After the gentle clinking of coffee cups and polite idle chatter, around 60 people were ushered into the room in which the seminar was to be held. Peoples eyes lit up as they spied a bright blue ‘goody bag’ on each chair. These had been donated by the sponsor, Friskies BETA who, as the day progressed were seen to be more than generous. There were T-shirts and more goodies before we left, and presentation to the club of a cheque for £400, this made by the charming Heidi Megicks (below) on behalf of the sponsors.

President Tom Huxley had been busy putting his computer expertise to good use, and following a welcome by Gerald Mitchell who was Symposium Co-ordinator, the day got off to a stunning start with a slide show displaying images of Black Russian Terriers around the world. I suspect I was not alone in wondering from which countries these dogs came, for at a quick glance I thought they varied considerably in type, especially in overall length of back and hind angulation. However, there was much to be packed into the day, and Gerald made it abundantly clear that questions might only be written down, so they might be dealt with at the close of proceedings. This, he said, was a day during which ‘they’ would tell ‘us’ about the breed. We obeyed!

Secretary, Janet Huxley’s presentation on the breed's origins and history was well-planned and thoroughly informative. It was especially interesting to see slides portraying the breeds from which the RBT, or Blackie as it is known by enthusiasts, had been made up. Apart from the Giant Schnauzer, Airedale, Rottweiller and a touch of Newfoundland, another major ancestor was the Moscow Diver. This was a new one to me, so in case I hadn’t absorbed everything on the day. I sought out a little more information when I got home and found that in Russia an attempt was made to develop this breed, using the Caucasian Owtcharka and Newfoundland. However, in the words of O.Krasvovskaya, ‘That was not a good idea as (they) were not willing to save drowning people, but mostly were looking to bite them so this breed was never developed’.

Indeed the rapid development of the RBT is thoroughly absorbing, but to tell you about it is not my remit, and those who are genuinely interested will doubtless make time to delve into this to their heart’s content.

INTERESTING

Chairman Ralph Holmes told us all how the breed first appeared in Britain, and it was interesting to note that Mr Holmes had never seen an RBT with a bad temperament. The breed’s sound temperament was something that was conveyed loudly and clearly by many speakers during the day’s event.

Readers who are not yet familiar with this breed should bear in mind that it is remarkably new. The first standard was published in Russia 1958, in ‘The Instruction for Training and using military dogs’, but not until 1981 was the Russian Black Terrier declared a breed, the standard being confirmed by Russia’s Ministry of Agriculture. It was on July 11th, 2000 that the Kennel Club approved an Interim standard for this breed, with FCI recognition having preceded this during the 1980s.

Gerald Mitchell gave an appreciation of the standard, again aided by clever computer images based on the Italian Tchiorny Terrier Club’s recently published book Il Terrier Nero Russo, then there was a presentation on ‘General Breed Care and Show Presentation’, given by Peter Dugdill and Sue Holmes. Only then were our eyes allowed to feast on the real thing. Then an example of the breed was flanked by one of Kari and Siguard Wilberg’s Bouvier des Flandres, and one of Frances Krall’s Giant Schnauzers. It was fascinating to see these three great breeds side by side, though it was a pity that the space allowed for this was overly limited.

All this had happened and it was not yet lunchtime! Many retired to the bar for the morning’s final half hour, but others preferred to take advantage of the time to become acquainted with the dogs about which we had come to learn. It was such a pity that the weather was not more favourable, for it would have been good to have had a chance to see the three breeds moving together outside had the opportunity arisen.

By 1-30 pm we had all found our way to the dining hall, and the morning’s event had certainly given everyone much to discuss. But another topic of discussion was the magnificently painted ceiling which, amongst other things, depicted anthropomorphic monkeys. It was good that we had plenty to discuss, for the hearty lunch was slow to arrive and I, for one, was glad I was surrounded by enjoyable company at the table! Unfortunately, the over-prolonged luncheon shortened the afternoon considerably but this was out of the hands of the event’s organisers. Still everyone was in great spirits and we all listened to Chairman Ralph Holmes, reading a poem which began, ’Great dogs are like white water’. It was a great pity there was insufficient time to reflect on its poignancy.

Jean McDonald-Ulliott and Mary Phillips were to have given a short presentation entitled ’Brains and Beauty’, but Mary, though present was suffering from laryngitis, so her place was taken by John Stables who is treasurer of the Club. This section, aided by visual images, showed that this is a breed that mixes well, provided it is socialised from an early age, and is remarkably agile, despite its large size. This is also an amazingly bright breed, known to be perfectly capable of opening bolts, and of scaling six foot chain link fencing !

thanked the many people who had worked so terribly hard to put together a thoroughly informative and enjoyable day.

(above) Gerald Mitchell- Coordinator for the Symposium

Club Secretary Janet Huxley presenting

a gift on behalf of the club.

The booth was again set up by Tom and Janet Huxley with Susan Wilson helping on the first day. All the Officers and the Committee of the club covered the 4 day event.The back wall depicted the 1st  and 2nd RBT's  in the UK and also the 1st litter born.

The 1st RBT into the UK 1996

There was as usual lots of enquiries from the visitors. Many asking how the breed is with children and can they mix with other dogs. The walls were depicting this lovely breed with children from all corners of the globe and our International Day Events.

The RBT Club team entered for their Good Citizen Award at Crufts and all passed with flying colours.

Team leader was Pauline Jackson. working was Linda Newton with Hibeck Sophia at Lintweed, Sandra Stables with Hibeck Gilberto at Estabelle and Maureen Smith with Robroyd Broshka at Fernwood. The team enjoyed the day.

Visitors to the booth from Spain with Janet-secretary are Maria del Carmen Gill Polo (Centre) and her friend (right). Maria’s husband was the judge for the RBT at the World Show held in Portugal this year.