Created in the 1940s by Soviets who needed more dogs to do various jobs, this was to be a versatile breed. They were used as family pets, mine sweepers, guard duty, search and rescue, and sled pulling. They did not make it into formal registration until 2004.
Independent and very intelligent, these dogs have a calmness that belies the terrier title they hold. They are good with kids but want to be in close proximity to humans, even in the house. They are smart enough to know when they do not want to do something, in particular.