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Russian Black Terrier

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.

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The Russian Black Terrier

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 the Russian Black Terrier 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. The natural and untrimmed coat length is between 5 and 15cms (1½ to 6 inches). The head furnishing is very well developed and forms abundant eyebrows, moustaches, and beard. Legs are covered in long, dense furnishing coat. Grooming in the correct form is required.

The clipped coat should emphasise the character of a strong and assured Russian Black Terrier 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 a flat forehead, well lying ears, a strong neck and well constructed, strong body. The only acceptable colour for the Black Russian Terrier is solid black or black with scattered gray hairs. Any other color is considered a disqualification.

For shows, it’s important to keep in mind the coarse, thick and slightly waved out coat whilst keeping the soft and dense undercoat. Use Plush Puppy Body Building Shampoo as this will not change the texture to either the outer or undercoats.  It will give the fullness to keep the dense undercoat required and helps prevent any rolling of coat whilst moving. Use at a ratio of 1:5 (1 part shampoo to 5 parts water). For dogs with a coat that is too coarse use Plush Puppy Natural Conditioning Shampoo. This will help reduce the texture. Use at a ratio of 1:10. Always use Plush Puppy shampoos diluted as they are highly concentrated. This also allows for easier and even dispersion as well as easier rinsing.

For dogs with a coat that is too soft and requires more texture use Plush Puppy Texture + Shampoo. This is formulated to retain and improve coat texture. It will thoroughly yet gently cleanse and deodorise the coat of wire, harsh or coarse coated breeds without softening or compromising texture. It’s ideal for boosting body and coarseness in coats of all colours and coat types. Formulated to be pH controlled, is low irritant with a subtle apple fragrance and is easy to rinse out. It is full of beneficial and powerful extracts from the Gentian Root, Juniper Fruit, St John’s Wart Leaf, Hay Flower, Lemon Balm Leaf and Arnica Flower that combine to nourish and vitalise the skin. Use diluted up to 1:10 or apply undiluted directly to areas requiring intensive cleansing. Rinse thoroughly You can also mix this with the Body Building Shampoo for a milder result on body and texture.

Black is the only coat colour allowed. For those that require a bit more intensity of color use Plush Puppy Black Opal Shampoo. This is a black coloured shampoo for toning black coats, giving depth to faded coats and enhancing natural colour.  It is not a dye but a strong stain that contains organic sources with herbal extracts and intense black tone. Dilute to 1:3 and allow it to soak a minimum of 15 minutes before rinsing. Repeat to intensify if needed.

The head and their distinctive beard and eyebrows are important to be washed thoroughly. Use Plush Puppy Let’s Face It. This is a hypoallergenic sulfate free low foaming shampoo designed just for faces. It’s no tear formula features the highest quality Blue Cypress Extracts, Panthenol with Pro Vitamin B and SugaNate. These special ingredients clean, soothe, add moisture, aid healing and have anti-inflammatory benefits. A small golf ball sized amounts directly to the face and eye area allows you to thoroughly clean without causing irritation. It can also be used in and around the ears with the same benefits. Its low foaming design allows ease of rinsing, yet complete cleaning.

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 to add shine, hydrate and condition to the coat.  It is a truly beneficial blend of using extracts of Calendula oil, Wheat germ oil, and Evening Primrose. Apply after bathing and leave-in! This keeps the coat in perfect condition.

Add 1 tablespoon to 4 Litres of water, then either sponge on or sluice well through the coat and LEAVE IN. DO NOT RINSE. This is quite a unique product in that it is not greasy and totally water-soluble. It gives an outstanding healthy vigour to the skin and coat.  It will maintain the texture and moisture in the coat.

We recommend that a conditioner isn’t used as this can soften to coat too much. If you feel that the coat needs some added hydration use Plush Puppy Reviva Coat. Apply a couple of golf ball-sized amounts to the needed areas, work in and then rinse. Reviva Coat is also great for reducing knots and disentangling.

Last of all use Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil as a final rinse. 1 Teaspoon to 4 Litres of warm water. This is a reduced amount compared to a maintenance bath above. This keeps the health, hydration, shine, and vigor 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 a 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 and area. Apply a light even spray and brush in until dry or use a dryer. This is a hair thickener to add volume, not a hair stiffener and not easily detectable.  It leaves the coat with a natural fuller look and feel.

For brushing use the Plush Puppy Ultimate Pin Brush. This is the Rolls Royce of brushes, with its exclusive design and static reducing pins. For those that like a slicker brush use the Plush Puppy Ultimate Slicker. The best on the market for quality and design. Finish with a Plush Puppy Professional Grooming Comb, built for absolute ergonomic comfort in various sizes. The lightweight oval shaped spine combining fine and coarse pins made of hardened stainless steel with anodic oxide finish that reduces drag and static to the coat. Perfect for use for this breed of dog.

At times due to various reasons including the weather static electricity can create flyaways. If this occurs use Plush Puppy Anti-Static Coat Control. This is a lightweight spray infused with organic extracts of Witch Hazel Leaf, Linden Flower, Birch Bark and Nettle.  It also includes a UV filter to stop sun damage and protect against heat damage. This amazing product is idea for this breed and a must for your tack box.

The coat does need to be blown 100% dry, using a force dryer. For those that wish to speed up the process try our Plush Puppy FAST Blow Dry Spray. FAST dramatically reduces drying time, adds moisture and conditions while protecting the coat. It contains Australian Native Flame Tree extracts that hydrate a dry or old coat making it look perfect. It also protects the coat from damage from sun and heat. A light spray to a wet or damp coat, then brush through before drying.

At the show use Plush Puppy OMG.  This is a revolutionary grooming spray that lives up to its name. A light spray of OMG and brushing in allows this product to refresh the coat leaving it feeling wonderful. Using at an approximate mixture of 1 part OMG to 30-40 parts water using this break down form the OMG concentrate. The stronger the mix the stronger the effects. For this type of double coated breed a lighter concentration works best.

Using OMG 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 it. OMG never builds up, never goes stringy. Simply amazing.

On Show day keep Plush Puppy Wonder Wash on hand. This is a no rinse wet instant shampoo for “those show day” last-minute emergencies as this will clean up anything, pronto. Just spray foam with the fingers and towel off. Wonder Wash is a brilliant quick self-rinsing bathing alternative solution for quick and easy cleaning without the need for a complete bath. In moments when regular shampooing is not an option, Wonder Wash will clean, whiten and brighten problem areas on all coat kinds.

A quick freshen up of the coat with a spray of Plush Puppy OMG and brush up with Plush Puppy Ultimate Pin Brush.

I also like a spray of Plush Puppy Odour Muncher for a nice clean smelling dog. It literally deodorises and gives a pleasant fragrance to the dog negating most odours with ease. After all, judges do use all their senses when judging.

Enjoy showing this upstanding breed that has such presence in the show ring.

Recommended Products

Bathing Alternatives

Wonder Wash

£15.00£32.00

Styling & Finishing

Volumising Spray

£25.00£130.00

Styling & Finishing

Odour Muncher

£11.50£21.50

Styling & Finishing

Seabreeze Oil

£29.00£91.00