Before you buy a Black Russian Terrier or BRT puppy, consider what your needs are as well as what the dog's needs are. Do those needs conflict?
Will you enjoy owning a BRT? If you are looking for a bright, brave, responsive dog with whom you will be able to spend time, whom you will enjoy grooming, whom you plan to obedience train; if you are looking for a protective, loyal dog who will be devoted to you and your family for the rest of his life -- then you would enjoy owning a Blackie, the breed might be right for your family. And, that's what you're hopefully looking for: a breed you can enjoy.

At Deneb-Keitos we believe in matching the puppy with the new owners. We carefully select a dog for the owners, keeping in mind what the dog is being purchased for.

Is a BRT a breed for me?

How much space do you need: The Black Russian Terrier is a large breed and does well in the house, but in Europe has adapted to the small space of apartment living. We believe that BRTs do best as a part of a family, living at home, not in a kennel.

Training Requirements: Basic obedience is a must. A BRT puppy will grow into a large strong dog. Firm, but gentle training is the key, your Blackie will be eager to learn and please you. A BRT puppy must be socialized from the start to new people, other animals and situations.

The Black Russian Terrier is a multipurpose, versatile working dog. The working dog group includes some of the most intelligent breeds of dogs. If you have never owned a BRT before, you'll be amazed at how quickly he learns, and at the number of things you can teach him. But this intelligence carries an obligation with it. A BRT won't be happy left alone in a pen or in your house all day. A working dog enjoys life most when he is given responsibility and a job to do, whether the job is obedience, agility, baby-sitting, guide-dog, guarding, drafting, carting, herding, etc.

The Black Russian Terrier must be regularly trained and worked with. But once again, think and look at your lifestyle. Most obedience instructors recommend in the beginning, that you work with your dog for an hour a day. With a puppy the training time should be broken in a few 2-5 minutes sessions, depending on the age of the pup and the task you are teaching, because they have shorter attention span. No intelligent dog should be left in "cold storage" only to be worked when the owner's conscience gets the better of him. Working with your dog doesn't have to mean formal obedience work. But, he has to know basic obedience and once you get hooked in obedience, you'll probably want to go all the way into competition trials to show him off. However, teaching him tricks or games, letting him help you by carrying things or finding something for you --- these activities allow him to use his mind, and gives him a feeling of being important to you. Is your schedule loaded with a job, social commitments, club-work or numerous other hobbies? You will have to leave room for time with your Blackie.

Protective qualities: The Black Russian Terrier was bred as a guard dog. He feels that one of his jobs is to protect his family and home. As a guard dog, the BRT has a strong sense of his territory: this means they are not usually roamers, but it does not mean, nor is it an excuse to let them run loose.

You don't need to train him to do this; his guard instincts come naturally to him. He will be watchful of people on your property, expressing caution and suspicion with a low growl. Most Blackies take life seriously. They aren't happy-go-lucky types of dogs who will go wagging up to everyone, especially when they are grown-up (after 2-3 years of age). However, a BRT quickly learns to differentiate between strangers and the friends or relatives-who visit your home frequently, greeting the latter folks graciously once in your home.