightly forward in motion. This energy conserving working movement is an indicator of correct structure. The BRT must have full dentition and a scissors bite. The head planes are parallel, the top line is strong and only very slightly sloping, the fore chest is pronounced, the tail should be set properly with carriage at a 45 degree angle. If undocked, the tail should be sickle shaped.
5. What do you feel is the single most important characteristic of the Black Russian Terrier?
The single most important characteristic of the BRT is intelligence. We have had many family dogs over time. The emotional intelligence of the Black Russian is something that amazes us. This breed has the ability to discern between friend and foe. That ability is uncanny and very reassuring. The attuned nature of this breed creates an extraordinary bond between human and animal. Our young home bred puppy Freyja adopted my mother almost immediately. She rests by mom’s wheelchair, checks on her routinely throughout the day and night, and sleeps on the floor at her bedside when we travel. Obviously she senses that mom, at a young 93 years, is delicate and the dog is always careful around her. Freyja will chastise other dogs that are rowdy or come too close. This intelligent and caring behavior is something we have witnessed in the BRTs we have known, bred, and raised in our home. They are an extraordinary breed. We are grateful for the opportunity to be involved with, and contribute to, the Black Russian Terrier legacy.
6. Tell us, in your opinion, the difference between a good Black Russian Terrier and a great Black Russian Terrier?
Temperament and reliability differentiate the great BRTs. When people first meet our breed, they associate their big head, wavy coat and large size with a docile temperament. They are generally calm unless they sense a problem. The breed is confident, aloof and controllable. They are —after all—working dogs. As a guardian breed BRTs are constantly aware of their surroundings. Quick and surprisingly agile, they rapidly assess situations and respond appropriately to protect their humans and their pack if necessary. This entire assessment and response may go entirely unnoticed; therefore training and constant socialization are necessary.
7. Please tell us why you are so passionate about your Breed?
Of all the animals we have loved, the Black Russian Terrier is the most unique. BRTs choose their preferred humans; they are intuitively protective; they are easy to train using the proper methods; they are versatile working dogs; and they are the most loyal of companions. Our lives were forever changed when we met Zoe, were trusted with Rozie, and brought home our first puppy. When we witnessed Sipsey whelp nine beautiful puppies, we were amazed with her calm and nurturing temperament. Our hope is that ZolaRoza puppies will improve the breed and bring joy to the lives of their humans for years to come.
