The Borzoi is a native of Russia. The
appearance is elegant, tall and rather like that of a Greyhound
with a silky longer coat. The original ancestor is most likely the
dog known centuries ago as the Steppe Greyhound and the Borzoi
retains many of the characteristics of this "sight hound". Russian
nobility cherished this breed for its qualities of perseverance
and endurance on the hunt. The Borzoi is a breed that would give
chase, surround and worry the wolf until it could be brought down
by the hunter.The breed in the United
States has become a favorite in the sport of Lure Coursing. Of
course it is also well known as an exotic looking breed in the
Conformation ring, being a member of the Hound Group. In fact it
retains the hound instinct and is being used more and more in the
western states as a natural coyote hunter.
The Borzoi can have a coat of many colors,
there are no specific restrictions. The coat should be thick and
luxurious except for the face and the fronts of the legs which
should be smooth. This is a breed that should have the appearance
of refined elegance and its manner and movement should be graceful
and balanced. The ears are fold over and the muzzle should have a
distinct "Roman nose" appearance. The dog is tall (26 to 28 inches
at the withers) and should have a very deep chest. Loins should
have a distinctive arch, so that the dog can run with great speed
and length of stride at a gallop. This ability is of course
necessary because of the original function to hunt and bring to
bay the wolves of ancient Russia. Furthermore this type of build
allows for easy flexibility for quick turns. Form should follow
function and in this case, regardless of the picture of beauty
that this dog presents, it should be a dog which is able to carry
out its original purpose. The total picture of this exotic looking
breed should be that of aristocratic elegance coupled with
especially graceful and free-flowing movement.
The Borzoi is not often considered as a pet.
One can often see the Borzoi pictured in magazine photos as a
hound walking with a fabulously dressed lady...but in truth it is
not a dog for the inexperienced owner. It does have a streak of
independence, as do most hounds. Many hound breeds were bred
originally to run with a pack and therefore do not have the
typical temperament of working breeds that functioned with humans
as their pack leader. The Borzoi should be trained early or he
will be aloof and will not regard his owner as his Master.
Furthermore they have the strongly rooted instinct to give chase
and should be kept confined when outside. Free exercise in a
fenced in enclosure is preferable to daily walks, as this dog
needs a great deal of exercise . He will not be satisfactory as a
pet in an apartment situation.
