THE Borzoi is a sighthound and the most elegant and aristocratic of all Russian dogs, often known as the Russian Wolfhound.
Russia, like Germany is a county that has produced a large variety of dogs, although a few Russian breeds are not yet recognised internationally.
The Borzoi appears a little like a fluffy greyhound, being around the same height, but the borzoi is heavier and stronger, they are more solid and bred for challenging wolves, usually in pairs.
The long muzzle is special in that it allows for a wide range of subtle facial expressions.
Their long silky fur is soft and wavy, and comes in colours of white, tan, bronze, grey and combinations.
For centuries these dogs were bred by Russian nobility.
A pair of Borzois would track, catch and hold down a wolf until the hunters arrived.
Unfortunately, wolf hunting is still legal in Russia – Borzoya -means swift dog in Russian.
After the Bolshevik revolution, this dog was an unwanted symbol of the “Tsarist” past and it was ousted from the new communist life.
The fate of the breed was left in the hands of seven breeding kennels outside the Soviet Union.
Most breeders were in Great Britain and the USA.
Thanks to those breeders the beautiful Borzoi has been saved.
Today this dog is popular and a source of national pride in Russia.
Personality – despite having a strong hunting instinct, these dogs have a ‘laid back’ personality and calm demeanour, that can make them good family pets, affectionate and loyal.
However, a borzoi is not the type of dog for roughhousing with children.
They do not seek attention from strangers and prefer their master and family.
Intelligent but independent, they can excel in agility because of their athleticism and speed; reaching 64km per hour.
Health – the borzoi does not suffer from many diseases common for large breeds.
The most common problem is bloat, a potential problem with deep chested dogs.
Special attention is given for smallish meals and no large amounts of drinking water.
Exercise is restricted for at least half an hour before and after eating.
Maintenance – regular grooming is essential.
Shedding grooming tools help remove loose hair and prevent matting.
