The Borzoi

A coursing dog, the Borzoi has existed in Russia for hundreds of years and was the dog of choice for many Russian nobles. It used to be referred to as the Russian Wolfhound and before that as the Siberian Wolfhound. It descends from the Persian Greyhound but was likely crossed at one time with a collie-type dog. The dog was an excellent wolf, hare, and fox hunter with the great hunting kennels in Russia dated as far back as the early 1600's. The breed gradually spread around the world in the 1800's as nobles and royalty of other countries were often presented with breeding pairs as gifts. The breed was recognized by national kennel clubs in the late 1890's. Although they are well-suited to living in the house, they do enjoy a daily romp outdoors. This coursing hound is lean and elegant in appearance, and should have the characteristic rising of its back over the loins in a graceful curve.

Height: 28 - 32" (71.1 - 71.1cm) for dogs, 27 - 30" (68.6 - 68.6cm) for bitches

Weight: 75 - 100 lbs (33.5 - 44.6 kg)

Coat Type: The coat of the Borzoi is sleek and silky; wavy or even curly; and is short on the head and back, but longer over the rest of the body. The undercoat is dense and woolly. Colors include white with markings of gold, tan, gray, brindle or black. Occasionally, dogs of solid color are seen. Regular bathing and grooming are required.

Temperament: Playful with kids, this breed is also intelligent and enjoys obedience work and field sports. Although the Borzoi may appear stand-offish with strangers, it is a devoted family dog.

Health Problems: The Borzoi, because of its deep chest, is one of the breeds at risk for gastric torsion (bloat).

Special Interest: The breed was nearly wiped out in Russia during the revolution in 1917. The Bolsheviks saw the dogs as symbols of the aristocracy and destroyed all of the dogs in all of the royals' kennels. If it were not for the dedication of a few untouched kennels in their homeland and the fact that a few kennels of Borzois had been established in other continents, the Borzoi breed would have disappeared.

Classifications:
AKC: Group 2 - Hounds
CKC: Group 2 - Hounds
KC: Sporting - Hound Group
FCI: Group 10
ANKC: Group 4 - Hounds