The Russian Black Terrier was created in Russia during the late 1940s and the early 1950s by selective interbreeding of breeds like the Rottweiler, Giant Schnauzer, Airedale Terrier and Newfoundland Dog. The Giant Schnauzer is considered to be the main ancestor of the breed. The initial breeding was supervised by the military cynological school outside Moscow and the dogs were based in their kennels named “Red Star”. The aim of the creators of the breed was the development of a large, brave, strong and manageable working dog with pronounced guarding instinct; a dog which could be useful for many services and adapts well to various climate conditions. The breed was recognized by the FCI in 1984.
Grooming this breed can be made easier using the Plush Puppy range of grooming products. Their coat is a rough and thick double coat. Composed of a coarse, thick, slightly waved outer coat and a soft, short and dense undercoat. The outer coat covers the whole body with a natural and untrimmed coat length of between 5 – 15cms (1.5 – 6inches). The head furnishing is very well developed and forms abundant eyebrows, moustache and beard, legs are covered in long, dense furnishing coat and grooming in the correct form is required.
The clipped coat should emphasise the character of a strong and assured dog and by no means be excessively decorative. The coat is left longest on legs and around the muzzle. The clipping should accentuate the massive head with flat forehead, well lying ears, strong neck and well-constructed, strong body. The only acceptable colour for the Black Russian Terrier is solid black or black with scattered grey hairs – any other colour is considered a disqualification.
Maintaining this double coat is key to keeping this rough and double coat. Hydration is key with regular bathing and drying. Use Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil at a ratio of 1 tbsp. in 4L (1 gallon) of warm water, apply after bathing and leave in! This keeps the coat in perfect condition.
For shows it’s important to keep in mind the coarse, thick and slightly waved outer coat whilst keeping the soft and dense undercoat. Use Plush Puppy Body Building Shampoo with Wheatgerm as this will not change texture to either the outer or undercoats, but will give fullness to keep the dense undercoat that is required and will help prevent any rolling of coat whilst moving. Use at a ratio of 1 part shampoo to 5 parts water. For dogs with a coat too coarse use Plush Puppy Natural Conditioning shampoo with Evening Primrose, this will help reduce the texture, use at ratio of 1 part shampoo to 10 parts water. Always use Plush Puppy shampoos diluted as they are highly concentrated.
Black is the only coat colour allowed. For those that require a bit more intensity of colour use Plush Puppy Black Opal Shampoo at a ratio of 1 part shampoo to 3 parts water – allow to soak for a minimum of 15 minutes before rinsing and repeat to intensify if needed.
The head, their distinctive beard and eyebrows are important to be washed thoroughly. Use Plush Puppy Let’s Face It, a product that the dog showing world has needed for way too long. Another one of the famous Plush Puppy products that combines the latest of technology with high levels of naturally sourced ingredients to create a must-have product! Hypoallergenic, sulfate-free and low foaming – a shampoo uniquely designed for faces. It’s no tear formula contains high quality Blue Cypress extracts, Panthenol with Pro Vitamin B and SugaNate to clean, sooth, add moisture, aid healing and offer anti-inflammatory benefits. A small golf ball sized amount directly to the face and eye area allows you to thoroughly clean without causing irritation. Can be used in and around ears also with the same benefits. Its low foaming design allows easy rinsing yet complete cleaning.
We recommend that a conditioner isn’t used as this can soften the coat too much. If you feel that the coat requires a hydration boost use Plush Puppy Reviva Coat. Apply a couple of golf ball sized amounts directly to the areas lacking moisture, work in and then rinse.
Last of all use Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil as a final rinse dilute 1 tsp. to 4L (1 gallon) of warm water. This is a reduced amount compared to a maintenance bath, this keeps the health, hydration, shine and vigour to the coat. Dry using a force dryer, a normal heated dryer can be used for the longer hair to give a finish. If your dog requires more/thicker coat in an area you can use Plush Puppy Volumising Spray. A light spray to the required area, then brush and dry as normal. This can also be applied at the show to refresh an area.
Brush with a Plush Puppy Ultimate Pin Brush, the Rolls Royce of all brushes, with its exclusive design and static reducing pins it is perfect for the job! For those that like a slicker brush use the Plush Puppy Ultimate Soft Slicker Brush – the best on the market for quality, design and comfort.
At the show use Plush Puppy O.M.G a revolutionary multi-purpose grooming spray that lives up to its name. A light spray of O.M.G. and brushing in allows this product to refresh the coat leaving it feeling wonderful. Use at an approximate mixture of 1 part O.M.G to 30 – 40 parts water using this break down form the O.M.G concentrate, the stronger the mix the stronger the effects. For this type of double coated breed a lighter concentration works best. Using O.M.G can be a one-off at shows or during the drying process after bathing. An amazing product for regular brushing also. The perfect product to allow all the benefits of putting a moisturising product into the coat without over softening the coat. O.M.G never builds up and never goes stringy, and is a product that took years to develop using the latest technology for maximum effects – a true necessity for the tool kit.
With modern technology allowing us better access to better products we are here to help you prepare your dog with the very best products.
Enjoy showing this upstanding breed that has such presence in the show ring.
Plush Puppy Australia