The breed is one of substance and size. Powerful and athletic, they are quite intelligent, if stubborn. One should not be surprised at thieving of food off counters and stoves, or even turning on water faucets.

The breed was created by the Red Star Kennels as a military working dog. Multiple breeds were used, including the Giant Schnauzer, Rottweiler, Caucasian Ovtcharka, Airedale Terrier, and Newfoundland. The breed actually has two types, this, the thicker coated, actual non-terrier type, and a wire-coated terrier type which is almost unseen.

Dogs should stand at 27-30 inches at the withers, bitches, 26-29. Full standard can be found here: http://cdn.akc.org/BlackRussianTerrier.pdf

I have really been interested in the breed since I've found out about them so many years ago, and finally getting to meet one and really getting to know just how big and substantial they really are under all that coat was amazing. Their heads are quite massive, as the bread standard reads: The
head must be in proportion to the body and give the appearance of power and strength. It is approximately equal to the length of neck and not less than 40 percent of the height of the dog at the withers.