Borzoi

The Borzoi or Russian Wolfhound, his more common name, claims lineage as ancient as any in dogdom-with the Afghan, the Saluki and the Greyhound, other lean, fast sight hounds. They all apparently had their origins in the Middle East and spread throughout the world, where sportsmen adapted them to their particular needs.

The Borzoi belies his looks. He's a tall, lithe, graceful animal with a long, narrow head and somewhat Roman-nosed profile to give his appearance the look of the aristocrat. Yet he was developed in Russia to hunt wolves and run down other swift-footed game.

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That's how he got the name Russian Wolfhound. The name “Borzoi," which means “swift," is generally used now in organized canine circles. It was adopted officially in the United States in 1936.

As in many other breeds, the actual beginnings of the Borzoi are lost in time. The progenitor may have been the ancient Greyhound, with the long coat evolved through Russian climate and crossing. A heavy-coated, long-legged Russian breed, similar to a Collie but structurally different, may have played a part.

American interest in the breed was at its peak in the early 1900s, began to decline in the middle Twenties, hit a low in A.K.C. registrations in 1935 and has been climbing upward again since. The dog has brains as well as beauty, as his obedience  accomplishments attest. He's a decorative and often winning figure at a dog show and a good companion, whether as a fashionable appendage or for more solid virtues.

For a dog of such ancient standing, the Borzoi was a long time emerging from Russia. He wasn't registered in England until 1875.

Borzoi Characteristic:

Dignified and good-natured; rather aloof; not good with children; size deters intruders; careful training, can be wilful but respond to kind.

Color : Any color or combination of colors is acceptable.

Height : Dog 28 in; bitch 26 in

Weight : Dog 75-105 lb, bitch 60-85 lb.

Coat type : Long and silky; either flat, wavy or rather curly; needs regular brushing and combing.

Exercise : Needs a great deal of supervised; keep away from livestock.

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