The Black Russian Terrier is a breed that was "engineered" by the Russians shortly after world War II for the specific purpose of producing a strong, fearless and hardy working dog that could withstand the rigors of the cold Russian winter and would be a strong and formidable protector. The "Red Star" kennels, a state owned and operated kennel, was the name of the government kennel of the Soviet Union whose function was to produce the necessary dogs needed for the military and other important functions. The basic "ingredients" for the working dog they were attempting to produce were the Giant Schnauzer of Germany, (already a favorite in Russia), the Rottweiler, the Airedale Terrier, the Newfoundland and the Caucasian Ovcharka and a few others.