About Us
We reside in Florida, but we do travel all over the southeast and into Texas throughout the year. Ben & Tessa Moore are the foundation for Black Powder Kennel and take great pride in the breeding program they have cultivated over the years.
Tessa has grown up in the "dog world" with her parents being some of the lead trainers for the DOD and police departments in the 1990's. She grew up with and helped train (basic obedience, man-tracking, tracking, beginner bite work, narcotics) Malinois, German Shepherds, Labs, Bloodhounds, etc. Tessa's first job, besides her parents' kennel, was in a vet clinic. Her love of animals runs deep. She went to college at the University of Tennessee to become a zoologist - life happened and plans changed (otherwise she would be the Director of a Zoo!).
Ben, as well as their two children (Ava & George), have been a huge part of the success of Black Powder. Ben is a self-taught groomer and continues to create masterpieces in and out of the show rings. Ava has been a puppy wrangler for most of her life and was awarded by the BRTCA a plaque for being the youngest BRT breeder on record with AKC. She co-bred her first litter at just 14 years of age. George has also been a puppy wrangler and enjoys working with all the puppies we’ve whelped and has helped hold the fort down while the rest of us attend dog shows. He helped make it so we could get out and show off our dogs.
Ben, Tessa & Ava are all active members of the Black Russian Terrier Club of America and volunteer as needed both nationally and regionally. Tessa is the editor of the BRTCA Footnotes, a quarterly newsletter that is sent out to all of the members of the BRTCA. All three are also members of the Cypress Creek Kennel Club in Houston, TX. Tessa is an AKC Breeder of Merit and participates in the AKC Bred with Heart program. Ben and Ava are soon to join Tessa as Breeders of Merit for BRTs as well. Most recently, Tessa was the Breeder Judge at the 2023 BRTCA Top 20 event.
Black Powder Kennel has raised and bred numerous AKC Champions as well as achieved a variety of other titles. We strive to produce litters that are consistent in conformation, health and temperament. We follow the breed standards as set forth by our breed’s parent club as well as the FCI standards.
In the last few years, Ben and Tessa joined together to give back to the community in a way they felt got little attention. They began to take their dogs out to meet with all kinds of people as therapy for both the dogs and people. They began with taking their dogs to their kids' schools and noticed how much the dogs enjoyed it and so did the kids. The kids began to look forward to the dogs coming to see them and the dogs were excited to see the children. With this grew their Therapy Dog program.
Not to be out shined, they have also trained service dogs for veterans with psychological, psychosocial and physical disabilities (mobility assistance). These dogs are amazing as not only are they beautiful and do wonderful in the show ring, but they shine outside the ring as well!
In 2023, Ben and Tessa took the leap and added their first Chinese Crested dog, FiFi and so their love for this breed began. Tessa began showing their new girl and attended her first American Chinese Crested Club of America Nationals in 2024. Soon after, Tessa became a member of the ACCC National Breed club. With FiFi in their program, they added a new girl, Sizzle in 2025. Both of these girls are joys to have in the home and are welcome additions to the BPK show and breeding program.
Black Powder Kennel also offers training in: house breaking, obedience and manners with extensive socialization for a reasonable cost prior to delivery of the puppy on a case-by-case basis.
We are proud of every puppy we have produced and our puppies are LOVED family members first and foremost!
Ben & Tessa Moore
