A gentle giant!

Mar 4 2008 by Hudd Student1, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

SAY a big hello to Robroyd Evnikki . . .

The Russian black terrier is the pride of owners Linda and Andrew Searson.

The couple live with the three-year-old, nicknamed Nikki, at their home in Netherton and are about to unleash him on the public at this year’s Cruft’s.

Nikki qualified for the national tournament after winning regional heats at Wetherby in September last year.

He will compete against other Russian black terriers in a bid to win International Best of Breed at the NEC in Birmingham on Saturday.

The show runs from Thursday to Sunday and will see hundreds of dogs compete against each other for the title of Cruft’s Supreme Champion.

Nikki is not eligible to compete for the championship trophy because of the relative infancy of the Russian black terrier breed. But this has not dampened the Searson family’s excitement.

Linda, 54, said: “We are delighted that Nikki qualified and it should be a great day out for all of us.

“Me and my husband have been to Cruft’s before, but only as spectators. So this makes it even more thrilling.

“Although Nikki is unable to take part in the Supreme Championships we are doing all we can to match Kennel Club criteria and try win the best of breed title.

“There will be 74 Russian black terriers entered from all over the world, so we know competition will be stiff.

“But winning isn’t everything; whatever happens we will still enjoy the day.”

Linda and Andrew bought Nikki last June from friends who own a kennel in Barnsley.

The kennel was the first to house Russian black terriers in Britain. It is a ‘super-dog’ bred by the Soviet Red Army 58 years ago.

But despite the breed’s military heritage Linda is adamant that the Russian black is a gentle giant.

She said: “Nikki is a very laid-back, intelligent dog that barely barks and is brilliant with kids.

“I couldn’t ever see him being aggressive; but I can imagine his size and power would be useful to the Russian army.

“There are only around 800 of his type around the world, so we are very lucky to have him.”

As a committee member of the Russian Black Terrier Club UK, Linda is urging Cruft’s spectators to visit the Discover Dogs Booth, where the breed will be featured.

The booth is part of their continued drive to raise awareness of the breed and make the Russian black eligible to compete in the Supreme Championship next year.

Linda said: “We are confident that the breed will be considered for the championship next year. But until then we shall bathe, clip and trim Nikki the best we can to try win the best of breed prize.”