Onyx Name for Black Russian Terrier

A sable is a small mammal native to Russia and northern Asia, highly valued for its luxurious, dark fur. While the color is technically dark brown, the name has become synonymous with black or near-black in heraldry and literature. It evokes an image of rich, dark, and valuable fur, a fitting description for the Black Russian Terrier's dense, all-black double coat which was designed to protect it from the harsh Russian climate.

From the Middle English 'sable', derived from Slavic languages, referring to the animal and its fur.

The Italian word for 'bear'. This is a more unique and elegant alternative to the common name 'Bear', while still perfectly capturing the Black Russian Terrier's massive, powerful, and shaggy appearance. The breed's bear-like stature is a result of the Red Star Kennel's goal to create a large, imposing dog, using breeds like the Newfoundland as a foundation. This name celebrates that impressive physique.

From the Italian 'orso', derived from the Latin 'ursus', meaning 'bear'.

Named after the black, lustrous gemstone formed from fossilized wood. Jet is known for its deep, uniform blackness and its ability to take a high polish. This name perfectly describes the solid, beautiful black coat of the Black Russian Terrier. The breed standard requires this color, a functional choice by the Red Star Kennel for a dog that needed to be inconspicuous on night patrols.

From the Old French 'jaiet', from the Greek 'Gagates lithos', meaning 'stone of Gages', a town in Lycia.

A black powder, traditionally made from galena, used for centuries to darken the eyelids. The name is synonymous with a deep, dark, and dramatic black. It's a sophisticated and minimalist way to describe the striking, uniform blackness of the Black Russian Terrier's coat. This solid color was a key physical trait selected for by the Red Star Kennel for its utility in guard work.

From the Arabic 'kuḥl', the name for the cosmetic powder.

A simple and affectionate name that refers to the Black Russian Terrier's bear-like appearance. With its large, heavy-boned frame, shaggy black coat, and powerful gait, the comparison is unavoidable and endearing. The breed's massive size was intentionally developed by the Soviet military, using foundation stock like the Newfoundland to create a dog that was both physically imposing and resilient.

From the Old English 'bera', the name for the large carnivorous mammal.

Meaning 'severe or bare in appearance or outline', and also 'strong' or 'sheer'. This name perfectly describes the Black Russian Terrier's imposing, solid-black silhouette and its no-nonsense character. The breed was designed by the Red Star Kennel for function over aesthetics, resulting in a dog of stark, powerful simplicity. Its temperament is equally direct: calm, confident, and brave.

From the Old English 'stearc', meaning 'stiff, strong, rigid'.

The Russian title for a prince or duke, a high-ranking noble. This name reflects the Black Russian Terrier's proud, noble, and confident bearing. The breed carries itself with an air of authority and self-assurance, a temperament carefully selected for by the Soviet military. It's a dog that commands respect, much like a prince in his own domain. This regal quality is a hallmark of the breed's character.

From the Russian 'князь' (knyaz'), from Proto-Slavic '*kъnędzь', meaning 'ruler' or 'prince'.

In Greek mythology, Nyx is the primordial goddess of the night, a shadowy and powerful figure. This name is a perfect fit for the Black Russian Terrier's solid black coat and its origins as a military dog often used for guarding during the night. The name evokes a sense of mystery, ancient power, and quiet authority. The BRT's dark coat was a functional choice by the Red Star Kennel for low visibility.

From the Ancient Greek 'Νύξ' (Nýx), meaning 'night'.