Lyla Morrell | Russia’s Royalty Black Russian Terriers

Interview with Lyla Morrell, Breeder of Russia’s Royalty Black Russian Terriers

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Lyla Morrell: I live in Roberts, Montana. I have had dogs for 25-plus years. I’ve been breeding dogs for close to 25 years.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Lyla Morrell: My kennel is Russia’s Royalty. I currently have eight Black Russian Terriers.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

Noteworthy winners include:

• GCH Russias Royalty Crowned Privileges
• GCH Russias Royalty U Were Meant For Me
• CH Russias Royalty Trinity Xena
• CH Russias Royalty Spread Like Wildfire
• Russias Royalty Prince Maximus RN BH 1GP1 and FPr1
• CH Russias Royalty The First Lady RN DCAT CGC

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Lyla Morrell: The most influential dams have been GCH Dorati Juodoji Afera and CH Russias Royalty Trinity Xena. The most influential sire has been CH Russias Royalty Spread Like Wildfire.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Lyla Morrell: My facilities are my home and a building that I had insulted and set up with runs and lots of room for my dogs. My puppies are whelped in my home. They are raised with utmost love and care 24/7. I use ENS and Puppy Culture and lots of socialization. I have a living room set-up with toys, providing great exposure for them and new experiences mixed with interaction.

What is my “process” for selecting show puppies? At what age do I make my decisions?

Lyla Morrell: I have three people whom I respect and who know the breed, and I have them evaluate the puppies at 9 weeks of age after the entire litter has been tested by Embark and genetic tests. I keep puppies that I think will improve my breeding program and I wait to see how they turn out. They have to pass all of the health testing, and conformation and temperament testing. TIME is the key, and watching them mature takes time.

How do I prepare my pups for the show ring? Does my breed require any special preparation?

Lyla Morrell: Preparing dogs for the show ring starts from day one. It’s a long process. Health, conformation, and socialization are just a few key things in the mix. Grooming and diet and exercise, and the freedom to let them grow up to be dogs that are a part of my everyday life, all play a part.

Can I share my thoughts on how my breed is currently presented in the show ring?

Lyla Morrell: Currently, the Black Russian Terrier is being shown in the conformation ring with a wide range of standards of presentation.

Are there any health-related concerns within my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Lyla Morrell: The health concerns regarding this breed can be easily tested. It’s the breeder’s responsibility toprotect and do the right thing regarding the breed in order for it to survive. I take this very seriously and want to protect the breed. Nutritional needs for this breed are important in the development and growth of the breed. Researching and taking the time to meet the needs will provide the individual dog’s benefit and well-being. I feed a combo of raw and kibble.

In my opinion, is my breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?

Lyla Morrell: Black Russian Terriers are not for everybody. They take A LOT of time and work to become a well-rounded and well-behaved dog. Look at the background of how they came to be and where they are now… it’s interesting to see where they will be in the future.

Is my breed well-suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Lyla Morrell: Socialization is key, as is the knowledge of this breed. It is not a breed I’d recommend for the first-time dog owner. Black Russian Terriers need someone who is loving and kind, and willing to have a commitment for the lifetime of the dog.

Do I feel that my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Lyla Morrell: I’m hoping this breed is being supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders. I can’t speak for anyone but myself, and I’ll continue to do all the research and breed ONLY healthy dogs. When I started in this breed, there were only a few breeders. Now there are many people who have decided to breed Black Russian Terriers and their product speaks for itself.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with my breed?

Lyla Morrell: Showing my own dogs is VERY rewarding, since they speak for themselves. Another fun memory is a full-grown male Black Russian Terrier being raised with a Mini Aussie; they are the best buddies, plowing through 10-foot snow drifts and having a blast.

Are you looking for a Black Russian Terrier puppy?

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder? Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.

Want to help rescue and re-home a Black Russian Terrier dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

Black Russian Terrier Dog Breed Magazine

Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.

Read and learn more about the powerful Black Russian Terrier dog breed with articles and information in our Black Russian Terrier Dog Breed Magazine.