About Zastava
Black Russian Terrier Kennel in Michigan

Yes, we really are from Siberia!

Survival in this dangerously beautiful yet harsh land requires a strong body, keen senses, a reliable character and a big heart from everyone who lives there - dogs are no exception. Because the breeding stock for Black Russian Terriers was isolated in this remote geographic location where the climate is so harsh, Siberia is known for development of bigger, stronger and more powerful dogs.
That explains our desire and dedication to keeping the Siberian bloodlines going. We love this breed and our goal is to continue to introduce it in North America.
I have a Master's degree in Biology and more than 20 years of experience with Black Russian Terriers.
These dogs are not just my hobby - they are my life.

My first BRT male, Sher , entered my life in 1998 and ever since these strong and intelligent dogs walk beside me …
Back in Krasnoyarsk, Russia with Sher  I was lucky to have an opportunity to train with the K-9 Police Unit. It was great experience to work with police professionals and learn from their knowledge of real working dogs.
Later with my second BRT male William I worked with Elena Ershova, owner of the kennel "Iz Enisejskoj Gubernii,” a National Category Expert in Working Quality and Sport" and Head of BRT section of “Kovcheg,” All-Breed Kennel Club of Krasnoyarsk. Elena is an experienced breeder who has produced many generations of wonderful dogs;  my mentor and very good friend .

In 2000 I moved, along with William, to USA, where William’s show career successfully continued. But it wasn’t only about his great wins at the show ring, just the fact of his presence in my life, the possibility to travel and show him helped me tremendously to adjust to new country, to meet many new BRT lovers who became and stay my good friends, and for that I will be always thankful to my William.
Beside his show career,  William proved himself as a sire of many Champions and there many BRT kennels in Russia, Europe and North America who are working with William’s progeny and bloodlines in their breeding programs.

I have been member of good standing in the BRTCA (Black Russian Club of America) for many years.
I have been actively involved in writing the current AKC BRT standard as a member of the Standard Committee.

As a member of Judges Education Program, I have conducted few AKC judge mentoring sessions at the National Specialties shows and other events, conducted grooming seminars for the National Club and BRT fancy and wrote BRT grooming manual “Shaping the Shadow”, which is available for purchasing at our website.

I have been doing other work for National Club, such as organizing 1st National BRT Fun day in MI and other events and am member of BRTCA Ethical Breeders Program . In 2012 year I have got a certification in Canine Reprodaction.



I started   my new kennel “Zastava” at 2007, after separation of “Siberian Star ”, the kennel we created and worked for few years with my former partners .
Zastava kennel is committed to keep the type of large, strong and stable working Siberian BRTs.
Our dogs have earned many show and working titles and designations and we are proud of the results which are not possible without great love and dedication of all our dog’s owners, members of the Zastava Team. As a founder of the kennel I want to thank all owners of Zastava dogs for great care and love to our BRTs and for being good friends and wonderful team to works with!

Olga Kornienko

2010 BRTCA Natioanl Specialty Show, Lexington, KY.