--- title: "This is the Communists’ perfectly-bred military working dog" description: "After the end of World War II, the Red Army Communists were looking to create the \"supreme\" military working dog." date: "2022-11-05" modified: "2022-11-05" authors: - name: "Blake Stilwell" job_title: "Editor-In-Chief, Air Force Veteran" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/blake/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/popular/this-is-the-communists-perfectly-bred-military-working-dog/" categories: - "Cold War" - "History" - "War History" --- # This is the Communists’ perfectly-bred military working dog ![]() After the end of World War II, the Red Army was looking to create the "supreme" military working dog. After combining 17 different breeds, the [Communists created a marvel of animal husbandry](): the Black Russian Terrier. The Soviet-run Red Star Kennel mated Giant Schnauzers, Airedales, Rottweilers, and Moscow Divers as the primary breeds. These were chosen for the Schnauzer's agility and sharp guarding instinct; the Airedales' happy disposition, perseverance, and staying power; and the Rottweiler for its massive make, shape, and courage. Other breeds included Newfoundlands, Caucasian Shepherds, and others – including the now-extinct Moscow Water Dog. They created the ideal [working dog](), a large breed that stays alert, is protective without being aggressive, and is able to withstand the extreme climates of Russia – which ranges from frozen Siberia to dry, hot desert. By 1983, it was declared a new breed worldwide. As a result of the extremely selective breeding, the Black Russian Terrier is a big dog, upwards of three feet tall and 130 pounds – and needs a job to do in order to be happy. ![black russian military working dog]() *Black Russian Terriers have traditionally been used for a wide variety of tasks, such as carting. (Wikipedia)* While initially used to guard prison camps and against potential industrial sabotage, the dogs were needed at a time when the population of the Soviet military working dog was on the decline. While not added to the American Kennel Club until decades later, the young breed [was at work in the Soviet Union by 1954](). They love to run around in big spaces and a reportedly very lovable pets. But they need to be around people. Think of it: a specifically bred large, powerful dog with big teeth, who only wants to cuddle. Some owners report they will destroy your house like German Panzer Army if you leave them alone too long! ## Author Blake Stilwell is We Are The Mighty's Editor-in-Chief, covering military news, entertainment, and history, along with veteran education, employment and entrepreneurship. He is a former U.S. Air Force combat cameraman with degrees in Graphic Design, Television and Film, International Relations, Public Relations, Business Management and Middle Eastern Affairs. After leaving the military, he began working in film and television production in New York and Los Angeles, work that included ABC News, NBC Olympics, and HBO Sports. He then spent two years in Washington with White House Communications, before joining the Near East Foundation. At NEF he served as an International Development Fellow, then Communications Officer, and finally, Media Officer for the Middle East and Africa. Based in the Palestinian Territory, he coordinated strategic communications between eight country offices, international media, and government and NGO partners. He began a career focused on writing and editing in 2015 with We Are The Mighty. He left in 2019 for Military.com, but returned as Editor-in-Chief in 2025. Blake’s work has been seen on CBS News, Fox News, CBC, The Chicago Tribune, Task & Purpose, Military Times, Recoil, Skillset, American History, and was shockingly even used in a Supreme Court argument. He is an avid traveler and small business owner in Ohio, where he spends most of his energy fixing up a very old house. ### Author social links [Facebook]() [Twitter]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()