Protecting the Black Russian Terrier
The Black Russian Terrier is indeed a breed that requires protection, now more than ever. It has been proposed that “the BRT's of color not be bred or shown so as to not compromise the integrity of our Beloved Breed”. The breeds integrity is most certainly at risk; especially if we decide to dismiss an entire population based solely on coloring.
While it is true that the scientists who originally created the BRT favored the black variations for their best incident of aggression for the task; it is also true that once fanciers/breeders began manipulating the breed, the task changed therefore negating the work of the scientists. There is absolutely no significant variance in type, temperament, and health between the off colors and black varieties. When given the chance, the off colors will prove themselves correct in all of the BRT standards. If anything, what is being produced are exemplary specimens within the off color varieties, especially in their coats, structure and work ethic. The off color BRT’s have not been given the opportunity to excel like their black counterparts. Given the opportunity, off colored BRTs will prove equally fitting, if not more so, as breed worthy, versatile specimens that fit well within the breed standard, color withstanding.
By neglecting an entire healthy and well tempered population based on color, we are doing nothing but diminishing the gene pool. The BRT was only recognized by the AKC in 2004, by omitting healthy specimens of appropropriate breed type, regardless of color, so early in the breed's existence will do nothing but potentially hurt it.
Written by Katelyn Smith
in collaboration with Leslie Wooldridge
Updates
June 13, 2016
The feedback regarding the inclusion of off-colored specimens has been both insightful and illuminating. Conversations are currently underway with key breed enthusiasts to address these concerns regarding our genetic standards. Your commitment to preserving the full integrity of this breed remains vital as we move forward.
27 Comments
What is important in the breed is not the colour. Temperment. Drive. Structure. These are what makes this breed so special.
Having been an owner and a breeder of BRTs for the past 15 years I know this is a hot button issue. I believe that BRTs of color should not be taken out of a well planned breeding program and should remain to be recognized in UKC.
Removing a group of dogs, from a breed's population, based solely on color that does not affect the health of the dogs, is a detrimental decision that will have a negative impact on the breed as a whole.
The colours are a direct result of their breeding....ie Airedales in particular. The first BRT I saw looked like a big Airedale. Magnificent ...great gene pool.
The color of the dog actually doesn't matter!!! All that we should care is to have a healthy and happy dogs ... Adding more genes will help prevent some genetic problems ... So why not allow grey, golden, brown????
They are so beautiful !
I support the off color BRTs and believe the health can only increase with a larger gene pool to choose from. I do believe the BRT has many more health issues to come in the future which have nothing to do with color. Look at everything wrong with it now.
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Protecting the Black Russian Terrier
The Black Russian Terrier is indeed a breed that requires protection, now more than ever. It has been proposed that “the BRT's of color not be bred or shown so as to not compromise the integrity of our Beloved Breed”. The breeds integrity is most certainly at risk; especially if we decide to dismiss an entire population based solely on coloring.
While it is true that the scientists who originally created the BRT favored the black variations for their best incident of aggression for the task; it is also true that once fanciers/breeders began manipulating the breed, the task changed therefore negating the work of the scientists. There is absolutely no significant variance in type, temperament, and health between the off colors and black varieties. When given the chance, the off colors will prove themselves correct in all of the BRT standards. If anything, what is being produced are exemplary specimens within the off color varieties, especially in their coats, structure and work ethic. The off color BRT’s have not been given the opportunity to excel like their black counterparts. Given the opportunity, off colored BRTs will prove equally fitting, if not more so, as breed worthy, versatile specimens that fit well within the breed standard, color withstanding.
By neglecting an entire healthy and well tempered population based on color, we are doing nothing but diminishing the gene pool. The BRT was only recognized by the AKC in 2004, by omitting healthy specimens of appropropriate breed type, regardless of color, so early in the breed's existence will do nothing but potentially hurt it.
Written by Katelyn Smith
in collaboration with Leslie Wooldridge
Updates
June 13, 2016
The feedback regarding the inclusion of off-colored specimens has been both insightful and illuminating. Conversations are currently underway with key breed enthusiasts to address these concerns regarding our genetic standards. Your commitment to preserving the full integrity of this breed remains vital as we move forward.
27 Comments
With off colors allowed there will be a much broader gene pool to keep inbreeding faults from showing up as they did with many of the AKC approved breeds.
What is important in the breed is not the colour. Temperment. Drive. Structure. These are what makes this breed so special.
Having been an owner and a breeder of BRTs for the past 15 years I know this is a hot button issue. I believe that BRTs of color should not be taken out of a well planned breeding program and should remain to be recognized in UKC.
Removing a group of dogs, from a breed's population, based solely on color that does not affect the health of the dogs, is a detrimental decision that will have a negative impact on the breed as a whole.
The colours are a direct result of their breeding....ie Airedales in particular. The first BRT I saw looked like a big Airedale. Magnificent ...great gene pool.
The color of the dog actually doesn't matter!!! All that we should care is to have a healthy and happy dogs ... Adding more genes will help prevent some genetic problems ... So why not allow grey, golden, brown????
They are so beautiful !
I support the off color BRTs and believe the health can only increase with a larger gene pool to choose from. I do believe the BRT has many more health issues to come in the future which have nothing to do with color. Look at everything wrong with it now.
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With off colors allowed there will be a much broader gene pool to keep inbreeding faults from showing up as they did with many of the AKC approved breeds.