Borzoi

In my own words

 

I may look noble but I am certainly not above a good long walk! I’m a bit of a hunter though so watch out for those cats. You’re going to need to keep an eye on me you know, I just can’t help but want to run after little furry creatures! I do love a good long walk or jog though, helps me keep in shape you see.

Did you know my kind were once only given as gifts from the Russian Tsar? We’ve always been a noble breed! Not too proud to love my owner though. I like my independence but I can get a bit lonely if you go out for too long. Will you keep me company?

Information essential about the Borzoi

 

Kennel Club Group:

Hound

Size:

Large: Weight Male 75 – 105 lb (34 – 48 kg) Female 60 – 90 lb (27 – 41 kg)

Height Male at least 28” (71 cm) Female at least 26” (66 cm)

Popularity:

Breed History:

 

The Borzoi was originally called the Russian Wolfhound. They were developed by Russian nobles to hunt wolves. They were highly prized by nobles and aristocracy and could only be received as gifts from the Tsar. The breed became a fashionable hunting-party dog in the 19th century. While still employed for their hunting and guarding skills, the Borzoi has become a companion dog as its temperament has mellowed.

The breed was developed by crossing the Arabian Greyhound and other longer haired Russian sheepdogs. They were known as Russian Wolfhounds in America until 1936 when the name was changed to “Borzoi”, which comes from the Russian word ‘borzii’ meaning swift. The Borzoi is a sight hound that relies on their agility and speed to hunt wolves, foxes and hares in the open planes of Russia. The Borzoi was recognised by the AKC in 1891.

Character:

 

The Borzoi is a tall and aristocratic breed and are considered to embody elegance and grace in their movement. They have a calm air of confidence and exude nobility and reticence. As a companion they are docile and devoted. The Borzoi’s talents including hunting, sighting and lure coursing.

Temperament:

The Borzoi is proud, sweet and alert. They are extremely affectionate and loyal to family and friends but can be aloof towards strangers. Borzoi’s are well behaved, quiet and seldom bark meaning they don’t make good watchdogs. This breed is not recommended for homes with small children, cats or other small pets but do well with other medium or large sized dogs that they have been brought up with. They are good companions for older, considerate children but are not well suited to career families as they can suffer depression and separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods of time. The Borzoi is slow to mature but extremely sensitive, intelligent and independent. The Borzoi benefits from gentle, firm and consistent training and needs an owner to display natural authority

Conformation:

 

The Borzoi have tall, slender frames with a narrow, slightly domed head. They have dark, slanting eyes and small ears that lay back on their heads. The tail is set low with a curve and the coat is long and silky and can be flat, wavy or curly.

Coat:

The Borzoi’s coat is silky and of moderate length with a thick plush under close to the body. They have a profuse neck mane and a longer, thick coat on the tail and back of the hind legs. The coat is dirt shedding and resistant to matting and can be flat, wavy or curly. The Borzoi encompasses a rugged, stylish grace.

Colour:

 

The coat can be any shade from white, golden and, tan or grey with black markings. Their colouring can be mixed or solid.

Training:

As a sight-hound the Borzoi requires constant attention and restraint alongside basic obedience and socialisation. They excel in agility but do not respond well to harsh or heavy handed training methods. They benefit from an owner who has a natural authority and needs to be trained in a gentle but firm and consistent manner. The Borzoi requires calm, patient and consistent guidance with mutual respect. They are very clean dogs so are relatively easy to housetrain

Care:

 

The Borzoi is relatively easy to groom. They need regular brushing with a firm bristle brush and dry shampoo when necessary as bathing isn’t required very often. It is important to keep the hair on the pads trimmed to prevent spreading. Seasonally this breed is a heavy shedder.

Health:

 

The lifespan of a healthy individual is between 10 and 12 years, which is normal for a dog of this size.

Borzoi’s are generally a healthy breed but can be prone to progressive retinal atrophy. They have a low tolerance to anaesthetic and a tendency to bloat so it is recommended to feed them small meals two or three times a day rather than one large meal.

Exercise

The Borzoi requires an excessive amount of exercise and make excellent jogging and walking partners provided they are on the lead. Indoors they can become bored and destructive if left alone for long periods of time and need plenty of space to run in a large securely fenced yard. They can adapt to apartment life provided they are sufficiently exercised. As hunting dogs, Borzoi are likely to run off after any prey it catches sight of so be prepared to react quickly to control them.

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