Description

The Borzoi is a tall, aristocratic dog with a long, thin, narrow head. A slightly arched muzzle and a long, low-hanging curved tail. Heavy-necked ruff is characteristic. The nose is black and the eyes are oblong and dark. The ears lie back on the neck but may prick up partially when the dog is alert. The back is gracefully curved. The chest is narrow, but very deep. The longish silky coat may be wavy or with large curls, with a heavy mane at the neck. The colors are white, golden, tan or gray with black markings, in either solid or mixed colors.

Origin

The Borzoi was probably first brought from Arabia to Russia in about crossed with longer haired sheepdogs and used as a fierce and brave wolf hunter, earning the name Russian Wolfhound. The Russian nobility bred and hunted with these dogs for hundreds of years. Eventually the Borzoi's popularity spread throughout Europe. Queen Victoria owned Borzoi's, and many of the British aristocracy soon followed suit. The breed became favored for gifts among royalty. The Borzoi became more docile as his use as a companion dog increased. The name comes from the Russian word 'borzii' which means swift. The Borzois talents include hunting, sighting and lure coursing.

Temperament

The Borzoi is a sweet, intelligent dog. They are proud and self aware dogs that are extremely loyal to their family. They are quite affectionate with people they know well. They can be trained in obedience, but it should be remembered that they are hounds, and as such are more free-thinking, and less willing to please humans than some breeds. They are, however, very intelligent, and capable learners. But the training of this breed has to be based upon mutual respect. Borzoi are often quite cat-like, often keeping themselves quite clean. They are quiet dogs, rarely barking. Like all other sighthounds, they are very fast, and have little-to-no territorial instinct. Therefore, they cannot be trusted off leash, unless in a securely fenced area. Good with other dogs but should be supervised with small non-canine pets such as cats and rabbits. Spending time outdoors with small animals is not advised. Socialize them very well with cats and other pets at as young an age as possible, but remember the Borzoi will always be a hunter that may race after a fleeing animal. His lightening snap can kill a small animal in a second. The Borzoi is a noble dog that gets along fairly well with children, but it is not ideally suited for being a child's companion as it does not take well to rough-housing play, and prize their rest. During the growing stage, these dogs need a highly nutritional diet.

Height

Height: Dogs at least 28 inches (71cm) Bitches at least 26 inches

Weight

Weight: Dogs 75-105 pounds (34-48kg) Bitches 60-90 pounds (27-41kg)

Known Health Problems

They are sensitive to drugs. May be a picky eater and is prone to bloat. It is best to feed the Borzoi small meals two or three times a day. Avoid exercise after meals.

Conditions for Living

Will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and are so peaceful it might escape notice, but outside they need plenty of space to walk and run - so it will do best with at least an average-sized yard. In the city he should only be let off the lead in a safe, enclosed space.

Exercise Requirments

To maintain their fitness these dogs need plenty of exercise, including however in some countries it is forbidden to allow all the dogs in this fleet-footed hunting category off the leash. The Borzoi make excellent jogging companions and usually enjoy running alongside a bicycle but beware, a Borzoi is quite likely to shoot off after any prey it catches site of. If this happens you will need to react very quickly.

Life Expectancy

About 10-12 years Litter Size Average of 6 puppies, however can be anywhere from 1 - 11 puppies (1 pup in a litter is common)

Grooming

The long silky coat is easy to groom. Brush regularly with a firm bristle brush, and dry shampoo when necessary. Bathing presents a problem with such a tall dog but shouldn't be required very often. Clip the hair between the toes to keep the feet comfortable and to stop them from spreading. This breed is a seasonally heavy shedder.

Group

Southern, AKC Hounds