Borzoi Dogs

Breed Type: Sighthound,Hunting dog

Weight: Male - 28 inches (71 cm); Female - 27 inches (68.5 cm)

Height: Male - 75 to 105 pounds (34 to 48 kg); Female - 60 to 90 pounds (27 to 43 kg)

Coat Type: Long, soft,silky and flat overcoat that is often wavy or slightly curly

 

Borzoi is a hunting breed of dog that was brought to Russia from the Middle Asian countries. Also known as Russian Wolfhound, Russkaya Psovaya Borzaya and Psovoi; the dog is a member of sighthound family and is known for its graceful walk. The dog was originally bred for hunting wild animals, particularly wolves, in an open land. Today, it is kept as pet for its high level of activity and loyalty. However, Borzoi dog is unfit for the families with children. In this article, we bring you details on the history, appearance, grooming, personality and genetic diseases of Borzoi dog breed.

 

It is assumed that in the 9^th and 10^th century, Saluki-type sighthounds were brought to Russia, by Mongol invaders from the East. They were bred with Russian spitz-type hunting dogs to catch wolves and be more attractive and alert. With this, the Borzoi breed came into being. The name ‘Borzoi’ has been taken from the term ‘Borzaya’, which means quick dog. It is the Russian breed ‘Russkaya Psovaya Borzaya’ that is known as Borzoi today. For a long time, Borzois were used to hunt wolves, fox and hare in Russia, because of their fiercely hunting capabilities. The dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1891. The dog was initially known as Russian wolfhound in America and its name was changed to Borzoi only in 1936.

Borzoi is a tall and long-haired canine that is often compared to Greyhound, in both appearance and temperament. The muzzle of the dog is slightly arched, with black nose and oblong and dark eyes. It has a thin, long and narrow head, with a back that is curved gracefully. Borzoi has a long, soft and silky coat that can be a combination of any color, like white, golden, tan, or gray with black markings, in either solid or mixed colors. In cold weather, the soft undercoat of the canine thickens to give warmth to the dog, while it sheds in summer to keep it cool. The overall appearance of the dog, as well as its walk, gives it a graceful appearance.

 

Borzoi dog possesses a serene, witty and independent nature, blended with gentle and sensitive temperament. The dog is usually mute and will bark only when necessary. It does not possess madness for its territory and won’t even shoo off the predator. Rather, it will intelligently outsmart the predator. The dog is very respectful towards humans and does not have any desire to dominate them. A Borzoi dog gets bored with repetitiveness, but is a fast learner. It can easily stay in home, provided there is enough space to roam around and exercise. Since the dog is sensitive, it cannot tolerate harsh treatment based on punishment. It can make friends easily and live with other animals, provided it is introduced to them at younger age.

Borzoi dog has an average lifespan of about 11 to 13 years, with the female usually living longer than the male. The breed can be affected with diseases like Osteochondritis Dissecans, Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Gastric Torsion (or bloating), Cardiomyopathy, Cardiac Arhythmia, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. The diseases, however, can be prevented with regular exercise. The dog needs to be fed only twice a day or as prescribed by the veteran doctor, as overfeeding can lead to bloating.

 

A Borzoi dog needs a regular combing of the hair, to remove lose particles and prevent the hair from getting tangled. Special care of the coat should be taken during the shedding season, as it is a seasonally heavy shedder. It should not be bathed very often and the hair between the toes should be clipped.