Borzoi
Group 4: Hounds
Height: Minimum height at withers –
Male: 74 cm
Female: 68 cm
Energy Level: Moderate
Original Function: Wolfhound – Royal Russian Court
Lifespan: 9 – 12 yrs
Recommended for: Active people & families.
About This Breed
The Borzoi was known as the Russian Wolfhound. The word ‘borzoi’ in Russia means swift. They were used in pairs, by the members of the Russian aristocracy to chase wolves. The prey was caught and held by the dogs until the mounted hunter arrived.
These are good-natured, proud dogs and, despite their size, very gentle and calm in the house. They do not like intrusive strangers, being rather aloof, distant and even nervous. They will get on fairly well with children but do not like rough games and will not become their playmates.
They will tolerate other dogs who are similarly-minded to themselves, although again they can be rather nervous of them, but they must be introduced to cats and other household pets at an early age as they will always react to the sight of a fleeing animal.
General Characteristics
Appearance: Well balanced, graceful, aristocratic, dignified and elegant. Extra large, narrow but tall body. Eyes are almond shaped. Ears rose shaped. Low set long tail.
Temperament: Gentle, Reserved, sensitive
Characteristics: A coursing hound which must be courageous, powerful, and of great speed.
Coat: Silky, flat, wavy or rather curly (but never woolly). Short and smooth on head, ears and front of legs; much longer on body with heavy feathering on backs of legs and hindquarters, tail and chest. Neck carries a large, curly frill; more profuse in males than females.
Colour: Any colour acceptable.
Grooming: Need regular grooming and the hair between the pads must be trimmed frequently. During the moulting seasons they will cast copious amounts of hair, males moulting once a year and females every six months.
Exercise: While they are relatively quiet in the house, they do need copious amounts of exercise and large, open spaces to run and walk. However, do remember these are hounds, and they will run off after any prey that is spotted.
Health: This breed can be prone to bloat and can have problems with their eyes.